Not everyone emigrates to countries where English, French or Spanish are spoken, which tend to be the languages closest to us. Often they are also learned in school. And even though working environments are increasingly international and English is the most used language, many expats are confronted with need to learn a difficult language.
According to the latest data published by the Migrantes Foundation, it is the Germany the favorite destination for Italians who emigrate, followed by the United Kingdom, Switzerland and France. And then from South America and North-Central America. The other continents are in the minority, but there are some countries, such as i Arab countries, which attract foreign workers with the excellent salaries and benefits they offer. Me too'Northern Europe it is the destination of our compatriots, as well as the emerging economies. German, Danish, Swedish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian: these are all languages that are far from Italian, but some of us have to deal with them. The difficulty derives from several factors, including the great difference with our language in terms of vocabulary and, in some cases, even grammar.
Learning a difficult language: my experience
When I moved to the UK I thought I knew English quite well. I had studied it in school (since elementary school). I had done two study holidays between England and Ireland, an intercultural exchange, several trips to English-speaking countries. And also an intensive language course in the months before leaving. Yet comparing myself with the natives I immediately realized that ... I did not understand! My language skills, which I judged to be good, were in fact insufficient.
This little personal anecdote aims to convey a message. Arriving in a foreign country is a small shock, on a linguistic level certainly (and also for many other aspects). And this is all the more true for languages that are not learned in school and with which one is not at all familiar. Below you will find some advice that served me.
Learning a difficult language: there is no single method of study
In my opinion, to learn a new language it is necessary to do a course. Here you will be able to compare yourself with a teacher, first of all. Then you will be able to deepen all aspects of the language, including grammar. As boring as it may sound, you will soon see how solid grammar will be essential when you want to speak or write and risk getting stuck. At the course you have to though combine a personal study. And that doesn't just mean doing the exercises or studying the manual. But reading books and newspapers, listening to the radio, watching TV and above all going out and looking for any opportunity to exercise. Going to a shop, signing up for the swimming pool, talking to a bank clerk or a real estate agent: everything is needed. Throw shyness to the winds and go for it.
Learning a difficult language: practice always and with everyone
Exercise always and everywhere. The best method is to find a job. But a volunteer activity, a team sport, participation in a group that has a common interest are also good. In short, it is essential to leave the house and look for someone to talk to. You'll look bad at first, maybe, but only in this way can you improve.
Read, read, read. I have already mentioned it, but it does not hurt to repeat it. Read novels, comics, newspapers, magazines, whatever you want. But reading is an easy and painless way to learn a language. You can do it in your own time (inevitably long at first) and by choosing the texts that interest you. And without even realizing it A series of words, idioms and expressions will remain in your head that no school or grammar teaches you.
Believe it. Confidence and optimism are a great travel companion in life. And they are also useful when you want to learn a difficult language. Unlike children and young people who certainly learn a language more easily, adults have more difficulties. But they have more motivation, linguistic bases firmer and better understanding of situations in which the language is used (and the context is as essential to understanding a conversation as the words used in it).
