Sure, you can diligently memorize vocabulary lists or practice saying phrases you’ll never use. But if you’re trying to improve your language skills before visiting somewhere, you have more creative options. Try these ideas to get a handle on the language before heading out.
Join a Meetup group. Meetup.com is a great way to connect with others who want to practice their conversation skills and to meet with people who are willing to converse with you in their native tongue. Best of all, it’s free.
Listen to music. Jamming to tunes from the country you’re visiting helps your ear begin to recognize the sounds, while looking up the translated lyrics can help you learn new vocabulary. Plus, you’ll be culturally in-the-know when you arrive. Sites like Songza make it easy to find music from different regions.
Watch TV. Really! Being exposed to the sounds of the language at a normal speed — and not super slow like is often taught in classes — is great to help your ear start recognizing sounds and words. If possible, watch kids’ shows or soap operas. Thanks to the exaggerated acting, these both have storylines that are easy-to-follow, whether you understand what’s being said or not. Netflix and Hulu both have a decent selection of foreign language entertainment.
Look up common phrases for you. While some phrases are always useful to know (“Hello,” “thank you,” “please” and “where is the bathroom?” come to mind), practice words and phrases that will help you. For example, if you’re a vegetarian, it’s good to know how to ask if there is meat in a dish. But it’s even better if you can learn how to read and say the words to chicken, beef and pork, too. This type of word association will stick in your mind better and expand your vocabulary at the same time.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Destinations / Europe
Nov 20, 2024Where to Find the Best Stargazing Spots in Ireland
This year, the Northern Lights put on quite the display across Ireland, but don’t think these lights are the only thing you can see in Ireland. In fact, many spots across the country provide some of the best opportunities to stargaze thanks to low levels of light pollution. Ireland has three International Dark Sky Parks and even more spots which, although not accredited, are worth a visit for anyone wishing to see the sky in its unfiltered form.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024A New Ritz-Carlton Comes to Cancún
After a hiatus, The Ritz-Carlton brand is coming back to Cancún, with the 2027 opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Cancún, Punta Nizuc.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Hotel
Nov 19, 2024Hilton, Universal Pictures Debut Suite Inspired by Wicked
Hilton and Universal Pictures invite fans of Wicked to indulge in a spellbinding stay in a new, spectacular themed suite. From Nov. 21–Jan. 5, travelers can ‘Stay Like’ Wicked at New York Hilton Midtown.
ShareThis