Does learning a local language facilitate cultural understanding OR does understanding of the local culture facilitate language learning?

Scroll down for a bunch of practical tips on how to learn a new language fast, efficiently and with a lot of fun!

It came out to be a looong article, I know. I just had sooo much to share.. which I believe is really worth reading, especially for those who are learning a new language or consider doing so! Enjoy:)

First - my story about learning languages

Soon I will be celebrating a 10 years anniversary of being a citizen of the World or, in other words, 10 years of bringing my Home where my Heart goes. 6 different countries that I called home so far. What a journey!

Having experienced both – not being able to speak a local language after 7 years of living in a country and - on the other extreme - communicating myself rather well in just a few months two times in a row with two different languages - has certainly uncovered something to me which I did not know before.

As we are all immersing ourselves in the Magic of Christmas these days (which I adore!), I thought to remind myself and all of you that

Magic often lies in shifting our perception towards the things we one day imagined were not possible.

I still so clearly remember a 19 years old myself sitting with my "new friends" from the first year of university abroad, holding my top grade from the English class on my high school graduation diploma and not being able to verbalize a sentence without pre-thinking a grammatically correct structure before I open my mouth to say what I think.. only to realize that the topic has already moved on.

How different we are altogether from the local culture was forever among the most popular topics of discussion with my international friends. We said that first we have to learn the local language to integrate into the culture, while most of us found ourselves struggling to do both.

This is when I concluded that I am not good at languages. Luckily, the Universe had a different plan for me.

My life changed when I fell in love with Spain

It was summer of 2018 and I used my 2 weeks holidays of work to travel to Spain and do a 2-weeks super intensive Spanish course at a local language school. (For your reference, very recommendable: https://www.spanishinvalencia.com/).

For me it was another life experiment to see How much I can learn in 2 weeks living only in Spanish. That actually meant exactly what I say: completely disconnected from the rest of the world with NO contact with anyone who does not speak Spanish, living with a local pension-age Spanish lady who knew 0 words in English, not leaving my room without a notebook to take notes of new words as we had our meals together, studying 30hrs per week, taking all the extra classes I could, involving myself in all the activities I could possibly find in the area and going for dinners with local Spanish folks (I am forever thankful for the patience of my Spanish friends that enabled me to learn!). Doing all I could to immerse myself into the culture, enjoy all the beauty that Spain has to offer, make friends with locals and as a result, learn the language.

Were there tough moments and tears involved? Maybe:) But - did I learn the language in 2 weeks? Of course I did not learn it in just 2 weeks, but I progressed to the point where I could hold a meaningful conversation (with some "Spanishized" English words in between) over a paella dinner with my local friends!

My 2 weeks experiment turned into me moving to Spain 2 months later for nearly 2 years of some of the most beautiful moments of my life! What a magic number 2:) An - for the language level.. In 1 year of learning I was having business negotiations in Spanish.. and tears of happiness that I can! I call it a success.

Learning my second language in 2 years

Of course this would not be my Life if it was not full of Changes! As I write this article, I am sitting in my Christmas Wonderland in the South of France a.k.a our living room with the mountains and blue skies right in front cheering me up every day! Yes, I have moved to France a few months ago and once again I am going through the same process for a different language!

Learning a new language is a highly personal process. When some methods work magic for me and surely will do so for some of you, completely the opposite might be the solution for others.

So keep reading and see what of the below fits you!

The things to do which I think work magic for learning a new language fast, efficiently and with a lot of fun!

#1 Think of your Purpose and your Goal! In my case the first milestone is always communication. That means to be able to practically live in that language, get by with the daily stuff and be able to strike an (actually) enjoyable conversation with locals. Note: the below suggestions are hence tailored to my purpose.

