Since it was founded in 2009, December has been designated as Learn a Foreign Language Month.
Although a busy month for many, the pause of the Christmas holidays could present the perfect opportunity to have a look at that language you’ve been meaning to learn! Whether you’re fascinated by the sound of a language, thinking of using it for travel or just want to expand your horizons, then it’s a great time to dip your toe in.
Language is more than communication
OK, so although ‘AI can translate that’ now (depending on the language) why should we bother to learn? Here’s the thing: learning another language offers far more than the ability to communicate. It works your brain cells and improves your memory. It brings so much more to you when you travel, by opening doors to conversations and experiences you might otherwise miss. It also helps you to understand your own language, as you become more aware of grammar, structure, idioms and expressions. But more than anything, learning a language gives you a window into other cultures, helping you appreciate different perspectives and traditions.
Practical ways to expand your language horizons
Music
Listening to music in your chosen language is one of the simplest and most enjoyable starting points. Songs introduce you to new words, rhythms and cultural references. You’ll begin to recognise repeated phrases, and, before long, you may find yourself humming along with increased confidence.
Video
Watching a programme, film or even a children’s cartoon in its original language can dramatically improve your listening and comprehension skills. Keep the subtitles on in your own language to begin with, then, as you grow more confident, switch to subtitles in the target language to reinforce the vocabulary.
Language apps
Apps are excellent for building essential vocabulary and daily study habits. They’re designed for quick practice sessions, making it easy for you to fit language learning into breaks or spare moments throughout the day. Many people find them a helpful and motivating starting point.
Read
To deepen your understanding, turn to respected textbooks or structured online courses. Many language textbooks come with supporting audio materials, giving you a balanced mix of reading, listening and practice. Taking time to learn grammar is all part of the fun. Yes, it can be difficult, but once you understand it, you’ll progress much faster.
And then, why not try reading other books in your chosen language? This way, you can go as fast or as slow as you like, there’s no pressure to keep up with anyone else (or maintain a learning ‘streak’) and, if you look up all the vocab as you go, you’ll learn a lot.
Connect
Connecting with fellow learners can be a great, social way to learn. Look for online communities focused on your chosen language and see if anyone is happy to practise speaking with you. Sharing your questions and challenges with others can keep you motivated and help you improve more quickly.
Fascinating facts about language learners
- Older learners do brilliantly. Adults often think they have missed their chance, but research shows they learn grammar rules more efficiently than children because they can apply reasoning and patterns consciously.
- Bilingual brains are stronger. People who speak more than one language often show better attention control, mental flexibility and long-term cognitive resilience.
- You don’t need to be fluent. Even learning a small amount of a language (around 100 to 200 key words) can significantly improve travel experiences and interactions with native speakers.
- Your first language improves. Studying a new language increases your awareness of how English works, helping you express yourself more precisely.
- Language learning changes your brain. MRI studies have shown that the hippocampus and other regions linked to memory and spatial navigation can grow after regular language study.
Links for language learning
‘How to learn a language’ course. This course from The OU introduces you to the skills and strategies you need for language learning:
Duolingo. A popular free app for building daily habits and practising essential vocabulary and grammar.
BBC Languages (archive). This archived site still offers useful phrase guides and audio resources for a wide range of languages.
Forvo. A pronunciation dictionary where native speakers record words and phrases, helping you hear authentic accents.
Memrise. A vocabulary-building app that uses spaced repetition and short video clips of native speakers.
Tandem. A platform that connects you with language exchange partners around the world.
