With the internet and technology affecting all human activities today, it’s no surprise that social media has become a vital part of our daily lives and how! Learning languages socially isn’t unheard of yet many still aren’t aware of the many advantages it offers. From vlogs and blogs to a time convenient group ‘chat’ session, social language learning can make you a fluent foreign language speaker in no time!
Have a look at our 10 most persuasive reasons for you to start learning languages socially today.
1. High Engagement
Choosing to learn a language socially is a proactive effort; it means that you’re taking a genuine interest in learning the language and are motivated internally. Just this one step increases the levels of engagement between the learner and the learning.
Selecting a particular blogger or learning with a native speaker through live online media from the many options available forms an emotional bond for the learner (and the teacher in some cases). An emotional engagement goes a long way when learning a foreign language as it aids efficiency as well as a deep rooted connection.
2. Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory is said to be a bridge between Behavioral and Cognitive learning; it states that people learn through observation, modelling and behavior.
You may be wondering, and rightly so, how this relates to learning languages socially. Well, when you learn through vlogs or blogs, you tend to observe the nuances of the native speaker and imitate them. Whether it is the pronunciation of a word or the accent required of the language, social learning helps in picking up certain tricks you wouldn’t learn otherwise!
3. Ease of Access
One of the best parts about learning a language socially is that you can, quite literally, do it anytime and anywhere. The content is available on various platforms thus making it quick and easy to view. Moreover, the majority of it is free of cost! You get the chance to learn a new language from a native speaker at practically no cost; an incomparable boon.
4. Real Time Discussions
When learning a new language, it’s highly probable that various questions and doubts will fog up your mind. Why is the same letter pronounced differently? How can you use one word in different contexts? And so many more!
Learning a language socially offers people the chance to get multiple responses to their questions and also have their doubts cleared in almost no time. It doesn’t matter that you’re in China and your language learning buddies are in the USA; they’ll be able to guide you in perfecting your language skill just as quickly as when present physically, thanks to technology today.
5. Repetitions & Review
A major reason to learn languages socially is that you can review the content learnt and practice as often as you like.
Watch the vlog 10 times, read the blog every night before bed or talk to your language buddy for hours on end about the same topic! After all, practice makes perfect.
6. One-On-One Language Exchanges
When you learn a language from a native speaker, specifically if it’s one-on-one, a special bond is formed. You impart your language knowledge to them and vice-versa.
Learning from a native speaker has innumerable benefits but there are a few things both learners need to keep in mind: it’s possible that while helping your buddy out by practicing in your mother tongue, you just might forget practicing the language you’re learning. In such a scenario, it’s always wise to set an agenda or schedule and work accordingly.
7. Speaking Cultures
A concept similar to ‘speak’ dating, Speaking Cultures brings together culturally diverse people to come together and share the knowledge of their cultures and support one another in learning their native language.
Group activities have proven to be beneficial in many aspects and learning a language in a group can help gain the answers one may forget to acquire when learning on their own.
8. A Boon for Passive Learners
There are many people that aren’t keen on being physically social and prefer using the internet as a medium to connect with the world in multiple ways; blogs, vlogs, discussions, etc.
For learners that are passive socially (more often known as introverts), learning languages socially via the use of technology as well as through communication with people from all over the world is a fantastic solution. Now you can sit at home and learn Azeri all thanks to social learning and you don’t need to attend a class for it!
9. Discussions = 70% Effective
Research suggests that through discussions and interactions, a person learns 70% more effectively than by just reading or writing. Learning a foreign language socially through group discussions and cultural exchange can improve your chances of becoming a proficient speaker of the language faster than through other methods.
10. Improved Communication
Learning a new language socially does not just help you practice the foreign language but also enables you to become a better communicator in your native language. What’s more? You also learn to deal with people in an efficient manner and overcome language barriers successfully!
Andrie Steliou
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