#2 Courses & Tools

• An intensive course to kick off with! The more intensive, the better, if you ask me:) In terms of value/money, I prefer group learning over an individual 1:1. More interaction, more dynamic & fun setting and super useful environment to learn from the mistakes of others. That of course requires you to be 100% involved at all times, participate, observe, ask and answer, give/receive constructive feedback, take loads of notes!
• I am always a BIG ambassador for physical face-to-face courses in the country of that language and with a native-speaking professor. Brilliant way to internalize the language manners and integrate in the local happenings!
• However, understandably, not always a feasible option. No worries - these days more than ever before there is plenty of online course options! That also allows you to strike some good value/money deals. Like for example in my case - I am currently doing a group online course via Zoom with the French Institute of Lithuania. (Various options available, recommended! https://www.institutfrancais-lituanie.com/fr/). Same high quality, native French professor and half the price compared to an equivalent course in France. TOP catch!
• If you fancy a personal 1:1 learning for a good price, consider trying: https://www.italki.com/
• YouTube channels! Totally a heaven full of brilliant language professionals actively running their own channels in any type and form that you can imagine. For sure there will be one matching your most exotic needs! Watch, listen, just have that channel in the background at all times possible (driving to work, cooking, cleaning the house, etc.). If you like a specific channel recommendation for French, drop me a message!
• There are Instagram pages to follow! Some really teach you practical stuff and local expressions which you would hardly find in the school textbooks.
• Duolingo app! A classic one, beloved by most. I know people who totally cracked the language by using Duolingo 1 hour every single day, diligently. Once you pass the basic levels (which takes time, so please patience!), a very complex and interesting language usage world opens up for you! Note: especially recommended for those who start from 0, as the more advanced students might have hard time staying patient to go through the basic levels.
• Learning while sleeping!? A question mark. I have seen a lot of stuff on this but never dared to try.. Somehow I don’t really believe in that - but please prove me wrong if you found this efficient in any way? Would love to hear your experience.

#3 The Power of extra Initiatives & Habits

• Discuss and exchange recommendations with others who are currently learning languages! Be in close contact. Help each other.
• This one I find super fun and powerful. Do it yourself: regular video calls, coffee dates and/or walk & talk with those in the same boat like you (learning the same language and currently at a similar level)! Simply a fantastic way to socialize, make connections if you just moved to a new country and just spend a great time with other people who share your goal. The trick here is to stay focused at all times, translate words that you or someone in the group is unsure about, observe and correct each other, take notes. Enjoy but take it seriously! Then you will very likely find yourself in a few weeks asking "how do I know all these words?“ This is how:) For example - I am currently running a self-made initiative with other 2 ladies who I met in a local language school. One day per week we meet for 3-4hrs for a coffee & life talk. Strictly in French! To spice it up, our plan for summer is to upgrade this with Hula-hoop in the park & French talk! Something to look forward to hehe:)
• If you prefer a bigger group alternative, search for the Language Exchange / Language Café events. I have participated in these in various countries!
• Use EVERY opportunity to speak in a shop, café, train station, airplane etc. as oppose to avoiding contact with locals! I understand that this is probably more natural for extroverts, but building this habit could come in handy to everybody for learning language as you go! Just bear in mind that you might also end up making friends, getting a job or at least some discounts/special offer in stores hehe:)
• Read, watch, listen the language through books, TV, radio, phone & computer applications. Look for local music, movies, news, books, fairytales for kids. Go crazy, there is sooo many tools available!
• Prioritize the content on the topics of your interest! It is magical how you understand much more when the topic actually interests you. I watch a lot of Tedx talks (https://www.ted.com/) for example!
• Be a curious kid! Read everything on the street, restaurant menus only in the local language, try to understand letters and emails you receive (first) without a translator.. get a habit of “I can! I start with trying to understand myself and not with google translator!”
• The same goes for texting and writing emails. Try to make them yourself first and you can always double check with a translator/dictionary. Emails and most other tools these days actually automatically correct you! Which is awesome. Observe your mistakes, they are your best teacher!
• A funny one which I found super efficient in my first months of living in Spain is sharing a blablacar ride and strike a life conversation! In my experience of many different rides in Spain I was always the only foreigner in the car. A wonderful way to experience the culture and practice the language! Loved it.

