ONE of the pleasures of travel is being able to speak the
language of the place you’re visiting — or at least say “hello” and “where’s
the bathroom?” Whether your trip is in two weeks or two months, there’s no
excuse for not broadening your vocabulary. But how? With so many methods — CDs,
videos, apps, podcasts — picking one can feel more overwhelming than learning a
language.
The systems below have been used by tourists, college students
and F.B.I. agents. Some cost hundreds of dollars. Others are free. In trying to
find the best, Web sites that were difficult to navigate or had distracting
advertisements were ruled out, as were in-person classes because their cost and
availability varies greatly. Whatever your budget or destination, there is a
program to help you feel less like a tourist.
The less expensive option: Coffee Break Spanish and Coffee
Break French (RadioLingua.com/shows) A search on iTunes will turn up many
delightful (and free) language lessons, including these spirited podcasts from
Radio Lingua Network, which promise “language learning with your latte.” Each
15- to 20-minute podcast encourages participation (listeners are asked to pinch
their noses to achieve the perfect French “non”). The network also offers “One
Minute” crash courses (really two to four minutes) in languages including
Arabic, Greek, Mandarin and Irish. Bottom Line: The hosts are Scottish, so while
you’re learning French or Spanish, you also may feel as if you’ve been
transported to South Ayrshire. But you’ll enjoy smart, energetic, well-produced
lessons. Digital Dialects (DigitalDialects.com) Visitors can beef up their
vocabulary by identifying items in animated scenes. Choose Italian and a
category like “Clothing,” and you’ll be asked to match the word to the fashions
worn by a graying Italian lady (when red arrows point to her dress, select “il
vestito”). Bottom line: Definitely more educational than playing FarmVille on
Facebook. Still, the site may be better suited for children. Learn a Language
(LearnaLanguage.com) Users choose a language (Japanese), then a category
(“Japanese Words”), followed by a topic (“Travel”). Next, they decide whether to
play an educational game or click through talking flash cards. There’s one word
on each card, which can be flipped over with a click. For example, a card with
“suutsukesu” on one side says “suitcase” on the other. Bottom line: The Web
site is not as comprehensive as others, but it enables users to study key words
and phrases without having to make their own flash cards. Living Language
(LivingLanguage.com; click on “free downloads”) While this company primarily
sells language products (about $20 to $180), it also offers freebies like
pocket phrase guides and an “in-flight” series to help “learn before you land.”
Bottom line: Living Language is not a free site, but the guides are a nice perk
for those who can only afford to dip a toe. Livemocha (Livemocha.com) This
networking site allows members to find language partners around the world, and
offers basic instruction in grammar, vocabulary and conversation (users need a
microphone). There is a fee for unlimited access ($9.95 for one month; $99.95
for a year). Bottom line: While the videos sometimes load easily and sometimes
don’t, it helps facilitate learning by talking — a big plus.
More expensive options: Pimsleur Approach (Pimsleur.com and
PimsleurApproach.com) This audio-only program, based on the language retention
theories of the linguist Paul Pimsleur, has been used by the F.B.I. The company
claims that students who use the CDs for 30 minutes a day will begin speaking
the language in just 10 days — no textbooks required. The idea is that adults
learn language the same way children do: by hearing it in everyday situations
(the CDs focus on about 2,500 core words and phrases). The program begins with
a 30-day trial of Quick & Simple, eight lessons for $9.95. Then, every 60
days, users receive in the mail a higher-level course with 30 lessons, which
they can keep (for $256) or return within 30 days at no cost plus shipping.
Progress to the most advanced courses, and the entire system can end up costing
upward of $750, depending on the language. Bottom line: This approach can be as
expensive as a plane ticket, but if you want to learn fast, naturally and on
the go, it just might be a match. Rosetta Stone (RosettaStone.com) You’ve
probably seen the kiosks for this interactive software in malls or airports. It
is available in 30 languages ($159 to $499) and has been used by government
agencies. Students are not bogged down with translation and grammar. Instead,
the emphasis is on “dynamic immersion” — connecting words with images to glean
meaning. (Those who buy Version 4 can reinforce lessons with mobile apps.)
Bottom line: Rosetta Stone is much more intensive than a vacation primer. But
if you want to keep learning long after your trip, it’s a far better investment
than a souvenir snow globe. Transparent Language (Transparent.com) “Our
methodology was originally developed in some of our work for the Department of
Defense,” said Chuck McGonagle, the senior vice president and general manager
of Transparent Language. “It was all focused on building your vocabulary.” And
the company’s primary product, Transparent Language Online ($149.95 for
six-month access; $199.95 for a year), does just that. Users begin with the
Essentials Course: lessons organized around everyday situations like greetings,
shopping, checking into a hotel. For those short on time, there’s the Byki
Quick Start course, or the free Byki Express program at Byki.com. Bottom line:
This is one of the most affordable big-name systems, and it enables users to
practice anywhere they have Internet access.
My personnel favorite choice is speaking with locals on my many
travels. Or finding someone who speaks the language you desire to learn. I know
that when I am surrounded by a foreign language I feel more inclined to learn
how it. This happened when I went to school abroad and all of a sudden my
Hebrew became fluent and clear. Another favorite is finding a radio station
that only broadcasts in your desired language. This way you can get a feel also
for correct intonations and speech patterns. Do you have a favorite technique?
