How to Learn any Language for Free

With the development of technology these days, it is easy to get by knowing one language. Think Google Pixel Buds, Birgus language translator devices and Google Translate. However, if you want to gain an edge over the other employees or am thinking of migrating to a country where their native language is foreign to you, it is wise to pick up the local language. When it comes to picking up any foreign language, the common adage is to practise reading, writing and speaking. In this article, I am going to share about how to learn any language for free.

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1. Watching Youtube Videos with Subtitles

Watching videos or films in the foreign language is an easy way to pick up new foreign words because you are able to match the words with the actions. A simple change in your viewing habit is all you need to learn the any foreign language for free. Besides, it does not feel like a chore since you will be enjoying watching the video or film.

2. Reading Children’s Books

Remember the times when we were young and starting to pick up on our native tongue by reading children’s books? Well, it is never too late to start learning a new language again. Even as adults, we can start off by reading children’s books to understand the basics of the language.

For Singaporeans who have an account with the National Library Board, this makes learning much easier by borrowing e-books via the Overdrive app. This means the user do not have to visit a physical library to borrow the foreign language books. All this can be done at the comfort of your home.

READ: How to Read Books for Free

3. Chatting with Native Speakers

A quick way to learn a foreign language for free is to speak with the native speakers. Not only are you able to get real time feedback and response, you are also putting yourself in real life situations where you are able to judge if your skills are up to standard.

However, I understand that not everyone has a friend who is able to help them out on this. Introducing the chatting apps such as Ablo available on both Google Play store and App store which links up users randomly. Personally, on an occasional basis I do get linked up to a native speaker of the language that I am learning. it is a bonus because not only am I making a new friend online, I am also using this change to practise my Spanish language skills with a native speaker for free. Double bonus!

4. Testing your Learning Progress with a Language Learning App

There are many language learning apps available on Play store by Google and/or the App store by Apple. The app that I am personally using to learn a language for free is Duolingo. There are plenty of foreign language choices which you can choose to learn. Duolingo provides progressive learning style, starting from the basics to advanced level when you have passed the levels. The app also provides specific lessons to help you get by everyday situations such as common phrases to use in flirting.

5. Changing Parts of what You are Reading Online to the Language

A subtle way to immerse yourself in the foreign language can be done by changing some of the text you are reading to the foreign language. Sneaky Spanish is a Chrome Extension that does exactly this for those who are learning Spanish. However, Chrome Extensions work for desktop versions and not on Chrome Mobile.

An alternative will be to download Kiwi Browser to use the Chrome Extensions on your mobile. However, the Sneaky Spanish Chrome Extension did not work on my mobile. Which brings me to the next tip for this article.

6. Changing the Language Settings on your Phone Completely

The last tip will be to immerse yourself completely in the language if you want to learn the language for free. You can do so by changing the language of your phone to the one you are learning. I did this and found it overwhelming at first but am slowly getting used to it. Picking up a new skill is never easy. It takes lots of time and effort to master it. The key is not to give up and enjoy the learning process along the way.

What other tips do you have when learning a foreign language? Do share in the comments below!