SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 14
Download to read offline
Learning a new skill in 1 week
Technology has made language learning easier so far. You
probably agree with this if you use Duolingo to learn foreign
languages, translate texts with Google Translate, or watch movies
on Netflix to practice your language skills. However, sometimes
these “common” uses of technology aren’t the most effective ways
to learn a foreign language. I worked in the tech industry and
tested many apps, so I know this firsthand. So before Elon Musk
makes language learning obsolete, I’ll show you 5 ways to improve
how you use technology to learn a second language
Detailed explanation : https://uii.io/MotivationForEveryone
1.Youtube beats Netflix in language learning
Have you wondered why you easily get lost and miss the jokes
when watching most Netflix shows in a foreign language? It’s
simple, most movies and TV shows contain background noise, and
actors tend to slur words and speak quietly in some scenes. You
already experienced this if you had to turn up the volume when
watching Netflix in your native language. This is why YouTube is
way better than Netflix —most YouTubers often make videos at
home or in the quietest place possible. This clean audio is key to
understand native speakers painlessly.
Also, if you’re tired of the lack of Netflix’s original or dubbed
content in the language you’re learning, I have good news! You
can find countless videos in almost any language on YouTube. On
top of that, all YouTube videos include automatic captions thanks
to Youtube’s machine learning algorithms. As someone who can
fluently speak Spanish and Portuguese, I can say that this
algorithm does an amazing job creating automatic captions in
romance languages.
To turn on automatic captions, just click the setting icon and then
click “Subtitles/CC.” It works for both mobile and computer.
Screenshot YouTube video options
In the beginning, it might be hard to engage with a YouTuber
speaking in a foreign language, but it’s completely worth it! The
best part is that the more you engage with videos in a
foreign language on YouTube, the more foreign channels
the algorithm will recommend on suggested videos and
the home feed, so you’ll be tempted to keep watching
content in foreign languages! My YouTube homepage is full
of videos in Spanish, English, and Russian!
2. Online Dictionaries and Reverso Context
beat Google Translate
Dictionaries help increase our vocabulary in any language, and,
unlike translators, they show the multiple definitions a word has.
However, online dictionaries are much better because they have a
recording of people in different accents reading any word you
want.
For example, SpanishDict has recordings of words in Spanish
from Spain and Latin America. Thanks to this, you will learn the
meaning of a new word and also the correct pronunciation.
SpanishDict (translation of computer)
On the other hand, If you would like to take word translation to
the next level, you should try “translation in context”
apps/websites like Reverso Context. Apart from showing the
possible translations of a word, Reverso also presents examples
for each translation, so you can identify the meaning of a word
based on context. To show you how it works, let’s imagine you’re
watching La Casa de Papel (Money heist) and you hear the
expression “se te va la olla,” which is widely used in Spain.
If you use Google Translate, you’ll get “the pot is gone,” which
doesn’t have anything to do with the meaning of the original
phrase. If you Reverso instead, you’ll get different suggestions for
the translation with examples, so you can see how the word is
used in context.
Reverso Context
Thanks to Reverso Context, now we know that “se te va la olla”
means “you are nuts.” in some contexts.
Another great tool is Cooljugator. This is a free online verb
conjugator that works in over 40 languages and comes in handy
when you’re having a hard time learning conjugations of verbs or
word declension
3. Language exchange apps beat social media
Have you ever felt bad after spending hours talking with friends or
chatting on social media? Well, if you download a language
exchange app, you won’t feel bad anymore!
Language exchange apps such as HelloTalk and Tandem will help
you connect with native speakers so you can either chat (to
practice your reading and writing skills) or have a call (to practice
your listening and speaking skills). Every time you chat with a
language partner, remind yourself that you’re doing it because you
want to practice and improve your language skills. In this way,
you can say you’re investing your time in education instead of
wasting it on entertainment.
In case you feel you’re not ready to practice with native speakers,
you can start by interacting with a voice assistant like Siri (I show
you how to change Siri’s language in #5) or with chatbot apps.
4. Audiobooks and e-books beat printed books
There’s a big debate about whether e-books or printed books are
better. When it comes to language learning, I have no doubts that
reading on screen and/or listening to an audiobook is more
beneficial for language learning than reading on paper.
For example, you can quickly look up the meaning of a new word
on an e-book — you don’t even need to close the iBooks app on
your Mac/iPhone. You just need to install the dictionary in the
language you want, and then every time you find a new word, it’s
enough to tap on it to find the translation and meaning.
Learning a new skill in 1 week
Image by author — Install Dictionary (iPhone)
Audiobooks are also better than books because they give the
correct pronunciation of words, which is better than guessing how
a word sounds in a foreign language. Things get better if you
combine your e-book and audiobook because you get immersion
reading, which increases reading comprehension. I give more
details about this method in the article below.
5. Set your iPhone/Mac/Pc to use the
foreign language
You should only change your device's language if
you’re familiar with the interface and the location of
important buttons; otherwise, you’ll get a headache
trying to figure out how your phone or computer
works.
By changing the language, you will often come
across new vocabulary when using your device. You
can do this on an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch by
going to General, Language & Region, and iPhone
Language. But if you want to change Siri’s language,
you need to go to Siri & Search.
I don’t switch languages on my MacBook because I
often use it for work. But I do change the language
on some websites I use for entertainment, like
YouTube. I also manage two browsers (Safari and
Chrome), so I change the language of 1 browser,
while the other remains with the same language.
That being said, you can check how to change the
language of the whole system on macOS and
Windows.
Note: I didn’t include flashcards because I already
covered that topic in many articles I wrote, but if
you’d like to know how to use flashcards for
language learning, check the article where I explain
how I learned a language by reading Game of
Thrones and using flashcard or the one below with
the same approach but with Duolingo.
Detailed explanation : https://uii.io/MotivationForEveryone
Credit to : https://medium.com/

