How to Continue Your Language Studies When Away from Wi-Fi
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Learning another language takes consistency and dedication. It’s not something you can just pop into occasionally and hope to master! Just like pledging to become a competent guitarist, once you make that commitment it is all about practice, practice and more practice. So when you regularly devote time and energy to drink in a new language, that repetition is the key to your accomplishment. But, what do you do when you can’t stream your favourite podcast, watch YouTube, or Skype your tutor because you are out of Wi-Fi range? Don’t put off that backpacking trip or flight to your bucket list destination just because you don’t want to interrupt your language learning. Plan ahead and ensure your continued success!
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Create or Buy Flash Cards
Remember elementary school when flash cards were a daily part of learning to add or multiply? The method has been around since the invention of writing for a very specific reason—it works!! Whatever words are being covered in your current or upcoming lesson can be scrolled out on a blank card with your language word on one side and the translation on the other. Quiz yourself with words or, better yet, entire phrases until the words rattle off your tongue with no effort at all!
Podcasts:
We know what you are going to say, “How can I stream a podcast if I don’t have Wi-Fi?”
Easy peasy, simply plan ahead and download a series of podcasts to your phone or computer before heading to the hills. Once the podcast is downloaded to your device you can listen to it as many times as you would like. Remember—repetition is good!
Photo via Pixabay
Make Recordings on your Phone:
Do a quick search for apps and you’ll discover many options for a voice recorder. Before you leave, invest the time in recording yourself, a friend, or a language instructor. Voilà! You now have a portable partner to help you train at 10,000 metres or while chilling in a hammock after a long hike.
Learn from a Native:
Of course the very best way to continue your studies is to hang with the locals and interact with the local dialect. Surround yourself in the native vernacular. Ask questions. Write down answers. Listen to the conversation between others and see what words you can strain out. Challenge yourself to place an order or ask directions all in foreign tongue.
Take advantage of the fact that the language surrounds you and use the opportunity to heighten your knowledge! Ask someone fluent in the language to be your guide while in the area or offer to take him or her to a meal for the price of conversation. It’s amazing what you can take in even with limited exchanges.
Whether you choose to learn a language for work, general knowledge, or because you’ve relocated, there are always ways to keep up your studies. Take the trip. Just stay creative and you’ll be on the road to success.