Learning a language is generally considered a difficult task. First, you have to memorize tons of foreign vocabulary and understand complex grammar or grammar that is different from what you are used to in your mother tongue. And on top of that, you must muster up the courage to speak a language you are still learning. No wonder learning English or a new language seems daunting.
And yet, whether you believe it or not, this task has never been easier. Today, language learners have access to tools and resources that people could only dream of even a decade ago.
Going through grammar books is no longer the only way to learn language rules. Instead, you can access materials in your target language online with one click or find a private language teacher with another one. Below are some reasons why language learning has become more accessible.
- There are plenty of resources available
Before the internet became this common, the only options you had to study English or a new language consisted of the textbooks that you had available in your nearest bookstore. Of which one was for grammar and vocabulary and the other for exercises.
In the past, if you did not particularly like the way someone explained something to you, you were stuck, especially while trying to learn a somewhat obscure language, where you might not have even had a choice of the course books available.
Nowadays, you have access to more language learning resources like Duolingo than your mind can comprehend. However, the sheer volume of these options means you can choose the suitable ones for your learning style and goals. Of course, sifting through these resources will take time and effort, but on the upside, it is also possible to find top-quality language learning tools entirely for free nowadays.
- You can easily find people you can practice with
These days you can use Google to find someone who speaks your target language and practice with them every day. In addition, thanks to social media platforms and chat groups, it is easy to meet people interested in learning the same language you are.
Learning languages with friends is always more accessible because you have someone to practice with and help you stay motivated. If you wish to take your chatting offline, attending a local language exchange evening in a cafe or bar near you is a great option.
Try looking for someone to meet up with and trade. It can be an appealing option if you want to save money, as you can swap languages and speak English one day and another language of your choice the next, without paying for private classes.
You will also get a great insight into the country’s culture that speaks the language you are learning, as you can ask about it face to face with a native. You can even attend a native’s family dinner or have a friend’s gathering and watch the culture unfold. You will not only be learning a language, but you will be making lifelong friends and might even get a place to stay when you travel to the country that speaks your language.
