Learning Languages


Hello everybody! Welcome to or back to Guiding at Home. Let's talk about languages, a vital part of our life and the way we communicate with each other. Languages are so complex and weird to think about how they developed but without them life would be so different. Why am I rambling on about languages? Well as a bunch us British people don't really see the point in learning other languages. If they don't speak English then they aren't worth talking to. In my opinion that is totally wrong, their are so many interesting people in this world and by limiting the languages you speak you are missing out on loads of opportunities to meet amazing people. In Guides we are suppose to care about others and want to make new friendships and learning another language so you can speak to someone is how you can do this.

Many of you learn a language at school and that's so cool! But with lockdown you might not be focusing on it or forgetting it. It doesn't have to be that way, there are so many ways to learn languages and reasons why you should motivate yourself to do so. I have finished GCSE French but I'm still learning it here at home because I want to go to France and be able to communicate with others. There is also a sense of pride in being able to say you are bi-lingual or multi-lingual. I know many of you are young but future employers love people that can speak another language. Additionally your age is the perfect time to learn languages, your brains are like sponges and take in loads of things but as you get older it's harder. Learn another language now so your future self can thank you.

To learn a language you need to learn words in that language, my favourite places to learn vocab is through Duolingo. It is engaging, makes you listen, speak, write and their mascot is adorable! It also teaches you grammar rules so you can learn to say full sentences. Another good website is Memrise, it is similar but it also gives locals speaking. Quizlet is always a favourite as well. Whatever you chose get in a habit of doing at least five minutes everyday, little and often is the best way to learn anything. You will be able to pick up a language in no time.

When you have a basic grasp of vocab and how to form sentences, writing a diary in the language is a great way to practise. It encourages you to research words you don't know and learn them. If you are a high school student writing is a key part of GCSE so its better to start practising early on so you are ready.

With learning a language you also need to get use to hearing it, I love to do this by listening to songs in the language. Disney songs sound amazing in French! You can also watch films and videos in the language with subtitles as well. Learning a language doesn't have to be boring. If you know someone else learning the same language you can try and have conversations with them, you will be able to help each other and learn together. Furthermore changing the settings on your phone so everything is in your target language is also a different way to pick up vocab.

I hope you enjoyed these few tips and can put them to use. Please let me know in the comments what language you are learning and if you have any tips for other people.

Thank you for reading and make sure you keep safe and keep on Guiding! 





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