Language learning has always been a hot topic in the travel community. Is there a foolproof way to become fluent in a new language? Is it better and more respectful to try to speak a foreign language poorly or stick to English on a quick trip abroad? Will your halting attempts to speak a new language in a new city be met with impatient English responses? Megan Thee Stallion’s summer hit Mamushi featuring Yuki Chiba even had social media buzzing with the question “should Meg have attempted a Japanese accent on her Japanese verses or not tried to pretend and let her American accent be?”
Lately I’ve been inspired by my new favorite influencer to jump back into learning a second language. She goes by @ababyqueen on TikTok and @babyqueen2.002 on Instagram. When she suddenly stopped posting for a few days, even SZA was looking out for her, commenting with major concern on an August 31st Instagram post. With over half a million followers on Instagram, Babyqueen remains somewhat mysterious. She speaks French, English and Mandarin but never reveals her real name or where she is originally from. She lives in China, and her fluency in Mandarin impresses even the locals. I can’t get enough of her confidence, stories about daily life as a Black woman living in China and clever combination of sass when it comes to answering rude questions about her race, while also patiently educating those who are genuinely curious. So, I sat down with BTA’s Online Community Manager, Larissa Jennoit, for a conversation about how best to learn a second language. Larissa and I were both French minors and had lots to chat about. Here are six tips we came up with.
1. Immersion
Larissa: If possible, I believe this is the best way to learn a language. Go to a destination where they speak the language you would like to learn so you literally have to practice. By hearing it spoken all around you, you’ll subconsciously pick up on things and you’ll have to learn to think quickly on your feet to determine how you want to say something.
Makalah: Immersion also forces you to get creative. Don’t know the word for something? You might have the vocabulary to describe it to the person you’re speaking with. Then, when you learn the word at last, I guarantee you’ll never forget it. When I taught abroad in France, there was a stray cat my roommate and I fed every day. One day, I noticed a cut in its ear from its nightly prowls had become infected. I took it to the vet’s office but couldn’t remember how to say “injured”, instead I stuttered out “my cat’s ear is ruined!” I felt so silly but, I got the point across and once I learned that the French word for injured is blessé, I never forgot! Immersion will also teach you so much about a culture and its values – things you could never fully learn from a textbook.
2. Private Lessons
Larissa: Hire a tutor, either in-person or online, to have dedicated one-on-one time to learning your desired language. If choosing an online tutor, consider finding a tutor located in a country that speaks the language you’re learning. For example, if you’re wanting to learn Spanish, look into finding a tutor in Mexico or Spain.
3. Group Lessons
Larissa: Join a group class with a dedicated instructor. These might be more cost effective and it’ll give you a chance to practice with others who may (or may not) be at the same level as you.
Makalah: For French learners like Larissa and I, the Alliance Francaise has locations across the US and internationally. I love that they offer discovery classes where you can increase your vocabulary and learn about another country. I took “Discover Francophone Africa” and “Discover Senegal” online, and both were taught by African French teachers. You don’t have to stick to a Eurocenatric perspective!
4. Language Learning Apps
Larissa: There are so many different apps to learn a new language and/or improve a language you already know. Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are just a few that come to mind. Choose one (or multiple) and dedicate time each day for practicing the language.
Makalah: I’ve been loving Duolingo lately, my streak makes me feel so accomplished and they’ve added some really great features lately, including the ability for paid users to “video chat” with a Duolingo character for practice.
5. Language Club
Larissa: Get a group of friends together and create an informal language club. Like a book club or dinner club, meet on a regular basis with the emphasis on practicing your language skills. Choose a topic ahead of time so those who want to practice before meeting have the opportunity. Discuss your week, the news, the weather, etc. Whatever you want to talk about, do so – just make sure it’s in the language you’re learning and help each other figure out how to say certain words/phrases.
6. Watch, Read, and Listen to media in your target language
Makalah: This one can feel daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Start by reading a children’s book in the new language you’re learning or watching a video on YouTube. Those visuals will provide great context for words and phrases you don’t understand. Often, our reading comprehension might surpass our ability to speak and listen, so subtitles can help you understand. Later you might advance to reading short articles or watching tv shows.
The most important thing I can say is keep at it and don’t give up. You may feel like you’re not making progress, but every bit of practice counts. Even if you don’t feel confident speaking a second (or third) language, knowing a few words or being able to read a road sign could really get you out of a tough spot. More importantly, you’ll be able to go beyond the surface and really learn about another culture. Wondering where to travel to put those language skills to the test and looking for inspiration? Check out our roundup of 25 Black Travel Groups to Follow on Instagram.
