Language Learning Hacks: 10 Unique Language Study Ideas to Level Up AND Have Fun Studying This…
Language Learning Hacks: 10 Unique Language Study Ideas to Level Up AND Have Fun Studying This Weekend ✌🏼
Bored of the same old same old? Mixing things up is one of the great keys to consistency and success!
Image courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels
Table of Contents
- Embrace the world of podcasts
- Cook a traditional dish
- Narrate your life for the weekend
- Use BARD or ChatGPT to practise (with disclaimer)
- Host a virtual language exchange
- Discover vlogs in your target language
- Create a social account for your target language
- Find a penpal on SLOWLY
- Answer questions about your native language on HINATIVE
- Study with an Accountability Group
- Conclusion
Embrace the world of podcasts
Podcasts are a fantastic tool for language learning as they provide exposure to native speakers and help improve your listening skills. There are different kinds of podcast for every level! You can do this extensively or intensively and explore a variety of podcasts based on your interests, such as news podcasts, storytelling podcasts, or even language learning podcasts. By tuning in regularly, you can immerse yourself in the language and gain a deeper understanding of its nuances.
Cook a traditional dish
One interesting way to enhance your language skills and learn about different cultures is by cooking a traditional dish from a country where your target language is spoken. Not only will you practice using the language while following a recipe, but you will also deepen your understanding of the culture associated with the cuisine. It’s a delicious way to have a language learning experience!
Narrate your life for the weekend
Challenge yourself to narrate your daily activities and experiences over a weekend entirely in your target language. It looks MAD crazy, but we are not ableist, we embrace the cray! This exercise helps you practice vocabulary related to everyday life and improves your ability to express yourself in the language. Whether you write down your narrative or speak it out loud, this activity encourages active engagement with the language in a practical context. You also get to practice your voice and vibe in that language, which is an underrated soft skill.
Use BARD or ChatGPT to chat
Utilise technology to enhance your language learning experience. BARD and ChatGPT are AI-driven platforms that allow you to have conversations in your target language. These virtual agents can provide a real-time chat experience and help you practice your written communication skills. Engaging in chats with AI language models is a fun and interactive way to improve your language proficiency.
Disclaimer: I’d also like to mention that I don’t promote using ChatGPT or similar as a replacement for native content or teachers. It’s an amazing tool to practice with, but the information it uses isn’t always correct, and generating stories to read that aren’t written by real people with nuanced understanding for culture isn’t super cool. Let’s use AI responsibly!
Host a virtual language exchange
Connecting with native speakers through language exchange platforms or social media groups provides an excellent opportunity to directly practice speaking your target language. This cultural exchange will not only boost your language abilities but also help you make new friends across the globe. If you’re not sure where to start with this one, we have this ability in our server! Gladly Global wants everyone to be involved in creating our community together so there are so many ways you can get involved if you’d like!
A/ You could become a language leader for your TL and create study events and exchanges occasionally.
OR
B/ You can contact any current language leader or Anna (the community mama) to get help creating a one off event ❤
Discover vlogs in your target language
Vlogs can be a valuable resource for language learning as they offer authentic content and insights into a culture. Explore vlogs in your target language on platforms like YouTube and immerse yourself in the language and lifestyle of native speakers. Watching video content in your target language will improve your listening comprehension and expose you to natural speech patterns.
Create a social account for your target language
Another unique approach to language learning is to create a social media account dedicated to your target language. By interacting with native speakers and language enthusiasts, you can immerse yourself in conversations, cultural events, and trending topics related to the language. Engaging with others in your target language will help improve your writing skills and expose you to the informal aspects of the language. It’s also one of my favourite ways to do deep study but on a small scale. I do this by taking a single caption and breaking down into phrases and grammar for me to review and create my own sentences with. Chinese learners are especially known for doing this since China has their own social ecosystem.
Find a penpal on SLOWLY
SLOWLY is an online platform that allows you to connect with penpals from around the world. By finding a penpal who speaks your target language, you can immerse yourself in regular written communication. This exchange will not only help you improve your writing skills but also provide a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.
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Answer questions about your native language on HINATIVE
HINATIVE is a platform where language learners can ask questions to native speakers. By joining this community and answering questions about your native language, you can improve your understanding of the grammar and structure of your target language. This activity allows you to use your native language skills to help others while reinforcing your language knowledge. It’s a great way to give back too, which is part of our creed at GG ;)
Study with an Accountability Group
Couldn’t leave out this one 👏🏼 — Forming or joining an accountability group with other language learners will provide amazing external motivation and support throughout your language learning journey. By setting goals, sharing resources, and holding regular check-ins, you can stay on track and progress together. Accountability groups often schedule time to study together also, so you have a set time each week to study. You stay motivated and create a sense of community, making the language learning process more enjoyable and effective.
Of course, if you’re looking for an accountability group with experienced language coaches to support you, look no further!
You can join us for only .75 cents a meeting! If you want to learn more, click here.
Conclusion
Learning a language is an exciting and rewarding endeavour. By incorporating these unique methods into your language learning routine, you can make the process more enjoyable and effective. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning, so explore these diverse methods and find what works best for you. Remember, consistency and a positive attitude are essential, so keep practicing and never give up. Start incorporating these innovative approaches today and unlock your language learning potential!
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