Learning To Speak Foreign Languages

My wife and I love traveling and living in different places. Your perspective of things changes when you live abroad. You get to see from the outside how people view your country and you get to experience first hand what it's like to be in a country you've only seen on TV or read about in magazines.

The problem with living in a new country is communication. Although I've been told that it is easier to learn a new language if one learns the swear words first, I would not advise it. I found out the hard way when I wanted to order a drink in the Philippines and all I could think about were swear swords in Tagalog.

The best way to learn a new language is to take a short foreign language course. It'll give you a good footing on the basics. Having friends that speak the language you want to learn also helps as you'll then have someone to practice with.

I have had success learning basic mandarin from YouTube videos, DVDs and CD ROMS. Language learning series on YouTube like the one below, gives learners a simple introduction to mandarin by teaching them common, everyday phrases.


I sourced my foreign language books, CD-ROMS and DVDs from a popular language site called World Of Reading (www.wor.com). The site has been around for quite some time and and it's got tonnes for language material.

This is what the site looks like.

The owner, Cindy, is pretty knowledgeable and friendly. If you're not sure what to get, she'll give you good suggestions.

Once you've got a bit of the basics of a foreign language under your belt, do what my wife and I did, learn simple phrases on your won. Learn the ones that you think you'll use most when your in a foreign land.

You'll need to learn greetings because it is important to be polite. You'll need to learn how to ask for certain things like 'where's the bathroom?', 'where's the nearest restaurant?', 'where's the bus terminal?', 'where's the hospital?', 'where's the embassy?' and so on.

Speaking a language is important and so is being able to read it. Again, you need to know the basics but you'll retain more if you can apply it.

My wife and I found that learning to read foreign maps and literature for tourists quickened the learning process and helps with information retention. I think the fact that there were images available contributed to the whole word to image association process.

Basically, if you have an interest in something, it really makes the learning process easier.