The Corporate Talk

Learning a new language can be a valuable skill for immigrants and expats, it helps us to integrate into a new culture and communicate effectively. By incorporating the following strategies, language learners can enhance their language acquisition experience and make significant progress in their journey to becoming proficient speakers.

1. Utilize Language Learning Apps: Explore popular language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone, which offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and progress tracking to support your language acquisition journey.
2. Seek Language Exchange Partners: Connect with native speakers through language exchange platforms or local community events. This can provide valuable conversational practice and cultural insights.
3. Immerse Yourself in Books and Media: Read books, newspapers, or online articles in the target language. Watching TV shows, movies, and listening to podcasts can also help improve your comprehension and vocabulary.
4. Join Language Meetup Groups: Look for language meetup groups in your area where you can interact with other language learners and native speakers in a casual and supportive environment.
5. Consider Total Physical Response (TPR) Method: Incorporate TPR activities, where you learn vocabulary and phrases by associating them with physical actions. This kinesthetic approach can enhance memory retention and make learning more interactive.

5 Apps and Websites to Help You Learn a New Language

I personally never succeed in learning German through apps. I have tried and even payed annual memberships, but it is very hard for me to commit and get the discipline for it… so, for my case I really need a teacher. Even online classes for me it’s ok, but much better going to the school and interacting with the people. But that is me… in any case, here are the top apps that help lots of students around the globe:

1. Duolingo
   • Duolingo is a popular language learning app that offers interactive lessons in multiple languages. Users can practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through game-like exercises.
2. Babbel
   • Babbel provides language learning courses designed by language experts. The app focuses on practical conversation skills and offers personalized review sessions to reinforce learning.
3. Rosetta Stone
   • Rosetta Stone is a well-established language learning platform that utilizes immersive teaching methods to help learners develop language proficiency. The program emphasizes pronunciation and practical usage.
4. Tandem
   • Tandem is a language exchange app that connects language learners with native speakers around the world. Users can engage in language exchange partnerships for mutual learning and cultural exchange.
5. italki
   • italki is a website that connects language learners with language teachers for personalized lessons. Users can schedule one-on-one video lessons with native speakers and receive tailored feedback on their language skills.

Specifically for the ones that are learning German, like me, I really like the Goethe Institute methodology. I have tried many other books and methods, but I succeed better in learning through classes at Goethe. In their website (www.goethe.de) you can also find an online classes without teacher, sometimes they make promotions for 90EUR a complete module. It is really worthy.