What Are the Best Ways of Learning Foreign Languages?
When we are learning foreign languages, we always look for the best ways for it. Even the most popular methods have their flaws, so read about the pros and cons of all ways here!
Best Ways of Language Learning Examined
There are many ways of learning a foreign language. Everyone can find a method that suits him or her. However, the task is not easy because you never know until you try, and we do not have time for trying all existing methods.
That is why we have written this article – to help you weigh up the pros and cons of the most popular ways of foreign language learning. You can find out detailed information about three methods of language learning that are the most popular now: taking a group course, watching videos, and using apps.
Group Courses
This method of language learning has always been one of the most popular ones because at school we all take group classes in foreign languages. People trust in this system, and when adults need to learn a new foreign language, they look for group courses.
Pros of Group Courses
When we take a course, we expect to receive help on every step of the way. We have a teacher that explains the grammar and presents vocabulary, and it is great. Having a tutor that helps you in the process of learning is the advantage of group courses that is absent in other methods.
Besides, there is no other method that helps you develop your speaking skills as much as a group course. Every lesson you communicate with groupmates and the teacher can correct the mistakes. Moreover, the group course has a plan you will follow, so you will be disciplined and motivated. And, what is important, group courses are much cheaper than private lessons.
Cons of Group Courses
It often happens that some people make better progress than others. It causes the gap between groupmates, so the learning process becomes more difficult. If you are among low-performing students, you will not catch up with your leading groupmates, so your progress will become even slower. If you are among leading students, you will suffer from easy tasks that may hinder your progress.
There is also a problem with understanding the material during the lessons. Teachers have a plan they must follow, so they cannot devote a lot of time to explain something you don’t understand, especially if you are the only one having problems.
Films and Videos
This method of improving the skills in a foreign language holds the top spot now. People like watching films and videos on YouTube, and it is perfect when you can transform this activity into something useful.
Advantages
When you watch films, you practice the skills of listening, which are usually neglected during ordinary classes at school. You hear different accents and manners of talking, so it will be easier for you to understand natives. At the same time, you also watch the movement of actors’ mouths and can copy the way they pronounce difficult words and sounds.
Speech in films is always clear because editors correct all mistakes and professional actors articulate well. If you watch YouTube videos, you hear live speech and keep up with the latest changes in language. However, the most important advantage of this method is that you can combine a fun activity with learning, so you are never tired of studying.
Disadvantages
It is not easy to find films on the Internet for free, and not many people are ready to pay for video streaming services. It means that there are a lot of bootleg versions of films. By watching them, you damage the economy of many countries, as well as your learning process. If you need to watch a dubbed film, you cannot be sure that its translation was made by certified translation services, which means that you cannot be sure of the quality of language.
Furthermore, if you want to learn a language, you need to watch modern films, and since most people like rewatching old films, there is no sense in getting used to the outdated speech used there.
Applications
The last year has seen a significant growth in apps popularity. People have downloaded language learning apps more than they have downloaded Instagram in 2019!
Positive Sides
Applications are great for those who don’t have enough time to take a full-time course. You can complete the daily lessons at any time and at any place. Some apps require an Internet connection, but there are also offline ones.
This method is comparatively new, so the language presented in apps is modern. There are regular updates to the course materials in all applications.
Negative Sides
If you are not a disciplined person, it will be difficult for you to keep yourself going. There is no one to check your progress and motivate you to study, so you need to have a plan of studying and follow it.
Since you don’t have a teacher, you will have to understand all material by yourself. If you cannot get something, like a grammar rule, you will need to search the Internet for more information.
So, these were the three best affordable ways of language learning examined, and you are more aware of the methods you can use for learning a foreign language.