European Spanish Words of the Week with Rosa for Beginners #8 - Clothing Accessories

In this Beginner lesson, you’ll learn Spanish words about Clothing Accessories. Visit us at SpanishPod101.com, where you will find Spanish lesson notes and many more fantastic lessons and learning resources. Leave us a message while you are here! Learn European Spanish with SpanishPod101.com! How would you react if someone put you on the spot with [...]

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How to Use Tinder as a Language Learning Tool

I used Tinder for two years, before I met my boyfriend. As a shiftworker, I worked odd hours and thought the app would be a good way to meet people - in my hometown of Sydney, Australia and as an expat in both Doha, Qatar and London, England. I mostly viewed it simply as a fun game I could play, when I was bored or lonely, living as an expat in a brand new country. It was never anything serious - just a way to get out of the house and meet new people. Yet, one day, I “matched” with someone who introduced me to a whole new world of Tinder. Turns out, the app is actually pretty handy for anyone learning a language. You read right. Tinder isn’t just for dating. With a bit of fine-tuning, you can add this app to your arsenal of online resources for language learning. Plus - you might make a few new friends along the way!

My Experience With Using Tinder for Language Learning

I discovered that Tinder can be used to learn languages by accident. I don't seem to have access to this document. Would you mind buying me David I was swiping away in London, when I “matched” with a spunky (that’s Australian for handsome) boy from Prague. He was fluent in three languages – Czech, German and English. He lived in Austria, was learning Russian, and looking to improve his English. We were having quite a good time chatting, when he proposed moving onto Skype. I was concerned at first, imagining a situation similar to the harrowing I had experiences with Chatroulette as a teenager (anyone who stumbled onto this webpage last decade will know exactly what I’m talking about). He assured me he just wanted to talk. He called me up and we had a chat as he walked home from work. His English was far more advanced than my German, but it was quite fun. Here was an opportunity to make a new friend from a country and cultural entirely different from my own. The door was opened and Tinder immediately become a much more interesting app to use.

How to Start Using Tinder as a Language Learning Tool

Here’s what you need to do to make Tinder work for you as a language learner.

Step 1: Download the App

If you haven’t used the app before, the process is pretty simply. You download it through the App Store or Google Play. When you first launched Tinder, you’ll be asked to create an account. The only way to do this is to login through Facebook. Don’t have Facebook? It’s easy enough to create an account for your purpose, as all you’ll need is your first name and a few pretty pictures. Once your account is setup, select your photos and type up a bio. This is important - people are more likely to “swipe right” on you if you take the time to pen a little bit of information about yourself. I would write something along the lines of: Australian living in London. Bookworm. German language-learner. Loves dogs. You can write more, or less. It’s up to you. I always feel less is more!

Step 2: Sign Up For Tinder Plus

This step costs money, but it’s a must if you plan to use Tinder for language learning. By signing up for Tinder Plus you can change the location of where you search for Tinder matches. I live in London in the UK and I’m learning German. Chances are, there are plenty of German speakers in London. But there are many more non-German speakers. I could spend hours flicking through Tinder, hoping by chance that I’ll encounter a German speaker who has then also matched with me. With Tinder Plus, I could eliminate London entirely, opting to search for people in Berlin, seriously increasing my chances of finding someone I can practise speaking German with. It’s entirely up to you, whether you want to invest the money in the paid version of Tinder. I only suggest it, as I think it saves time and your time is a far more valuable asset than money!

Step 3: Choose Your Tinder Location

If you do decide to go with the paid version of Tinder, the next thing you need to do is decide on where you want to start swiping. This is particularly helpful if you’re living in a country where only a few people speak your target language. For example, are you living in America, wanting to learning Icelandic? You may also be looking to practise your speaking skills on a region with a particular dialect. If I really wanted to test my German skills, I could focus on a city in Switzerland or Austria and see if I could actually understand what was being said. It doesn’t matter which location you pick, as you can always change it later.

Step 4: Get Swiping!