#4 Boost your Confidence first

• “Hello, excuse me, I do not speak your language fluently but I will do my best (+smile)” is a proven way to start any longer conversation! This way you tell yourself (psychologically) “it’s okay to make mistakes, they know I am learning”. You will be surprised how many compliments you receive for your beautiful exotic accent and speaking so well in so little time!!! Gives me SO much motivation to continue doing what I am doing:) also, one extra advantage is that they very often remember you and next time you come to the shop they are like “ah, hello darling, you again, welcome back!” Hopefully you enjoy attention and being noticed:)
• If you are uncertain about a word, just say it as you remember or in your own language/another language you know which is most likely to have similar words. It is surprising how often I find similar words across the languages I speak. To tell you a few: Nightmare (ENG) in Lithuanian is ko?maras = cauchemar (FR, nearly the same pronunciation). It is worth it (ENG) = Vale la pena (ES) = Il vaut la peine (FR).. What a fun world!
• Not to forget that you also have your hands and body language to work for you!
• Experiencing new cultures and learning new languages make you feel Alive! I find that you learn about yourself by learning a new language. Speaking a new language is a real confidence game! I mean, it takes a character to put yourself voluntarily out there knowing that you WILL certainly fail/make mistakes.. but - so what? Your mistakes show that you have a story. People will never judge somebody who is taking a chance to learn a new language and live rather than "sleep through life". On the contrary.

AS WE ARE LIBERATED FROM OUR OWN FEAR, OUR PRESENCE AUTOMATICALLY LIBERATES OTHERS!

 #5 Attitude & Full ON Spirit

• Focus on learning a language to communicate, not to speak perfectly! The latter will come after.
• ENJOY! Find a way to truly have fun in the process of learning! Inner motivation and joy of progressing will move mountains for you! Remember – kids learn through playing:)
• Light up a scented candle and take a cup of warm tea or coffee for your daily homework. If you find inspiration from changing environment, once in a while go to a cozy local café or a co-working space!
• Go all in with 360° approach! Vary your learning tools!

MAKE LEARNING THIS NEW LANGUAGE YOUR LIFESTYLE!

• Hang out with locals and Be a Sponge! Observe how people interact, how they speak, the words they use, manners, expressions, spoken language, short words to connect sentences or express emotions, their tonation, where they make pauses etc.
• Ask questions!
• Experiment. Try to force new expressions/words you learn into practice and see which ones feel most natural for you.
• Take your time. Do not feel you have to speak fast or be better at this point. Allow yourself to be slow and take your time to think/remember. Be present at your every step of the journey. Every sprinter started from learning to walk:)
• Relax! Pick a phone and call without over-preparing. Think on the spot and trust you will find a way! When you relax, your brain somehow magically finds all the answers. This process is so fun! Worst case you will ask for one second and use a translator to find the exact word you are missing.
• Baby You learnt through practice, not through books. Go out there in the World, speak up your new language and enjoy learning through mistakes! One day not far from now you will look back at the start of your journey with a big smile on your face:) What a proud ride!

This is how in just a few months I can hold a conversation with a local French person about much more than just “Bonjour madame, je voudrais une baguette s'il vous pla?t.”

UNDERSTAND THE LOCAL CULTURE TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE!

And so here was my personal story to remind you that learning a new language does not have to be a mission impossible. Rather it can easily be a super enjoyable journey of self-development and cultural-learning that keeps you excited every day!

I hope that everyone will find something inspirational in my writing. As much as I burn desire to share with you, I am also excited to receive further advice on the topic of learning languages! Alors, n'hésitez pas :)

May your 2021 be full of joy, growth and learning languages! Ah and one last thing.. a language course might be a perfect present for yourself or some of your loved ones:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!