Imagine the following scenario: a dream opportunity for professional development abroad opens up for you. There is just one problem. You need to know the language. And that's not your case. You don't even have time…
Mission (im)possible?
It sounds like 'mission impossible', but according to language experts, you could learn the most important communication skills literally in a matter of weeks! And master the basics of a foreign language in just a few months.
You may not quickly reach the level that will allow you to understand foreign literary classics, but you could quickly master the phrases and technical terminology you will need for your work (sign up for an intensive English course).
How do you start?
Sometimes traveling the world for work forces you to find the right ways to learn not just one, but even several foreign languages. Benny Lewis, an engineer, learns 7 languages well enough – including Spanish, French, and German – to effectively carry out his professional duties. In addition, he acquires a decent level of several more languages, including Mandarin.
Lewis learns his first foreign language – Spanish, for nearly a year. His next languages, even the basics for communicating in Mandarin, he masters much faster. His secret: when he first had to learn a language, Lewis creates a scenario. According to him, he had to be able to answer simple questions from a stranger.
After learning new languages, Lewis was even able to work as a translator of texts containing professional engineering literature.
According to linguists, dictionaries and online lessons can be very helpful to you in the early stages of language learning. Thanks to online language courses, you can acquire a solid vocabulary of words. This will increase your confidence in conducting basic communication with locals – the decisive first step in learning a foreign language.
'The biggest barrier at the beginning is lack of confidence' – Lewis shares. 'Gradually my confidence grew the more I spoke'.
You just need a little courage to start communicating, to have conversations. This is the way to make progress with a foreign language, say language specialists.
'Many people don't make progress because they don't open their mouths' – Michael Gissler, vice president of language schools at Middlebury College, Vermont, USA, shares his opinion. 'If you're not willing to challenge yourself to take this step, your progress will be slow'.
Immerse yourself completely
Gissler believes that immersion in the environment is key to quickly learning a foreign language. The more you immerse yourself in the language – by reading, listening to radio, TV, or talking to people – the faster you will make desired progress.
Students at Middlebury College are required to participate in extracurricular activities. These are activities in various fields – from sports to theater, all in the language they are studying.
Similar immersion is seriously encouraged by other educational institutions, such as the Foreign Service Institute in the US capital, Washington. This educational institution conducts foreign language training for American diplomats and staff of US embassies around the world.
With teaching experience in over 70 foreign languages, courses at this prestigious institution last up to 44 weeks. The goal is for students to reach 'level 3' of the language. This means they can read and understand the local equivalent of Time magazine, as well as conduct in-depth conversations.
Reaching a basic level of communication can happen much faster (just a few weeks, according to experts) if you speak the language regularly. James North from the Foreign Service Institute shares that students are encouraged to meet local people.
'You must give not only your head, but also your heart' – he says. You can get involved in a charitable activity or mix with the local community in establishments and neighborhood events. Today, communicating on social networks like Facebook is also a good option.
Regular communication with locals and with language experts (teachers) will give you the opportunity to regularly check – and correct – your progress.
'Practice makes perfect' – says North. 'But practice without correction and upgrade will leave you perfect only in what you have learned so far. Naive students have no prospect for the future. It is vital that someone tells you – yes, you're on the right track!'
Kabinata.com is at your service with its vast database of learning materials and multimedia lessons. Its highly qualified teachers are always available, ready to be your faithful corrector and assistant in learning foreign languages.
It is very important to ask those who speak the language (locals), or your teachers, to give feedback on your language abilities. They should be able to correct your pronunciation and vocabulary. However, experts say that you should not worry too much about your vocabulary in the early stages of learning a language. Use the language when you can and then worry about other things.
Find yourself a good dictionary, but also use online assistants. Preferably, some established e-platform for language learning. Such an institution in the Bulgarian online space, without question, is Kabinata.com.
While learning the language, try to consume as much media as possible in that language. These are television, news, newspapers, etc. If you are a beginner, read illustrated children's books or watch familiar films in a foreign language. These are the advice of experts from Kabinata.
If you have a specific goal to strive for, such as negotiations with business partners or a professional job offer abroad – such motivation would be enough for you to learn the language. But beware of unhealthy ambitions. If you think you will speak fluently in 2 months, you will probably be disappointed. If your goal, however, is to reach a certain level of language use in communication, especially professional, the mission is completely possible!
Intensive courses in English, German, French, Spanish and many other languages. Classes are conducted by excellently trained, local teachers!
(Materials from BBC.com were used)