Let the game begin! Start swiping. Swipe left for people you don’t like, right for people you do. Take the time to read the bios before making your decision. You can get a lot of useful information by taking a couple of minutes to do this.. I find if people do play an instrument, make films for a living, or speak multiple languages they’ll let you know up front. This will make deciding on who you end up “liking” a much easier process. I’ve also found that people who take the time to write a bio tend to be the most fun to talk to online.They’re also the most willing to talk. These are the types of people that you’re going to want to be looking for - people who are up for anything (I don’t mean in a sexual sense!).

Step 5: Get Down and Dirty Straight Away

Once you do have a few matches, I think it’s important not to beat around the bush. People are on Tinder for all sorts of reasons - boredom, looking to make friends, quick hook ups, or with the hope of starting a relationship. You’re here to learn a language, not break hearts. So, be upfront. Tell the person that you don’t currently live in their area - but you are looking for someone to chat with. Explain your language learning quest to them. Be prepared for rejection. Some may un-match you without another word. Don’t take it personally. There will be people out there who are up for having a chat, happy to participate in your experiment. Consider this - you’ve got something valuable to offer, simply with your native language. You’re looking to strengthen your language skills and guaranteed there are other people on the Internet who are in the same boat as you. My German may be sketchy, but I’m 100% fluent in English. There would be people in Germany just as interested in looking to strengthen their English writing, reading and speaking skills as I am in German. Everyone wins!

Step 6: Move From Tinder to Skype

This last step is entirely up to you. I approached it with the same sort of trepidation as I would in giving a stranger my mobile number. I would only give someone my Skype handle if I’d had a few conversations with that person and felt completely comfortable with my decision. Common sense applies, as with most decisions you make in the online dating world. You may not be interested in speaking to your new online friends, merely content with texting. It’s up to you. And if the conversation moves into territory that you don’t feel comfortable with – get out of there and be merciless with the block button.

The Benefits of Using Tinder as a Language Learning Tool

I strongly believe in the adage “practice makes perfect”, particularly with language learning. If you are truly serious about becoming fluent in a language, you should be using a whole range of methods to increase your knowledge. While adding to your vocab list or practising pronunciation, you should also be studying movies or singing your heart out in the shower. Learning a language should never be a chore, especially when there are so many opportunities to approach it from a creative angle and make the process enjoyable. The beauty of Tinder is that it opens up the possibility of speaking with ordinary people. It provides you with an opportunity that learning in a classroom or from textbooks alone never could. Rather than studying a language in its standardised form, Tinder will allow you to learn slang, experience different dialects and talk about cultural trends. Best of all, you’ll be communicating in your language, with those who speak it fluently. That’s why you wanted to learn after all, wasn’t it? Plus - you never know. You could even meet the love of your life along the way!

Would You Use Tinder For Language Learning?

That’s my experience with using Tinder for language learning. Now I want to know – would you do the same? Feel free to share your thoughts with the community. See you in the comments!

The post How to Use Tinder as a Language Learning Tool appeared first on Fluent in 3 months - Language Hacking and Travel Tips.

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Spanish Vocab Builder #37 - Rooms in Your House

Learn Mexican Spanish with SpanishPod101.com ! Our Mexican Spanish vocabulary lists are listener favorites, and now we’ve made it even better! In each lesson, you’ll hear the Mexican Spanish words and phrases from the Mexican Spanish vocabulary lists. Join us for Mexican Spanish Vocab Builder! In this lesson, you’ll learn the names for Rooms in Your [...]

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CBI Il Ripassino 03 | Review your Italian with the Coffee Break team

This latest episode of the Coffee Break Italian Ripassino will help you review some of the words and phrases you’ve learned in previous episodes of our course. In this lesson, Francesca, Katie and Mark are focusing on the topic of giving directions.

