Learning English to travel means leaving with confidence. Today, the editorial staff has listed 10 methods that will facilitate its learning and that will especially allow you to be more comfortable during its practice abroad.
Going on a trip is quite a preparation! Besides the material, an important thing to take into account and that can frighten more than one is the practice of the language of the country you are going to.
Of course, expressing yourself in the language of the country is always appreciated, but already mastering English will open many doors for you. It is considered the dominant or official language of nearly 360 million native speakers worldwide, not counting those who learn it as a complementary language. Its international influence is enormous. So, young travelers, the editorial team reveals here 10 ways to improve your English on a daily basis, before and during a departure. Didn't we tell you it could be free and fun?
BEFORE YOU GO
- Get information in English. Look at the English newspaper, follow the news feed of newspapers such as the New York Times online, follow media on Twitter … This small morning or evening gesture can save you vocabulary while informing you of the news. If it's not your cup of tea, you can always focus on topics that interest you, quite simply. Search for information related to your passions in English such as photography, sports, fashion … Here's how to combine business with pleasure.
- Play. Needless to say, Netflix will be your best friend during your apprenticeship. The site has been designed to be able to choose the language of your viewing as well as the subtitles. Start slowly, leaving the audio in English with French subtitles, then move on to VOST and finally to VO when you feel more comfortable. Some movies or series are easily understandable like Desperate Housewives. If this seems complicated at first, do not hesitate to look at what you already know. You will never want to go back to French because it sounds better in the original version!
YouTube has also become an indispensable tool. Take the plunge and start watching English or American-run channels. Vlogs, tutorials or channels about learning English are good ways to get started smoothly. Subtitles are sometimes even available on some videos.
Finally, you can always listen to music and try to translate it. It fits much more easily when we talk about music than lessons, doesn't it?
- Take advantage of online apps and sites. A mass of tools exists on the internet to learn or perfect your English. Here is a small list:
- Duolinguo: The app is free and has changed the way people learn a language. Everything is done by mini-games, which, once successful, raise you level. It's fun and informative. Accessible from any level.
- Italki: Italki is an online platform allowing Skype exchanges between thousands of natives. Choose a correspondent according to the desired language and practice your oral during a language exchange, whatever your level. For example, you are taught English for an hour, and next time you teach French. Finally, classes can be scheduled with teachers throughout the site. Everything is done through the purchase of Italki credits. Once paid, more motivating to get started, right?
- HiNative: With this app, you can ask questions in all possible languages and get answers from real natives around the world. A real community of solidarity!
- Implement simple gestures. Why not just put your phone or computer in English? This is a simple trick to learn vocabulary every day.
- Go to meet-ups. These conversation tables are always an opportunity to meet people and practice your English. For example, some cafés organize afternoons of exchange, speed-dating format, in a relaxed atmosphere. The key is to dare to get started.
- Go on a language stay. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself directly in the country and through a new culture. One or two months of stay, for example, are more effective than 5 years of classes. All your skills are put to the test and you evolve in an incredible way every day.
TRAVELLING
- Stammering, trying and making mistakes. Dare to talk to the locals, you will not be laughed at, or in the worst case you will say that your French accent is "adorable". Once you have passed this first block, you can finally evolve.
- Google is your friend. Translate the words you can find around you: on the street, on a restaurant menu, or in stores. These are everyday words that will be easy to reuse and learn.
- Arm yourself with a notebook or a phone. Write down the vocabulary you learn in flight, the expressions you hear on your way and you can then study them once you get back home (to combine with the Quizlet application). It is all these everyday words that will be most useful for your future travels.
- Make contacts. Meet people along the way, chat with them and, why not, make connections. There's nothing better than keeping in touch afterwards and practicing your English at home.
So, convinced to learn or perfect the language of Shakespeare? You know what you have to do! One small step every day and your future trips will be all the more enjoyable.
