Slovak Learning Community and Resources

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When learning a new language, it is important to make it a natural part of your life. This list might help you with it. Most of these tips are applicable wherever you are but some of them are related to the experience of staying abroad.

1. Install Useful Apps on Your Phone

A phone can provide immediate help with almost anything language related. Be prepared and download useful translation apps and place them on the home screen. This way, you will have them on hand and you can promptly react to any situation. Apps are also great for language learning. Find one that fits your learning style and try to incorporate them to your routine or rhythm. You can start with OLS platform where you can find not only language learning content but also forums, blogs and other resources. 

2. Follow Language Learning Content on Social Media

If you are using social media channels, you can search for accounts with language learning content. Some of them can be funny, other can be more serious, but following them is a great way to get a regular dose of the new language in a form that is very easy to digest. You might not always feel like studying a new language for 30 minutes everyday but watching a one minute video can be a painless way to absorb some language content on a daily basis. You can also create a collection/folder where you can save posts and videos that you find useful and get back to them later. Remember, a little goes a long way.

3. Follow What Interests You…in a New Language

Another simple way to stay in touch with the new language on social media is to follow accounts that use the language you want to learn and deal with the things that you like. For example, if you are interested in architecture, you can search for Slovak accounts dedicated to architecture in particular Slovak regions or cities. Or if you are a keen cyclist, you can start to follow some locals with the same interest. By following such accounts, you can get to know the local context in the subject that interests you and at the same time grow your exposure to the new language. The translation feature on the platforms can help you with understanding.

4. Change the Language of an App to the New Language

Another way to build your vocabulary is to change the language of an app/device you use. For example, weather apps use a lot of symbols so you can easily pick up words for days and weather types. You can also change the language of an app that you are very familiar with and you know its design almost by heart (e.g. email client or social media channels). 

5. Learn a Few Phrases for Everyday Use and Build on That

Learning a few phrases in a new language that you can use in your everyday life is a great way to handle common situations, start a simple conversation and slowly build up your vocabulary. It could be phrases such as: How is this called in (language)? What is it used for? What are your plans for the weekend?

6. Listen to the Music 

It is all about exposure to the new language. At the beginning, you might not understand anything from the songs but slowly you will start to catch some familiar sounds, words and phrases. And the songs/lyrics might even get stuck in your head which in this case supports the learning process :)

7. Watch Shows 

Watching shows or movies in the new language with subtitles can be an effective way to adopt some common phrases and see how they are used in the context. At the same time, shows and movies can offer valuable insights into the culture of the country. 

8. Find People With Similar Interests

Getting to know new people when being abroad is not an easy thing to do. How and where do you find them? Strategies can differ. But you can start with something that you might have in common. For example, if you like to do some sport or any other hobby, you can ask around if it is possible to join some club or regular sessions. You can also search for specific groups online on social media. 

9. Join Local Groups on Social Media

This is a great way to get to know the local context and stay informed about everything that might be happening around you. Also, groups can be a place where you can connect with new people. You can join local events or you can volunteer/offer help with something–e.g. walking dogs, raking leaves etc.

10. Use Labels for Objects

In the place where you live, you can create a 3D dictionary by putting labels on objects with words in the language you want to learn. You can even upgrade the labels by including some phrases/sentences in which the word is commonly used. For example, the label on the mirror can have sentences like: I need to look in the mirror. Is there a mirror somewhere? Do you have a mirror?

Do you have any other tips on integrating new language into daily life? You can share it in this forum thread.