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Episodio 201: Algunos lugares curiosos de España

Discover some hidden places in our country while you practice your Spanish. We present to you some interesting places to visit or mere curiosities. Transcript available: "Hola y bienvenido o bienvenida de nuevo a SpanishPodcast.net En el episodio de hoy, voy a hablaros de algunos lugares de nuestro país que son bastante curiosos por algún motivo. Algunos porque tienen ciertas características que los hacen lugares especiales, algunos por su especial belleza, otros por simples curiosidades. Estos lugares no suelen formar parte de los catálogos turísticos, al menos en los más habituales, así que es probable que no los conozcáis ... "

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10 German Songs to Help You Learn German Faster

German is one of the first languages I ever learnt (at school in Ireland and later in Berlin). It remains one of my favourite languages. That said, I remember well how frustrating German could be. How I had to wrap my head around German grammar and memorise the intimidating long words.

Why Study German With Songs?

When people try to tell me that particular languages are hard to learn, I’ll argue back until I’m blue in the face. Why? Because when it comes to difficulty, I think all languages are created equal. German is no exception. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to oil the wheels of learning with a bit of fun. I love music and often incorporate it into my language learning process. Here’s why.

It’s Fun!

For me, studying from grammar textbooks can be quite dull at times. Reading tables of verbs doesn’t help me internalise them in any way - I just tend to get bored. On the contrary, I find music to be a helpful language learning tool, simply because I enjoy it so much. Listen to a song long enough (especially a catchy and upbeat song), and you will inevitably find yourself singing along to it. I don’t know about you, but I’m generally always up for an impromptu karaoke session.

Your Accent Will Improve in Leaps and Bounds

There’s a reason why I’m a massive advocate of getting out of the classroom (or onto the Internet) when studying a language. You’re not going to learn to talk like a native merely from reading a textbook. You have to get out there and hear how people speak in their native tongue. You can do this in person, through watching films, or listening to music. To know a language, you have to live it. So, if you want to speak like a German, you’re essentially going to have to pretend to be one.

It Will Give You a Unique Insight into German Culture

Luckily, music is an easily accessible gateway into a foreign culture. You can learn a lot about a people through the tunes that they listen to. Throughout the ages, human beings have chosen to celebrate and commiserate with the aid of music. It doesn’t matter whether you’re listening to the current top 40, or singing a song from the last millennium. You’ve got a front row seat to an art form that highlights both the values and heritage of a particular culture.

You’ll Strengthen Your Memory Skills

Why is it that we get commercial jingles stuck in our head? Well, it’s because music engages certain parts of your brain that spoken language doesn’t. So, you’re more likely to remember foreign words, if you hear them in a song, rather than in conversation. The music itself will act as a trigger point, stimulating words that you may otherwise have trouble recalling. Active repetition of learning via song lyrics will help strengthen your memory skills overtime. That means you’ll be growing your vocabulary while having fun. And of course, this language hack will give you a wicked advantage over others, the next time you partake in a karaoke session. Here are some German songs you can use to strengthen your knowledge of this particular language. You have my permission now to go forth and listen to them obsessively.

1. Rammstein – Ich Wille

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOnSh3QlpbQ Rammstein have been rocking around on the world stage since the mid-nineties. The majority of their songs are performed in German, although they do often integrate many other languages (English, French and Spanish, to name a few) into their lyrics. Ich Wille is perfect for those at a beginner’s level. The lyrics are short, simple and straight to the point and the song is sung entirely in German. Best of all this particular tune is family friendly – which is notable in itself. As a hard-core rock band, Rammstein don’t tend to see keeping their songs PG as a top priority.

2. Helene Fischer – Atemlos durch die Nacht

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haECT-SerHk Helene Fischer is Germany’s answer to Britney Spears. Her songs are pop-y, fun and catchy – pretty much guaranteed to get stuck in your head. Atemlos durch die Nacht happens to be the most successful song in German history. I wouldn’t be surprised if i were to find out that most German speakers would know the words to it. It’s certainly the impression you get if you’re at a German club and the DJ puts this track on. Best to learn the lyrics if you should ever find yourself in this particular situation, so as not to look out of place!

