10 language learning tips

There's loads and loads of ways how to learn languages... and there's loads and loads of views how to learn languages. However, the most common ones that are on the internet usually are the same. And I'll save you some time, here they are:

1. Move to another country: that's an obvious one, but not a bad idea at all. Mostly because you combine culture, social learning and language.
2. Practice for free on websites like duolingo. They'll get your basic vocabulary up in no time.
3. Skype! There's tons of websites and Facebook groups that facilitate the exchange of Skype IDs, so make sure to choose this flexible solution!
4. A pocket dictionary is recommended. However, my advice is to try to explain a word with the person you're talking to, they'll come up with the word and you won't forget it as easily.
5. Newspapers! Seem to be very useful for advanced learners.
6. Converse! Speaking with other persons not only enhances your vocabulary and your sentence building, but you're also practicing your listening skills. The only part you're actually not learning, is the writing/reading part... Try also to find a language partner. Or more, the more the merrier.
7. Make it fun. Essential if you don't want to get bored. And focus. Don't spend 5 years 'learning' a language. 
8. Organise. Many polyglots organise their language learning plans and set useful goals that are not too difficult to achieve. 
9. Age. Never too old to learn. Actually, there's some scientific studies that prove that kids have more difficulties learning languages than adults... I think it's just because kids see it as some game, while adults usually learn to really learn.
10. Dating! Date someone whose language you're willing to learn. Although I would only recommend it when you're at a good level, because otherwise you're going to keep on talking in the language you've been talking since the beginning. It's also a good excuse to ask someone out, to 'practice your language'. If only he/she knew your evil plan...

There's loads of experts sharing their tips on the links below!

https://www.babbel.com/magazine/10-tips-from-an-expert

http://markmanson.net/foreign-language

http://fourhourworkweek.com/2014/03/21/how-to-learn-a-foreign-language-2/

http://www.effectivelanguagelearning.com/language-learning-tips

http://lifehacker.com/top-10-tips-and-tools-for-learning-a-new-language-1703201725

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/oct/30/learning-another-language-ten-tips

http://ielanguages.com/suggest.html

http://www.fluentin3months.com/hours-not-years/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/learn/

United Kingdom's languages of the future...

Ever wondered which languages the United Kingdom will need in the near future? Instead of making difficult calculations, asking your friends and write a PhD about it - just read what the British Council says in an interesting report.

instead of calling home, better call
Spain! copyright: public domain

They published a report, based on a range of factors: which countries the UK will do business with, which languages are needed right now and in the future for the labour market, and so on. Spanish comes first, Arabic second (sure that report will welcome the Arabic-speaking Syrian refugees to the UK). French, Chinese (that is, Mandarin) and German add themselves to the top 5.

Interestingly enough, according to a survey of the British Council, 3 out of 4 Brits don't speak enough of the top-10 of the future languages to hold a normal conversation. Not that the Brits have been studying the wrong languages, it's just that they haven't done enough.

If you compare those numbers to the rest of the European Union, the Brits are dragging behind. Difficult to blame them though: English is everywhere. According to a European survey, only 15% of the Brits say they can speak two languages or more. That's a figure even worse than the British Council's. Only Hungarians and Portuguese do worse, while the EU's average is about 25%...

In a world where emerging markets like China, Africa and South America will increase their share in the world's economy, this might sound quite alarming.

Best languages to study

Argh! Have to study a language and you have no idea which one? Tons of people are making recommendations on which one to study. Why?

"The demand for foreign languages and communication skills is steadily rising", according to loads of Ministers in the European Union.

So it's for your job. My recommendation? Just study the language you want to study. If you have no idea, let's take a look at some lists.

The Telegraph says it's German you should study. Voxy -whoever that is- says it's Mandarin. The people from Richest say it's English. However, according to Forbes, French is the language of the future. Because apparently, Africa is going to grow a lot. So learn French with this course if you want to deal with more Africans! Or check some other resources.

My opinion?  Companies look for people who already know the language, and, to my experience, aren't going to finance the study of the language you'd like to learn. So take the initiative! Go to that evening class. When you go on vacation, follow some language classes. And read a newspaper in that language.

Multilingual jobs - where to start?

So you speak a few languages, and you want to make the most out of them on the job market? Here's some websites to begin with:

Eures
Over 1 million jobs last I checked. Only for the EU and one or two other countries. They recently improved their search engine. Some countries only list jobs for foreigners, so give it a go. Maybe you have to look for a while to find your dream job, but it's certainly worth it. Trick is to find the right keyword, if you're a wordpress expert just type in 'wordpress' and select the country! There's also loads of information on working abroad.

Multilingual vacancies
Loads of jobs from all kinds. Mostly for the United Kingdom.

Top Language Jobs
1000s of jobs, very handy because you can select which industry, which country,... and so on in the search engine. If you have a good idea of what you want, this is a great website!

Multilingual careers
There's some jobs, and some search parameters. Good to check it out.

If you're looking for jobs that have something to do with the European Union, check out Eurobrussels and Euractiv, subscribe to their newsletter!

Omniglot
Has another list! Mostly for the United Kingdom but some other vacancies as well!

Of course, check the websites of the countries you want to work in!

Spotted another website? Leave a comment!