More Related Content

What's hot

How to get the Right Translation
How to get the Right TranslationHow to get the Right Translation
How to get the Right TranslationSourabh
 
Rocket Japanese Review
Rocket Japanese ReviewRocket Japanese Review
Rocket Japanese ReviewRobRosen2739
 
Multimediapresentations
MultimediapresentationsMultimediapresentations
Multimediapresentationssjdc777
 
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon Alexa
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon AlexaMulti Modal Voice Development with Amazon Alexa
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon AlexaRalf Eggert
 
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL jonmeier
 
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile Video
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile VideoEducating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile Video
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile VideoJennifer Navarrete
 
Stretching your brain the challenge of translation
Stretching your brain   the challenge of translationStretching your brain   the challenge of translation
Stretching your brain the challenge of translationCarmen Cabrera Alvarez
 
Translation: Getting it Right
Translation: Getting it RightTranslation: Getting it Right
Translation: Getting it RightSFM Traduction
 

What's hot (10)

How to get the Right Translation
How to get the Right TranslationHow to get the Right Translation
How to get the Right Translation
 
Rocket Japanese Review
Rocket Japanese ReviewRocket Japanese Review
Rocket Japanese Review
 
Multimediapresentations
MultimediapresentationsMultimediapresentations
Multimediapresentations
 
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon Alexa
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon AlexaMulti Modal Voice Development with Amazon Alexa
Multi Modal Voice Development with Amazon Alexa
 
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL
Online tools to promote pupil autonomy in MFL
 
Traductor u
Traductor uTraductor u
Traductor u
 
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile Video
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile VideoEducating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile Video
Educating for Success Home Business Conference - Mobile Video
 
Stretching your brain the challenge of translation
Stretching your brain   the challenge of translationStretching your brain   the challenge of translation
Stretching your brain the challenge of translation
 
poshliving-identity-round2
poshliving-identity-round2poshliving-identity-round2
poshliving-identity-round2
 
