8 Simple Social Media Hacks that will help you develop a new language
February 19, 2022 2022-05-23 11:278 Simple Social Media Hacks that will help you develop a new language
8 Simple Social Media Hacks that will help you develop a new language
It is common knowledge that social media has streamlined communication in the past decade. We have never been more connected from various points on the globe. When it comes to learning a new language, the digital world has revolutionised how we study and communicate.
Right now, you can meet someone in Germany, who has never left the country but has nine American friends through social media. It is easy to take this aspect of life for granted. People on average spend at least two hours a day on social media. We know how to use social media to make memes and take glamorous pictures but how can social media help enhance our ability to learn new languages?
- Facebook Groups
- Youtube/Spotify
- Netflix
- Create Content
- Set your apps to your target language
- Follow accounts in your target language
- Follow language learning accounts on social media
Facebook Groups
Facebook has a group feature where people who share similar goals or interests are invited to share their experiences, resources and network with each other. You can search for these groups by name and you can find an abundance of groups whose focus is learning another language. Regardless of what you want to learn, these groups can streamline your experience and provide online support where it may be lacking in your personal life.
With countless new learners and others at various stages of their language learning journey who are willing to support you, this is a convenient and inexpensive way to build a network while reducing the anxiety of learning a new language.
This is why subreddits such as ‘language learning‘ have over 100,000 users who want access to the years worth of content available to them. The best part about Reddit is that you are granted privacy and anonymity since you do not have to use your photo or personal information to create an account. You can get the most out of the resources and converse with fellow users without them having a scent of who you may be which may be appealing to new language learners.
Youtube/ Spotify
You don’t need much to get started either, even if you are struggling to pin down what you need, there are already countless playlists that allow you to take on your own journey. These platforms work best because they encourage you to actively recall what you hear or are listening to, which is the basis of storing a memory. Most importantly, they're free, easy to use and perfect to give yourself a boost when picking up new languages.
Netflix
Don't forget to use the subtitles to your advantage when learning your target language. For example, if you enjoy watching your Spanish soap operas dubbed, try watching with Spanish subtitles. See how you handle that then explore switching the audio to Spanish with English subtitles. Eventually, you will progress to Spanish audio with Spanish subtitles, this is a great method for those who don't have people to practice with and need to hear what they are learning consistently. So next time you are about to feel bad about a binge watching weekend, remember it is for a good cause.
Create Content
If you are anxious about displaying your new interest on your established social media account, don't be afraid to make a new one and completely dedicate it to learning and practicing this new language. You would be surprised at how easy it is to grow a small community through your interests by just putting yourself out there and letting those with similar interests come to you. This can look like making an Instagram post every now and then discussing the food you were impressed by or which attractive artist you are currently obsessed with within your target language. Create your own world for what you love and let new interests flourish, you won't regret it.
Setting App Languages
Changing the settings on an app to your target language can be an effective way to build on your vocabulary and challenge yourself on a daily basis. Even when downloading a new game or app, switching the language to Spanish or whatever language you want to learn keeps you on your toes. It requires you to try and use your prior knowledge to break down certain words repetitively.
If you already have struggles with reading comprehension or don’t always feel like picking up a textbook to practice, this method is a perfect way for you to put the time in without too much effort. Thanks to social media, you get to immerse yourself in your new language in a way that was previously impossible. If you want to prepare for a trip to a new country, this can see that you get the vocabulary down. It helps to have an understanding of instructional and direction based words that are commonly used on computer and phone applications.
Follow Accounts in your Target Language
The primary benefit of social media is its reach, particularly it is important that popular brands reach as much of their audience as possible. New Language learners benefit the most from this since you have the ability to completely take charge of your timeline to your target language.
Sports, news and entertainment apps with massive followings typically have “sister” versions of their accounts that display the same content that caters to audiences in different languages. This is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with not only the accounts but the community related to it. For example, Sky Sports Italia updates multiple times a day, for sports fans trying to learn Italian, something as simple as reading the comments is incredibly progressive for new learners. Social media has been built on exploring and expanding interests, use this to your advantage and let what you love lead you to fluency on your language journey.
Follow Language Learning Accounts on Social Media
Take advantage of the fact this information is displayed to educate above all and don't be pressured into feeling you have to purchase a subscription to learn effectively. Furthermore these social media accounts are ideal for beginners as they primarily post content which is easily digestible and appealing to potential first time language learners.
Conclusion
Using social media in a way that feeds you content to build your vocabulary and to test out your skills in a "real world" environment is in many ways more valuable than any book. Try to keep your goal in mind because as we all know, it's easy to wander off online. This way you can turn your free time into time well spent.
