New words can lead to new experiences

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Life abroad can be easier if you make an effort to pick up a foreign language. Sudha Subramanian offers tips on how to learn one up quick!

Many years ago, when I lived in Central France, one of the main challenges I faced was the language. The French were determined to speak only in French, while I struggled with sign language. Although, certain signs are universal, it was a difficult period. Shopping, eating in restaurants, asking for directions — always put me in funny but tough situations.

I decided to take up lessons. After two months, I realised  I hadn’t made much progress. During that period, we moved to a new house. Our neighbours had two beautiful kids who only spoke their mother tongue. In just a month’s time, I could understand a lot and also could speak in French too. That is when I realised, that learning a language is a science of a different kind.

It could surprise many but, in spite of our world becoming global, it is important to learn a new language. No matter which part of the world we are in, the local language immediately allows for better bonding with the native speakers. Living in India, it doesn’t surprise us that there can be so many languages. Most of us speak four different languages at least. However, the tough task begins when we have to learn a foreign language or a language that is entirely different. Here are some cool tricks to learn a new language that appears difficult:

*Association of words with objects or pictures or other words in the language you know. It is a simple but effective way to remember new words we learn. For example, in French, oublier is to forget. I always related it to its English equivalent — oblivion. Of course, this is a simple example. There could be complicated words for which we can have something to remember in our mother tongue as well.

*Listening to the language being spoken can be a very powerful  learning tool. I remember the time when I was little and had no knowledge of Hindi. I learnt the language by watching Hindi serials on TV. Almost every South Indian has a similar tale.

Watching TV or listening to native speakers or just hanging around them are some of the easiest ways to learn a language. No wonder children pick up languages so quickly when they start going to school.

*Using them occasionally — even if it is full of mistakes. This is an important tool but also a difficult tool for some. A lot of people shy away from speaking because, they don’t like to be laughed at by native speakers. They hate to make mistakes and are really conscious of their accent, pronunciation, and usage of words. If you are one of those, then it is time you took a hard look at it and got over your fears.

Remember: By making mistakes, you are only learning more about the language. It is absolutely fine to use wrong words. Someone will surely correct you and you learn from your mistakes.

*Reading some basic books and trying to figure out the meaning of words based on the reference to the context. Remember how all of us learnt Hindi or Kannada? Apply the same rule for another language, be it French or Korean. We feel ashamed to pick up children’s books in other languages, to learn. But that is precisely what you should do. Taking one small baby step at a time, you will be able to pick up the ropes of a language.

Learning a language is a simple and effective way to connect with people. It breeds familiarity in a land of total strangers. Nothing pleases a native speaker more than your honest attempt to learn their language. In a fast growing world, where even our kids cannot speak their mother tongues, it is important to set an example by making an effort to learn new languages. So go ahead and learn one new word a day and soon, a new language.