Translation: Getting it Right
Translation: Getting it RightTranslation: Getting it Right
Translation: Getting it Right
 

Similar to Learning a new skill in 1 week

10 Best Ways of Improving English Level
10 Best Ways of Improving English Level10 Best Ways of Improving English Level
10 Best Ways of Improving English LevelSoftheme
 
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-timeAlin Codrut
 
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-timeLong Thành Hưng
 
Top Language Learning Podcasts and Apps
Top Language Learning Podcasts and AppsTop Language Learning Podcasts and Apps
Top Language Learning Podcasts and AppsLive Lingua
 
How To Curse In French
How To Curse In FrenchHow To Curse In French
How To Curse In FrenchLive Lingua
 
Esl Made Simple.final
Esl Made Simple.finalEsl Made Simple.final
Esl Made Simple.finalrgermosen
 
Rose, Taylor Conjugation
Rose, Taylor Conjugation Rose, Taylor Conjugation
Rose, Taylor Conjugation Taylor Rose
 
5 keys to becoming Fluent
5 keys to becoming Fluent5 keys to becoming Fluent
5 keys to becoming FluentOscar Fabian
 
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdf
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdfHow to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdf
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdfChloe Cheney
 
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdf
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdfOUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdf
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdfisarevi
 
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking SkillsWizdom Academy
 
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to help
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to helpLearning English Pronuciation Tips to help
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to helpAnna Smith
 
How to practise your english speaking
How to practise your english speakingHow to practise your english speaking
How to practise your english speakingEngVarta
 

Similar to Learning a new skill in 1 week (20)

10 Best Ways of Improving English Level
10 Best Ways of Improving English Level10 Best Ways of Improving English Level
10 Best Ways of Improving English Level
 
Call task 3
Call task 3Call task 3
Call task 3
 
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
 
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
12 rules-to-learn-languages-in-record-time
 
Top Language Learning Podcasts and Apps
Top Language Learning Podcasts and AppsTop Language Learning Podcasts and Apps
Top Language Learning Podcasts and Apps
 
Duolingo
DuolingoDuolingo
Duolingo
 
ESOL Apps
ESOL AppsESOL Apps
ESOL Apps
 
How To Curse In French
How To Curse In FrenchHow To Curse In French
How To Curse In French
 
Call( review an app)
Call( review an app)Call( review an app)
Call( review an app)
 
Esl Made Simple.final
Esl Made Simple.finalEsl Made Simple.final
Esl Made Simple.final
 
Web 2
Web 2Web 2
Web 2
 
Chatmunk
ChatmunkChatmunk
Chatmunk
 
Rose, Taylor Conjugation
Rose, Taylor Conjugation Rose, Taylor Conjugation
Rose, Taylor Conjugation
 
5 keys to becoming Fluent
5 keys to becoming Fluent5 keys to becoming Fluent
5 keys to becoming Fluent
 
Review Nemo
Review NemoReview Nemo
Review Nemo
 
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdf
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdfHow to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdf
How to Improve your English Speaking Skills.pdf
 
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdf
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdfOUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdf
OUR STUDY APPS_23-24.pdf
 
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills
10 Proven Tips to Enhance your IELTS Speaking Skills
 
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to help
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to helpLearning English Pronuciation Tips to help
Learning English Pronuciation Tips to help
 
How to practise your english speaking
How to practise your english speakingHow to practise your english speaking
How to practise your english speaking
 

Recently uploaded

Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Will Schroeder
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintMahmoud Rabie
 
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.YounusS2
 
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1DianaGray10
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfinfogdgmi
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?IES VE
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7DianaGray10
 
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...Aggregage
 
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve Decarbonization
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve DecarbonizationUsing IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve Decarbonization
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve DecarbonizationIES VE
 
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Brian Pichman
 
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)Commit University
 
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdf
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdf
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfJamie (Taka) Wang
 
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBX
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBXVoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBX
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBXTarek Kalaji
 
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfIaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfDaniel Santiago Silva Capera
 
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UbiTrack UK
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024SkyPlanner
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...DianaGray10
 
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity Webinar
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity WebinarAI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity Webinar
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity WebinarPrecisely
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
Apres-Cyber - The Data Dilemma: Bridging Offensive Operations and Machine Lea...
 
