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For any language learners out there, my method of learning to communicate quite freely in two foreign languages in adulthood has been going to bars, and asking

For any language learners out there, my method of learning to communicate quite freely in two foreign languages in adulthood has been going to bars, and asking tipsy strangers in very friendly ways about words, such as on the menu, or something you’re wondering about. Let them be the expert they are. You must enjoy learning and sounding like an idiot for a couple of years. I’ve done courses, Duolingo etc, self study books, spaced repetition cards, and watched a lot of TV. But nothing has beat bars, or having roommates who don’t speak English (or my native language).

mabub24 5y ago
This is similar for me, though with language meetups or literally just paying someone to talk with me in the language I want to learn. Nothing beats seeing the language used as a living thing, as a part of human behavior within a form of life. Immersion, in person, is also essential for understanding the ways that people speak in a language, all the different connotations and tricks to words. Also, jokes. Attempting to tell jokes in a 2nd language, and also getting a laugh out of people (perhaps at you, but same feeling) is really rewarding feeling. I often tell people to start trying to tell jokes in a 2nd language right away. It immediately gives you a sense of play in the language and jokes are often direct references to common human experience. In a way, a lot of jokes are universal.