How to Learn Languages as an Immigrant?

Learn languages as an immigrant. Discover strategies and tools to learn a new language and ease your transition into a new country.

Moving to a new country is always exciting, yet learning the local language can pose a real challenge. Whether you’re headed to the USA, UK, or Europe, gaining language skills is the key to success in your new socio-space. Trying to learn languages as an immigrant can be challenging. That’s why we created this guide. That will teach you everything about language learning, to boost your journey and make it smooth and stress-free.

1. Why should you learn languages as an immigrant?

Learning the local language opens doors in many different ways: it enhances employment opportunities, integration into society, accessibility to services and resources, and enjoyment to the fullest by obtaining information and making oneself understood in all typical everyday activities. Like shopping for groceries, making friends, calling local authorities—everything will be much simpler when just a little communication can be done.

2. How long does it take to learn a language as an immigrant?

This question has no exact answer, as it depends on your time, motivation, and resources. Therefore, start by setting realistic goals and expectations. All to ease the process and maximise your learning journey. 

First, define your goal: basic conversational skills or complete fluency. Keep tracking your progress, and remember that patience and persistence will pay off.

Here are 7 practical tips for tracking your language learning process:

1. Set Specific Milestones
2. Use Language Learning Apps
3. Maintain a Learning Journal 
4. Regular Self-Assessments
5. Record Yourself Speaking
6. Track Input and Output
7. Join Language Learning Communities

Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint!

For a more detailed guide on how to track your progress check out our article “Language Learning Metrics Are Holding You Back.” 

3. What is the best language-learning strategy for an immigrant?

There are numerous ways of learning a new language, your chosen method will highly depend on what befits your liking and lifestyle. Here are some options you can choose from:

• Online language courses: Beneficial for directed learning and contact with other learners. 
• Online App/Platforms: Intuitive and adaptive—perfect for mobile and easy on-the-go learning.
• Private tutoring: Interactive classes with personalised methods to meet your needs.
• Community Language Programs: You can meet new people and learn the language at the same time.

However, each method has pros and cons, so take your time to find what works best for you!

But, I prefer this one ⬇️

Get exposed to the real world! Exposure is one of the most potent strategies adopted in L2/SLA (second-language acquisition) language learning – a process by which people learn a second language and the scientific discipline that studies this process. 

Hence, you don’t learn a language simply by watching TV shows. Apps alone aren’t the best starting point; learning for just 20 minutes daily is not enough. What matters most is active engagement and practice!

One of the most effective strategies is immersive language learning. Supported by world-renowned linguist Stephen Krashen. He is known for his Second-Language-Acquisition theories. That emphasises the importance of comprehensible input. 

In other words, exposed to the language in ways that are slightly above your current proficiency level but still understandable. 

You can immerse yourself by:

• Watching TV shows and local dramas; will get you used to the speech’s general pace and pronunciation.
• Listening to local music shows and radio stations; improves your ear.
• Reading local newspapers, books, and magazines: Read these, as they add to vocabulary and improve reflection.
• Talking with Native Speakers; can help enhance your speaking ability and confidence.
• Joining a Local Club, Group, or Class; provides an opportunity for practical life experiences and social interaction (it can be of any interest).

By following the last two suggestions, doing the last two points you will boost your confidence and that is the key!

Remember, you can only speak as well as you are confident. So, engage in real-life situations because emotional connections help retain language better. Finally, practice speaking as much as possible and reduce the gap between what you want to say and what you can say fluently.

4. How can I exploit language learning apps to my advantage?

Today, there are enormous tools for learning a language in the cyber world.

• Apps and websites: LangMagic and Duolingo, among others.
• Online Dictionaries and Translation Tools: These are good for lookups or translations on the go.
• YouTube channels and podcasts: For sharing lessons, advice, and real-world examples of language use.
• Language Learning Software & Courses: Offer profound and interactive learning experiences.

Personally, I like to mix YouTube videos and podcasts while using LangMagic to immerse myself in the language.  

As, with LangMagic’s AI Prompts feature, you won’t have to perform many unnecessary actions or open additional tabs and programmes while learning.

How does it work? 

Register with your email, which will take a maximum of 2 minutes. Once you are in your account, you can access pre-made playlists for each language, add YouTube videos manually or with an extension to the app, and save new phrases right as you watch them. 

Also, with the prompts feature, you’ll get an instant explanation of the new word/expression like an explanatory dictionary, taking into account the context of the video. You can save it with just one click, which will go straight into a Telegram bot, where you can repeat the words at any time or place.

Visually, it looks like this: 

Picture 1.0 shows LangMagic’s playlist interface with prompts and “Saved phrases” windows.

Here, you can open a sidebar to create customised prompts. You can use them to ask ChatGPT questions about the material you are studying as if it were your personal tutor.

Picture 2.0 shows LangMagic’s menu bar.

This, in return, opens up vast opportunities for practice. Here are a couple of examples of how you can use prompts:

• Ask questions about grammar rules or how to use specific constructions correctly in different contexts.
• Improvise dialogues or written texts using ChatGPT.
• Practice composing and translating phrases and sentences using new words from the video.

And if you want to save time instead of coming up with queries, we have already created a library of ready-made prompts for you, which can be a great additional tool when you set to learn languages as an immigrant.

Picture 3.0 shows LangMagic’s ChatGPTs prompts.

But let’s return to our guide – Learning languages involves many elements and can be challenging. Therefore don’t forget to focus on your mental health. 

Here are some strategies which will get you through those rough spots:

• Stress and Frustration: Take breaks occasionally, and don’t be too hard on yourself.
• Staying Motivated: Celebrate your small victories, keep track of your progress, and find enjoyable ways to practise your language.
• Dealing with Plateau: Realise it is only sometimes a straight line. Keep practising and try new learning strategies.

Learning a new language for immigration can be a rewarding journey. By setting realistic goals, choosing suitable learning methods, immersing yourself in the language, building a support network, and utilising technology, you should take a minute to understand how to integrate language learning into your daily routine. Keep on learning and growing.

We wish you good luck!