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership BlueprintEmpowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
Empowering Africa's Next Generation: The AI Leadership Blueprint
 
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
Basic Building Blocks of Internet of Things.
 
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
UiPath Platform: The Backend Engine Powering Your Automation - Session 1
 
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdfVideogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
Videogame localization & technology_ how to enhance the power of translation.pdf
 
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
How Accurate are Carbon Emissions Projections?
 
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
UiPath Studio Web workshop series - Day 7
 
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
The Data Metaverse: Unpacking the Roles, Use Cases, and Tech Trends in Data a...
 
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve Decarbonization
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve DecarbonizationUsing IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve Decarbonization
Using IESVE for Loads, Sizing and Heat Pump Modeling to Achieve Decarbonization
 
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
Building Your Own AI Instance (TBLC AI )
 
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)
Crea il tuo assistente AI con lo Stregatto (open source python framework)
 
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdf
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdf
activity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdfactivity_diagram_combine_v4_20190827.pdf
 
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBX
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBXVoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBX
VoIP Service and Marketing using Odoo and Asterisk PBX
 
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdfIaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
IaC & GitOps in a Nutshell - a FridayInANuthshell Episode.pdf
 
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
UWB Technology for Enhanced Indoor and Outdoor Positioning in Physiological M...
 
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
Salesforce Miami User Group Event - 1st Quarter 2024
 
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
Connector Corner: Extending LLM automation use cases with UiPath GenAI connec...
 
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity Webinar
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity WebinarAI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity Webinar
AI You Can Trust - Ensuring Success with Data Integrity Webinar
 
20150722 - AGV
20150722 - AGV20150722 - AGV
20150722 - AGV
 
20230104 - machine vision
20230104 - machine vision20230104 - machine vision
20230104 - machine vision
 

