UFN Inverno 2015

How to learn a foreign language on a budget
You don’t need expensive lessons to start – try smartphone apps, foreign TV and radio, online guides and your local library

Kerstin Hammes
Wednesday 18 February 2015

You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the value of learning another language.

[1] While the benefits that come from learning a second
language may in theory be priceless, many are put off by
visions of shelling out huge amounts on expensive
resources, tuition or immersion courses. The good news
[5] is that it is actually possible to learn on a budget. Here are
a few tips for spending less and learning more:
Start online
Many new language learners now start with
smartphone apps like Duolingo and Memrise which are
[10] free. These apps start you off with vocabulary and basic
sentences in minutes, and their game-like interface is
ideal for anyone whose last contact with a foreign
language was a terrifying oral school exam. But you
should also make sure that you get plenty of natural input
[15] in your target language. Tune in to international radio
stations on TuneIn Radio. (…)
Where to get materials for free
For real results, a step-by-step course will help you
build up skills. If you like online learning, my best tip is
[20] to check out whether your target country’s international
TV or radio channel offers a structured language course.
These courses are produced by broadcasting
professionals and offer well-designed courses going from
beginner to advanced level. They feature multimedia
[25] materials and even soap operas from big names like
Deutsche Welle, TV5 Monde and Russia Today. If you
prefer materials aimed at English native speakers, the
BBC’s GCSE Revision area Bitesize has some of the
most effective online revision aids I have seen for Irish,
[30] Welsh, French, Spanish, and German. (…) Don’t forget
that pen and paper are also cheap and invaluable language
learning tools. Use them to keep track of new words,

write down new sentences in full and create your own
flash cards. (…)It’s also a good idea to visit your local
[35] library and let them surprise you. Libraries have access
to a large inter-library loan network, so they can get hold
of most courses you want. They also have huge amounts
of travel guides and phrasebooks to keep you inspired.
Share your goal with others
[40] The internet has good enough resources to let you
achieve a decent level in most languages from the
comfort of your home, but for many of us, learning in
isolation is difficult and boring. Even if it’s scary to walk
into a new room of language lovers, leave the house and
[45] connect with other learners right from the start. Making
just one friend who shares your goal or interest in another
language can make the difference between a fad that you
drop after 12 weeks and a new habit for life. (…)
Spend only where it pays off
[50] If you do decide to take your language learning
further, consider investing in small group or one-to-one
tuition. When you hire a language teacher, the money you
spend should buy you unrivalled personal attention. The
accountability that comes with lessons creates a boost of
[55] ongoing motivation that is almost impossible to find for
free.
Most private tutors will offer you a free or cheap trial
lesson. These don’t mean there is a hidden obligation to
buy. Instead, a good tutor will want to learn as much as
[60] possible about you before charging you money. They are
all different and what is simple and comfortable for one
person might be difficult for the next. (…) Once you get
started, it’s easy to get past the idea that studying a
foreign language comes with a big financial burden.
[65] Remember to take your time and think of your new
language as something you will be learning for life, not
just for the next six months. There is only one way to fail
at language learning, and that is to stop completely.
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/feb/18/learn-foreign-languagebudget-app-online-library (Adapted).