There are numerous ways to learn a language in this day and age. In the days before the Internet, everyone was taught at school or with a tutor at home. Now with the World Wide Web, the possibilities of learning languages have changed by leaps and bounds.
Here are the top 5 ways to learn:
- At university/college/school
- in a language school
- At home with a one-on-one tutor
- Use of online tutorials
- Use of language learning software
University/College/School
This is one of the most traditional methods of learning a language; you learn them as part of your formal education. These lessons are held in groups and typically have very little one-on-one interaction, however it can be the cheapest way to learn the language with the presence of a physical teacher. It also has an element of social interaction and you will be able to find many classmates who are studying the same language as you, this can lead to study groups which can help strengthen what you learn in class.
language schools
These institutions are there specifically for language learning, they specialize in a particular subject and are usually divided into multiple groups ranging from beginner to advanced level. These are a healthy alternative if you are not currently in formal education and want to learn, and tend to cost more than studying the language at university/college/school. You can also meet other students and form study groups here. Generally in these schools the classes are not usually as big as those of the university.
One-on-one registration
This is the most effective learning method as you have a physical teacher present who will tailor the lessons and learning experience to your individual needs. Unlike studying in a group, you’ll get the tutor’s full attention, and lessons can be taught in any method both student and teacher want. In fact, this is the fastest method of learning a language, as you can ask questions, get corrected if you’re doing something wrong, and have a personal tutor at your disposal.
online tutorials
There are numerous websites and YouTube tutorials on language learning, if you are someone with spare time and web savvy then this can work. This generally tends to be completely free apart from electricity and broadband costs. However, this method lacks the benefits of social interaction and one-on-one tutoring, but it is the cheapest and you can learn at your own pace and on your own time.
language learning software
There are numerous programs out there, including Rosetta Stone (which you’ve probably heard of). These are commercial and designed to teach you at your own pace and do not require the internet.
Choose the method that best suits you with your language learning experience!