Everyone knows they should watch media, buy grammar books and maybe spend a few hours with your favorite language learning app when learning a new language.
There are so many other ways to learn a language and I want to go over those in this post.
If you’re just getting started with a new language these methods might be too advanced. This should be for the intermediate to advanced speaker, or really anything B1 and beyond if you’re using the European framework.
- Manga
Manga is a type of comic made popular by Japan and is used by just about every language. Even if your target language doesn’t produce their own comics, chances are there is a translated version you can use for reading practice.
The advantage of Manga vs regular comics is that manga usually features shorter phrases (depends on the series) and is easier to find middle-grade material. That way you aren’t stuck consuming children’s content, but the content won’t be too advanced either.
Yotsuba&! is a popular mid-level series that is recommended for Japanese learners. You can look on a site like “Mangadex” to see if there are fan translated versions in your target language.
- Recipes
Do you like to cook? Or at least eat?
Looking up recipes in your target language from free online blogs is a way to get “important” food vocab. Of course you can make some delicious meals and learn about the cultural dishes your target language offers too.
If you aren’t at the point of following a recipe in your target language, check out the next suggestion.
- Menus
Searching for a restaurant where your target language is spoken is a great way to see what types of things people order. Find a restaurant that posts their menu online and translate any words you don’t know using an online dictionary.
Bonus: Imagine what you would order and practice saying it out loud!
- Hobby magazines/Blogs
You might think people don’t read magazines anymore…but they do still exist!
Some magazine series such as Elle and Business Insider publish their magazines in different languages.
Search for a translation of a magazine you know or just search for a website in a hobby you like. No need for fancy translation software, just make note of the words you don’t know and read slowly.
If you want something to store your words and progress, I suggest an app like Lingq where you can read their articles or use the app on any site you like. It will highlight words and store them in your word bank
to review.
- Local News
Search for what the popular news outlets are in your target language/country and see how they cover world events.
This can be interesting from a cultural standpoint but also get you high level vocab quickly. Talking about current events can be difficult, so I suggest you only tackle this if you’re solidly at an intermediate or above level.
BBC is a reputable place for news and offers their site in many languages.
- Familiar Book
Re-read a book you already know in your target language. The Harry Potter series has been translated into about 88 languages if you’re familiar with that series.
While they can be a bit harder to read, most classic novels have been translated into just about any language you can think of.
If you haven’t read the book at all before, buy copies in both your native language and target language. Read them side by side and note any differences. Think of this like a DIY dual text book or “reader”.
- Shopping
What do you like to shop for? Clothing, tools, real estate?
Whatever you like, I’m sure you can find an ecommerce site for in your target language. This can be a way to learn specific words regarding what people buy and how they describe items you already know. Amazon offers its site in a few languages, you can start by looking at the bestsellers there.
8. Karaoke
Sure you could just listen to music in your target language, but why not practice at the same time? Look up the lyrics to your favorite song and sing along. If you aren’t sure how to find music in your target language just search for country and top hits. Then look for the song and lyrics. You can use Google translate to get the phrases “top hits” and “lyrics” from. They might not be accurate but I’m sure with a little digging you’ll find what you’re looking for. Don’t worry, I’m not listening.
9. Board, Card or Video Games
If you’re US based it might be hard to find board games in another language. Luckily, most classic video games will have fan translated versions in different languages. Proceed with caution when finding these downloads. You should be able to find some emulators of Game boy games or even old pc games. (DOS games anyone?). Make sure you’re playing a game that has text, like Pokemon, Final Fantasy or Megami Tensei.
10. Use AI
It’s free to use chatGPT 3.5, so create an account and start asking questions! If your target language is obscure, chatGPT might not be able to respond. If your target language is mainstream then you should be able to use AI to have a basic conversation.
Start by writing that you want chatGPT to respond in your target language, then ask your first question.
11. Translate your thoughts
Whatever you’re thinking right now, write it down! Then go through your “stream of consciousness” and translate it. Depending on where you’re at in your learning journey, this could be too easy or too difficult.
I would start by translating short, repetitive thoughts you may have. This could be something like “I’m hungry” or “I need to get ready now”, etc. Soon you’ll be able to say these things quickly and casually in conversation if you keep practicing this exercise.