#speakchinese

1. Listen and read along to understand Japanese better.

2. Record your voice and compare your pronunciation with native Japanese speakers.

3. Download dialog tracks and listen to the Japanese conversations.

4. Repeat the phrases that you hear out loud again and again.

5. Review old lessons to master them completely.

6. Improve your listening skills by reviewing each line of the conversation with the Line-by-Line Audio tool.

7. Stay motivated by tracking your learning progress with the Dashboard.

8. Read lines slowly at first. Then re-read and increase your speed.

9. Set small and measurable learning goals with a deadline.

1. Listen to a news report or a podcast in the target language then try to identify the topic of the report before reading about it. 

2. Join a conversation group.

3. Make yourself a study plan and establish a routine.

4. Watch movies in the language you are studying, especially on devices which you can use to repeat selected scenes.

5. Look for root words when listening to something.

6. Use the shadowing technique.

7. Practice listening to dictations.

8. Use the Internet; it is full of listening resources.

9. Watch the gestures of the speaker while you are listening.

10. Focus on the speaker, avoid any internal or external distractions.

11. Attempt to find a listening topic in which you are genuinely interested.

12. Listen to a native speaker and try to imitate their intonation and pronunciation.

13. Listen to music in your target language and pick out familiar words and phrases.

14. Listen to an audio dialogue without reading the text and write down what you hear.

First, It’s motivational

One of the greatest struggles for anyone learning a second language is motivation. Nine times out of ten, learners start out their language learning journey with loads of enthusiasm; only to see it gradually wane over time. Try as they may it’s difficult to maintain the spark they once shared with their new language.

So why not borrow energy from a different part of your life?

When you make relationships with people in your target language all the excitement of a new relationship carries directly over into your learning.

Second, It makes language learning practical

Studying vocabulary and grammar is a vital part of language learning whether you use a podcast, textbook, app, or find yourself in a classroom. However, as great as studying is, a language really only starts to come alive once you start using it in everyday life.

Building relationships with native speakers will give you the chance to talk in your target language often. Furthermore it will be in a way that feels natural. You’ll learn words in the context, which is hugely important.

Third, It's fun.

One of the greatest benefits is that it allows you practice without having it feel like practice.

Often times you’ll find yourself so wrapped up in the conversation that you forget you’re using a foreign language. This takes a lot of the pressure off, and helps you focus on communication over trying to speak absolutely perfectly.

You also get to learn about a whole new culture from your partner or friends so you are not only learning language skills but also about the cultures that surround your target language.

2. The risks of dating in a foreign language

First, It’s easy to miscommunicate

When it comes to relationships, people can easily misunderstand each other. So it can be hard when building relationships in your target language when you or your partner's lack of ability in each other’s respective native tongue can lead to miscommunications that would otherwise be avoidable.

Second, Your language skills could suffer if your relationships don't work out

If all your language practice is wrapped in one person, and your relationship with that person doesn’t work out, then your language learning could take a huge hit. So it's best not to put all your hopes for language growth on one area, relationship or otherwise. You don't want to risk losing motivation, so try to find it in many different areas.

3. An idea for building relationships in a foreign language

Make Games out of getting to know one another

Sometimes opening up in any relationship can be hard. Add in the added struggle of a new language and it can feel impossible to share your true feelings with others.

So instead of trying to take first interactions so seriously and talking about the usual things like the weather or work, try to ask new interesting questions.

Try to figure out what the other person's hobbies are without asking directly. Or what kind of job they have. This will give you a chance to stretch your language skills in a new way and you will probably get some funny answers out of it too. Being comfortable being silly or making language mistakes is a great way to bond with someone even if you have just met.

Relationships in a foreign language have a lot more benefits to offer than it does drawbacks. Don't be scared to open up to people and make mistakes.

And for even more help to build relationships in your target language, check out our complete language learning program. Sign up for your free lifetime account by clicking on the links above.