Which Foreign Language Should I Learn: Choosing a Language

If you've always been passionate about learning Italian or your ancestors were French, you may have already made up your mind about your destination and your second-language acquisition choice. If you're undecided about which language to choose, though, you can weigh your options from among many exciting vacation destinations.

Consider the ease with which you'll be able to maintain what you've learned after your language travel experience. Too often, all gains are lost in the absence of opportunities to practice. Second-language acquisition requires effort and opportunity.

If you're pretty sure you won't be using the French, German or Italian you learned, you may have to start from scratch next year. Unfortunately, learning a language is not like riding a bicycle.

If you've learned a bit of French in high school or you remember speaking to your grandmother in her Russian dialect, then you probably already have a pretty good ear for the language. The sounds or "phonemes" that you heard as a child are more likely to stay with you through adulthood, and you have a definite advantage over adults hearing the language for the first time.

If travel to Munich is in your future, a language vacation in Germany beforehand would be an excellent investment. Besides the benefits of a second-language acquisition, you'd be immersed in the culture and have a good idea of how things are done in the country. You'll also have a conversation starter, even if you only recall a few key phrases. You'll be surprised at how much you'll remember once you get the conversation going, and you'll also be surprised at how cooperative your hosts will be when they find out you've visited the country to learn their language.

Depending on your level of proficiency, consider investing in a language development course at a local college or adult education center. This will give you an overview of the language, and a basic idea of how the grammar and syntax work. You'll also get a pronunciation guide. What's missing—an opportunity for plenty of real conversation—awaits you on your foreign language trip.

 

If you're a beginner in your chosen language of study, look for a course for business travelers or short weekend courses for travelers offered at language schools. You'll learn practical phrases for using local transportation, ordering food in restaurants, introducing yourself, locating restrooms and getting help in emergencies. Think of all the opportunities for practice before you even arrive at your destination!

Once you've selected a language, you're not restricted to a single country in which to learn the language. You can study Spanish in Chile or French in Canada. You can visit Switzerland to practice your German or Italian.

 

Conversely, you might want to see what various countries have to offer before you pick a language vacation. If rainforests are your passion, then a suitable country in Central America might offer a great opportunity for indulging in ecotourism while learning Spanish.

No matter what languages or vacation destinations you choose, your best bet is a trip that's affordable. Driving down the Baja coastline or over the border into Quebec can be a great language immersion trip with quality instruction and friendly locals. You'll be surprised at just how different rural areas can be and how exotic the lifestyle, even though they're just a few hours' drive.