23 Feb 2022

How To Incorporate Language Learning Into Your Daily Routine

Whether you’re looking to learn a language for school, a job, or simply for fun, you’ve arrived at the right place. We will discuss different ways in which you can improve your learning of a new language simply by doing the things you already do.

That’s right – simply by making a few minor tweaks to your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to improving your grasp of any language of your choice. The Chinese language has become the world’s most widely spoken language – when you count the number of native speakers and second-language learners combined. Thus, it’s no surprise to see many people enrolling in Chinese courses for the purpose of upgrading themselves further. 

Read on to learn how you can incorporate learning Mandarin into your daily life.

1. Change your phone browser settings to your target language

Think about the technology you use every day. Have you thought about changing the language on the screen? Among these are your computer, smartphone, browser, apps, Facebook, GPS, and of course the games you play. Additionally, changing the language of your computer, phone, and social media platform will turn every moment you use them and scroll through your newsfeed into a mini practice. Doing so will allow you to pick up and learn Mandarin on the go!

2. Subscribe to a news outlet in your target language

With constant, usually bite-sized articles, you’ll not only stay informed about current events, but you’ll also work on your language skills. There are now aggregators that populate your personalized feed with articles sourced in two preferred languages, such as Google News.

3. Binge-watch your favourite Netflix series with subtitles in your target language

Let’s say it’s time for a bit of relaxation, and all you want to do is watch TV or Netflix. Consider watching something in your target language as opposed to your native language. To make your vocabulary practice even better, pull out your pen and notepad and write every time you learn a new vocabulary word. Learning Mandarin doesn’t have to take place in a classroom. By watching Mandarin shows on Netflix, you can improve your language skills even more!

4. Read short stories in your target language

In addition to enrolling in Chinese courses, you can also learn the language by reading children’s stories since they are easier to digest and deal with simple topics. We recommend reading short stories just before you go to bed. In addition to nurturing your brain, you avoid using your phone during the night and you can wind down and get a proper night’s sleep. Once you are more comfortable with the language, feel free to advance to larger, more complex books to improve your skills!

5. Keep a notebook of words that you don’t know

Although it’s great to carry around a phone, tablet, or laptop, they aren’t ideal for learning Mandarin. To make the most of it, you should always carry a notebook and pen with you. When you study with a notebook, you become more engaged with the material. Write down new or unusual vocabulary words that you come across in films, books, music, articles, stories, etc. Check your list periodically to refresh your memory! 

In a notebook, you can jot down any words you don’t know right away, so that you can look them up later. Alternatively, you can write short journal entries in it to strengthen your writing skills. If you like, you can type up your writing later for native speakers to edit.

Enrol In Skillsfuture Language Courses With Stanford Language Center

We hope our suggestions will inspire you to find the learning methods best suited for you. Alternatively, we highly recommend enrolling in our skillsfuture language courses. At Stanford Language Center, we offer a wide range of language courses for adults!

Students at our language school have access to a wide range of Asian language classes, making it easy to learn a new language. Visit our website to learn more about our Chinese classes and get in touch with us today!