Learning a new skill in 1 week

  • 1. Learning a new skill in 1 week Technology has made language learning easier so far. You probably agree with this if you use Duolingo to learn foreign languages, translate texts with Google Translate, or watch movies on Netflix to practice your language skills. However, sometimes these “common” uses of technology aren’t the most effective ways to learn a foreign language. I worked in the tech industry and tested many apps, so I know this firsthand. So before Elon Musk makes language learning obsolete, I’ll show you 5 ways to improve how you use technology to learn a second language Detailed explanation : https://uii.io/MotivationForEveryone
  • 2. 1.Youtube beats Netflix in language learning Have you wondered why you easily get lost and miss the jokes when watching most Netflix shows in a foreign language? It’s simple, most movies and TV shows contain background noise, and actors tend to slur words and speak quietly in some scenes. You already experienced this if you had to turn up the volume when watching Netflix in your native language. This is why YouTube is way better than Netflix —most YouTubers often make videos at home or in the quietest place possible. This clean audio is key to understand native speakers painlessly. Also, if you’re tired of the lack of Netflix’s original or dubbed content in the language you’re learning, I have good news! You
  • 3. can find countless videos in almost any language on YouTube. On top of that, all YouTube videos include automatic captions thanks to Youtube’s machine learning algorithms. As someone who can fluently speak Spanish and Portuguese, I can say that this algorithm does an amazing job creating automatic captions in romance languages. To turn on automatic captions, just click the setting icon and then click “Subtitles/CC.” It works for both mobile and computer.
  • 4. Screenshot YouTube video options In the beginning, it might be hard to engage with a YouTuber speaking in a foreign language, but it’s completely worth it! The best part is that the more you engage with videos in a foreign language on YouTube, the more foreign channels the algorithm will recommend on suggested videos and the home feed, so you’ll be tempted to keep watching content in foreign languages! My YouTube homepage is full of videos in Spanish, English, and Russian!
  • 5. 2. Online Dictionaries and Reverso Context beat Google Translate Dictionaries help increase our vocabulary in any language, and, unlike translators, they show the multiple definitions a word has. However, online dictionaries are much better because they have a recording of people in different accents reading any word you want. For example, SpanishDict has recordings of words in Spanish from Spain and Latin America. Thanks to this, you will learn the meaning of a new word and also the correct pronunciation.
  • 6. SpanishDict (translation of computer) On the other hand, If you would like to take word translation to the next level, you should try “translation in context” apps/websites like Reverso Context. Apart from showing the possible translations of a word, Reverso also presents examples for each translation, so you can identify the meaning of a word based on context. To show you how it works, let’s imagine you’re watching La Casa de Papel (Money heist) and you hear the expression “se te va la olla,” which is widely used in Spain.
  • 7. If you use Google Translate, you’ll get “the pot is gone,” which doesn’t have anything to do with the meaning of the original phrase. If you Reverso instead, you’ll get different suggestions for the translation with examples, so you can see how the word is used in context.
  • 8. Reverso Context Thanks to Reverso Context, now we know that “se te va la olla” means “you are nuts.” in some contexts. Another great tool is Cooljugator. This is a free online verb conjugator that works in over 40 languages and comes in handy when you’re having a hard time learning conjugations of verbs or word declension
  • 9. 3. Language exchange apps beat social media Have you ever felt bad after spending hours talking with friends or chatting on social media? Well, if you download a language exchange app, you won’t feel bad anymore! Language exchange apps such as HelloTalk and Tandem will help you connect with native speakers so you can either chat (to practice your reading and writing skills) or have a call (to practice your listening and speaking skills). Every time you chat with a language partner, remind yourself that you’re doing it because you want to practice and improve your language skills. In this way, you can say you’re investing your time in education instead of wasting it on entertainment. In case you feel you’re not ready to practice with native speakers, you can start by interacting with a voice assistant like Siri (I show you how to change Siri’s language in #5) or with chatbot apps.
  • 10. 4. Audiobooks and e-books beat printed books There’s a big debate about whether e-books or printed books are better. When it comes to language learning, I have no doubts that reading on screen and/or listening to an audiobook is more beneficial for language learning than reading on paper. For example, you can quickly look up the meaning of a new word on an e-book — you don’t even need to close the iBooks app on your Mac/iPhone. You just need to install the dictionary in the language you want, and then every time you find a new word, it’s enough to tap on it to find the translation and meaning.
  • 12. Image by author — Install Dictionary (iPhone) Audiobooks are also better than books because they give the correct pronunciation of words, which is better than guessing how a word sounds in a foreign language. Things get better if you combine your e-book and audiobook because you get immersion reading, which increases reading comprehension. I give more details about this method in the article below. 5. Set your iPhone/Mac/Pc to use the foreign language You should only change your device's language if you’re familiar with the interface and the location of important buttons; otherwise, you’ll get a headache trying to figure out how your phone or computer works.
  • 13. By changing the language, you will often come across new vocabulary when using your device. You can do this on an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch by going to General, Language & Region, and iPhone Language. But if you want to change Siri’s language, you need to go to Siri & Search. I don’t switch languages on my MacBook because I often use it for work. But I do change the language on some websites I use for entertainment, like YouTube. I also manage two browsers (Safari and Chrome), so I change the language of 1 browser, while the other remains with the same language. That being said, you can check how to change the language of the whole system on macOS and Windows.
  • 14. Note: I didn’t include flashcards because I already covered that topic in many articles I wrote, but if you’d like to know how to use flashcards for language learning, check the article where I explain how I learned a language by reading Game of Thrones and using flashcard or the one below with the same approach but with Duolingo. Detailed explanation : https://uii.io/MotivationForEveryone Credit to : https://medium.com/