Learning a new language is only useful if you use it. But let’s say you don’t have plans to go abroad anytime soon. How can you use your new language in your own neighborhood?
1. Seek out a [French, Japanese, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, etc.] Restaurant
It’s not always a guarantee that those who work in a restaurant representing a certain cuisine will necessarily speak the language or even want to practice it with you, but if you become a regular, they’ll certainly open up to your attempts. You’ll also get great exposure to food terms via the menu, and open yourself to the cultural experience of a foreign cuisine.
2. Search Facebook for neighborhood language groups
There may be a group of people in your community who are learning the language, or expats looking for someone to speak with in their language. Native speaker practice is necessary practice, so finding this groups in your community can be essential to regular practice.
3. Ask at your library for language groups
Librarians are a great resource with a wealth of information on groups in the neighborhood, including sometimes even hosting language practice groups themselves. Visit your local library and ask if they have anything in place or any more information on language groups in your community.
4. Start a Meetup
Sometimes you have to take the initiative yourself and start a group in your community. Set monthly meetings and invite others who are practicing the language or expats who want to come and talk about their home. This works especially well for small language communities in big cities and big language communities in small cities. Meet at a restaurant, bar, or someone’s house for a potluck dinner to get your group going, and make a promise to each other to try to only speak in the language the group is focused on.
5. Visit language communities
You’d be surprised to learn how many expat communities you’d find in your neighborhood. Ask around to see if there’s a Chinatown or a Little Istanbul nearby where you can visit shops and restaurants and give your language a trial run. Keep in mind however that expat communities from countries with multiple languages may not speak the language you’re learning. In New York City’s Chinatown, for example, the dominant language is not Mandarin, but Cantonese. Then again, if you’ve been studying your Mandarin hard enough, you’ll quickly recognize the difference!
Ready to start practicing at home? Sign up for an online language course now.