Languages are the key that unlocks the world around us. They’re a tool for expanding our horizons and can open our eyes to fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking. That’s why we believe being multilingual is a wonderful skill to have.

However, learning a language is a complicated process, and there’s only so much that can be taught within the confines of a classroom or lecture hall. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to hone your talents is to continually look for new opportunities and chances to broaden your knowledge base.

Luckily, there are some great resources to aid you with this. This article will look at some of the best to help propel your linguistic talents to the top of the class!  

Language tutors

While you’ll learn much during your days in the classroom, language tutors can be an invaluable resource if you’re struggling with a certain topic or feel you’d benefit from additional practice. Fortunately, they’re easy to find, even if there’s no one available in your local area. That’s because entire websites are dedicated to connecting tutors with would-be pupils. Say, for example, you were looking to learn Japanese online. You could use a resource like Preply to help you get one-to-one practice ahead of a big exam or enhance your overall proficiency.

Apps

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Whether you’re interested in Spanish, Mandarin, or any other language, there are some fantastic apps dedicated to teaching or enhancing an individual’s language skills. Though there are too many to list here, they’re often suitable for educating a range of skill levels, meaning that whether you’re a beginner or already proficient, they’ll have resources to help you improve. Of course, the best app for you will depend on your current proficiency and the language you’re learning, but a quick Google and a readthrough of their reviews should allow you to produce a useful shortlist. Remember, even if the first app you try isn’t to your taste, plenty of others on the market might suit you better.   

Foreign-language television shows

Learning doesn’t always have to feel like a chore, which is especially true when it comes to picking up a new language. One of the best ways to become proficient is to listen to other people speaking in that tongue, and a great way to do this is by watching foreign-language movies and TV shows. It’s helpful to have the subtitles turned on, so you can see an accurate translation simultaneously while hearing the words being spoken. This is a useful tool in teaching you correct pronunciation and can really enhance your conversational skills. The next time you visit France, for example, you can put your newly honed abilities to use and speak French almost as well as the locals!  

Foreign-language literature

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If your skills are already reasonably advanced, try picking up some foreign-language literature. You don’t have to start with the classics, as these can often be – dare we say it – slightly dull and dated. Instead, go for something you like the sound of. Looking at bestseller lists is a good idea, as these titles will often have a popular appeal and suit most audience members. For example, if the language you’re learning is Spanish, you might want to try titles like the ones in this article.

How will you improve your language skills?