Travel is its own reward. You visit new places, meet new people and have experiences you never thought you would have. You grow as a person, you test yourself and you open up your mind. But, there is one benefit that is rarely talked about – learning a language.
Learning a language is always beneficial, it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about business or fun. It’s even good for your brain, keeping you sharp. Traveling will allow you to learn a new language, or to greatly improve and cement what you already know. In fact, traveling to a place where the language you want to learn is primarily spoken will immeasurably improve it.
Learning a Language on The Road
Use Language Learning Apps
Using language learning apps is probably the best thing you can do when you’re on the actual road, going from point A to point B. Using apps on train rides that last for hours and hours are an amazing way to use up all that wasted time. Furthermore, it will make time pass faster and help you, in a way, get to your destination sooner.
There are a variety of apps to choose from, but the best ones should give you a balance of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation learning. Only focusing on one thing will make you stall and plateau. Also, remember to bring extra phone batteries or some other kind of portable charging system. The last thing you want is to end up on an eight-hour bus ride with no phone.
Meet People
This piece of advice is in a way completely opposite to the previous part. It’s all about putting that phone down and socializing. Now, of course, you can’t be expected to strike up a conversation on any bus or train ride. Some people will just get annoyed, or you simply don’t have the appropriate language skills (yet).
However, if you can, go out there! One of the best ways you can learn a language is to completely immerse yourself in it. You could go to a local bar or club and meet people there and strike up conversations. Or if that’s not your thing, you could try and take up some kind of hobby that you did at home (or a new one). For example, if you’re passionate about rock climbing, see if there are any rock climbing clubs near you. The same goes for hiking, basketball, painting… As long as you meet the locals and speak with them in their own language, you will reap the proper benefits.
- Learn Australian Slang
- Learn some common Maori words
Immerse Yourself In The Language
Improving your language skills (or learning a new one) is no joke, and you should take up every tool at your disposal. So, if you want to really improve, see if you can find quality English lessons and learn from the professionals, learn Spanish by traveling to the distant regions where no one speaks your language, or stay with a family in South Korea and communicate in Korean from the moment you open your eyes until you say good night. When you travel, you may get the opportunity to take a course for non-native speakers so you should make use of this opportunity as well as of plethora of situations you will have to put that knowledge into practice the minute you step out of the classroom.
Be Humble
Leave your ego at the door the moment you leave your house. Try to be humble and open-minded. Accept that some people will have difficulty understanding you and that it will, most likely, be your fault. And that’s ok, you’re learning, you’re growing. But, don’t be inhibited! Approach people, don’t be shy. Even if you make a complete fool of yourself (and you won’t) you most likely won’t see this person ever again. So why not just test out your language skills and see what you can and can’t do. Let people correct you, it will do you good, don’t be offended.
Trust us, people mostly enjoy speaking to foreigners. As long as you are genuinely interested in the culture and customs of these people, you will be greeted warmly.
And there you have it, folks. Traveling is a beautiful experience, and learning a new language just sweetens the deal. Spend your time wisely by learning as you go, talk to people and keep an open mind. As long as you stay curious and polite, you will see great improvements.
Author: Leila Dorari is an entrepreneur and freelance writer from Sydney. She is passionate about exploring different places across the globe and believes that first you need to get lost before you can get found. In her free time you can find her hiking with her furry four-legged friend.
