Language Learning Tips and Tricks

Dearest Bookworms,

Or I suppose I should be saying Aspiring Polyglots and Bilinguals since todays post is about langauge learning!

NYC is home to many languages (over 800 languages actually) and while you probably can't learn all 800, you can definitely manage one or two! We at the library are big advocates for learning and by polling the collective mindhive that is BPL employees I have compiled a handy list of tips, tricks, and library resources (obvi) that can help you in your language journey (whether thats starting something new or brushing up on one you already know!)

At The Library

Language Learning Databases: One of the perks of having a library card is that you can use them to access databases. At BPL we offer Mango Languages, Transparent Language, and Rosetta Stone (but for that you have to be on site at New Utrecht and Central). 

Library Programs: Every now and then someone at the library will offer a language learning program. But even if there isn't a program, you can always use the library as a spot to meet up with a language buddy in order to practice. Programs like K-pop Party and Anime Clubs are a good chance to expose yourself to another to another language and meet people with a shared interest in your target language. It would provide you with scheduled time/day to do some of the techniques we talk about in the rest of the post. 

Media

One of the best ways to absorb language is by incorporating it into your daily routine. TV Shows, TikTok, Youtube, Cartoons, Movies- all of these are ways you can incorporate your target language during your wind down time. You will need to engage your active listening skills because you really need to pay attention to the language (how the words are being said, in what context, the way a sentence is placed together). In addition to actively listening, parroting is another way to absorb what you are hearing. It may feel silly to be randomly repeating words but I promise it does help with retention. 

I find Children's speech development shows on YouTube very helpful (Bao Bei Chinese is the one I watch with my morning coffee), there are also people who do Slow Language Vlogs and with streaming platforms branching out into creating media in more languages there are plenty of options!

Audio

Alongside media, music and podcasts are very easy to incorporate into your daily routine, especially in NYC where commuting can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Curating a playlist in your target language that is fun and vibey is a great way to learn more vocabulary, hear different voices, dialects and accents, and generally can be enjoyed on repeat. The music can range from childrens songs, modern pop music, more classic music and even opera if thats your jam. 

There is a plethora of podcasts to choose from. While the obvious option is picking one that is designated to language learning (maybe something that teaches you phrases, grammar or sentence structure) you can also really pick anything in your target language. 

To round out our section on Audio, an audiobook!! The library offers a digital library of audiobooks available for checkout (you can use a desktop or Libby). The great thing with audiobooks is that the speed can be adjusted, so if you are working on your listening comphrension you can slow down the speed of the narrator. While this method of language learning may require more active listening than listening to music, it is another great way to absorb how the language is spoken (Cadence, intonation, and inflection). 

Reading

 We all knew this suggestion was coming (lets be real, its a library blog). The library offers numerous books in a variety of languages for every skill level, in a variety of formats (novels, comics, baby books). 

A Polyglot on TikTok (@eylulnim) in a recent language study video and mentioned that her favorite unhinged way to study German is reading Celebrity Gossip Articles. Whether it's a baby book, a duo language book or a gossip magazine the Library has a pretty good selection. 

In addition to physical materials, the library offers eBooks and Magazine Databases (Press Reader being a recommended one) that can be used for that reading comprehension practice. 

Speaking

Speaking a language is arguably the only way to get better at it. Being able to speak will help you take all of the grammar and theory you are learning and actually apply it. If you do not have a language buddy to practice with (either someone who is learning the same language or who is a native speaker) then here are some other ways you can incorporate speaking into your day. 

• Ordering food: NYC has so many delicious and tasty food spots it would be hard to not find somewhere you feel comfortable practicing. Currently I practice ordering in Mandarin at my local bakery, I also thank the cashier at my local chinese market at the end of my transactions. While I am not using a very large vocabulary for these interactions, I am benefiting from the repetition of saying the same few things and also gaining confidence to try out a new word. 
• Switch your internal/external monologue: Talking to yourself is something we all do, so why not do it in your target language. Think about the things you said throughout the day and try to translate/narrate. You can do this with your internal monologue as well and then write down the vocabulary you are missing, phrases you need to know. 
• Counting: This is a small thing you can switch over but can be helpful (especially if the number system is not as straight forward). 
• Sight Reading (out-loud): Finding yourself a childrens book (maybe a read aloud if you like having an audio accompaniment) and reading the words out loud can help you gain some confidence and familiarity. I like to do this with a Mandarin Song Book, I go back and forth between reading the song out loud and listening to the song to correct my pronounciation. 

Writing

We have finally reached writing! If you are praciticing writing in your target language (not everyone wants to learn how to write, sometimes the priority is just being able to speak a few phrases to get by) here are some helpful practice tips: 

Kids workbooks: If you can find them in your target language they can be very helpful. Much like the childrens books, the language is much simplier and an easier starting point. This will be especially helpful for languages that don't use a romanized alphabet (think Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and more).

Journaling: Much like switching your internal/external monologue, try journaling in your target language. If you do not already journal this may not be feel the most natural in the beginning but over time it can become fun and help expand your vocabulary (bonus points if you are reading out loud as you write). 

Sharp Pencil and Wide Lines: When practicing writing using a sharp pencil and a wide rule notebook. The wide rule will allow you to write bigger and read it back, while the sharp pencil means you can erase mistakes (espcially if you are making small strokes).

Learn the Alphabet ASAP: Learning the Alphabet (through a combination of all the methods of learning we discussed) will help build the foundation for your learning and help you in the long run. Learning the sounds, what they look like, and special cases (like the double L in spanish "¿Cómo se llama?"). 

Got any advice you want to share? Leave a comment for other aspiring language learners to read!

Sincerly,

Your Friendly Neighborhood Librarian,

Katrina