3. O Tannenbaum

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS4wTuvR7Ik Although this is a song that is generally best served during the festive season, it’s another good one to start with. I would be surprised to meet anyone who didn’t know the words of this song off by heart in English – my guess is that they would have been deeply ingrained since childhood! The video itself is aimed at children and features subtitles so you can sing along.

4. David Hasselhoff – Du

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SebarSe6u4c David Hasselhoff’s music career may have never got off the ground in the United States, but he was a massive hit in Europe, particularly in German speaking countries. So much so, that he performed his iconic song “Looking for Freedom” on New Year’s Eve 1989 at the Berlin Wall (the song hit #1 in the German charts that year). “Du” is unique among the other songs on this list, as the Hoff is not a native German speaker. He doesn’t run his words together – he sings clearly and distinctly (and with such fervent passion!), which makes this song yet another good choice for those who are just starting to tune their ear to German.

5. Marlene Dietrich - Lili Marleen

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZAV4hsP5WU This German love song grew in popularity during World War II. Originally a poem written in 1915 during the first World War, Marlene Dietrich’s cover is probably the most well known recording of the song. Funnily enough, the tune was popular on both sides of the trenches during WWII, making it one of the most famous German-language songs in the world.

6. Nena – 99 Luftballons

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lur-SGl3uw8 This anti-war protest song became an international hit when the English version was released. The original German rendition tells the story of an army general sending pilots to shoot down what turns out to be harmless children’s balloons, floating on a country border. This leads to a 99-year long war, in which there is no winner.

7. Stereo Total - Wir Tanzen Im Viereck

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX3r7LtwMS0 Here’s a song you can sing and dance along to! The beat is catchy and the lyrics repetitive. It’s probably the most bizarre song on this list. The band in question are the multilingual Stereo Total, who mix things up by often producing songs in French and English as well.

8. Disco Pogo – Die Atzen

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsQQgbKkjc Disco Pogo is yet another catchy party tune, that’ll have you shaking your tail-feather in no time at all. I dare you to keep a straight face during the chorus. Dingalingaling indeed.

9. Deichkind - So’ne Musik

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdIP3hyxi3k This song takes us well into intermediate to advanced language learner’s territory. Hip-hop is not a genre for everyone, but I recommend you give this song a go. Deichkind are notorious for their humorous lyrics and So’ne Musik is no exception. If you’re eager to pick up some German slang while testing out your rap skills, then this is the song for you.

10. Klee – 2 Fragen

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG--_hTSSfo Klee are a German pop group influenced by English bands such as Coldplay and The Cure. “Two Questions” speaks of the point at the end of a relationship, where you look at your significant other and fail to recognise them. It’s a sweet little song that is fairly easy to sing along to. You’ll be craving something with a bit of a slower pace after the last two tunes!

Songs are a Great Way to Learn

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of songs. A small warning: Be sure to avoid falling in the trap of passive learning. Write down the lyrics as you listen to the song, until you have it memorised. Add words you’re unfamiliar with to your vocab list. Also, don’t be afraid to belt out the lyrics with an exaggerated German accent. You may feel silly at first, but you’ll be sounding like a native in no time at all. And even if you sound silly, it’s so much fun! To prove that I know what I’m talking about, see this music video I made (with a pretty terrible accent, and off-key, in true karaoke style but clearly enjoying myself) about a song in German that was popular while I was living in Berlin. Above all, enjoy yourself. Language learning is not supposed to be a chore. It’s something you undertake because you have a particular passion for a country or culture. If you choose to mix up your learning, you’ll be far less likely to get disheartened along the way. What are some of your favourite German songs? Let me know in the comments.

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Newbie Lesson S2 #25 - Spanish Preterit: Did Everyone Finish the Spanish Homework?

You sat up all night last night studying your Spanish. In fact, you have been studying your Spanish a lot lately. You didn’t sleep much last night and were almost late to school today because of the lack of sleep! But you’re here now, and you’re prepared to show your teacher just how well you’re [...]

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