7 ways to get daily language practice while you commute

Classrooms are no longer the only place to learn a new language. The advent of technology has made it easier than ever before to learn a language in almost any place you have a few minutes to spare, including on your daily commute to work. According to the US Census Bureau, the average American commutes to and from work for more than 50 minutes per day, or more than 300 hours per year. If studying a language is something you're enthusiastic about, you'll want to make the most of your time learning and developing your skills. Whether you are travelling by train, bus or even by car, there are ways in which you can make the best use of the travelling time, so here are seven ways you can practice a new language on your daily commute: 

1. Watching films

While watching Netflix shows might not increase your debating abilities, it will still help you better grasp the language as you become accustomed to everyday conversational forms, and develop your passive competency. There are many documentaries available online which can help you master a language. Exposure to a language throughout a film may assist you in genuinely thinking in the language that you are trying to learn and master. Research shows that people have opined that watching movies was the primary reason for learning a new language. Also, the surge of handheld devices and streaming platforms makes it more accessible to watch movies anywhere and everywhere. One can also learn about the culture of native language speakers while watching movies. Once you know about the culture, it becomes easier to learn the language as culture is inextricable  from  language. 

2. Mastering a new language requires a lot of repetition

Is learning another language while commuting to and from work every day feasible? It is possible, listening to audio study materials in your car on your commute to and from work can help you learn any language more quickly! The fundamental truth is that repetition is essential to properly internalize and understand any language. If you listen to audiobooks or even audio classes on your way to work and then repeat the lesson on your way home, the material is more likely to be "locked in" to your long-term memory! Repetition is the key, and we of course know the importance of revision which has been drilled into us since our school days. Once we remember and know the rules of a language, we can put it to practice efficiently. 

3. Play a game. Language learning should be enjoyable

Many language learning games are available these days, ranging from burrito builders (for Spanish language learners) to good old-fashioned pairs. Finish a level in about five minutes or go through one round of questions. Keep in mind that you should pick a game that you can practice and learn from. It is pointless to play a game that you know you will win every time. You can do a fast run-through of language learning applications in addition to playing games. Many of these are divided into levels and parts, served in bite-sized portions, which take about as long to complete as a kettle does to boil. This step-by-step approach to learning applications provides a step-by-step method for learning a language. Since apps are accessible through mobile and tablet devices, you can choose an application and start implementing the learning program during the commute.

4. The power of the dictionary

It is incredible how undervalued simply flipping through a dictionary is. Just think of those words that you can learn and put to practice just by going through the dictionary. The good news is that dictionaries come in all sizes, and you can pick one based on your requirement. 

The critical thing to keep in mind here is to avoid stuffing your head with arcane terms you'll never use. Instead, look up words you learned in last night's class or phrases you've been curious about for a long time.

It is easy to get lost in perusing the dictionary, so make a list of terms you would like to practice and learn the meanings of ahead of time to stay focused.

5. Take a look at the newspaper

Reading a newspaper can teach you many things, from current events across the world to minor matters like who was the best-dressed at the Oscars. Reading a newspaper is another way to learn and practice a language. Of course, buying a newspaper in your target language is nearly impossible if you're not in a native-speaking country, but that's where the internet comes in. Simply google "Newspapers + your target language" and a whole world of foreign language news will open up.

6. Podcasts

Podcasts are a fantastic way of getting accustomed to the sound of your target language, learning about intonation, and practicing your listening comprehension. They're also a terrific way to fill in the gaps in your daily schedule. Are you taking the bus? Do you have to walk somewhere? Do you have to wait for your coffee to brew? Why not try a podcast? They are simple to dip in and out of, and there is such a large selection that you are sure to find one on a subject you are interested in or need to brush up on.

7. Taking self-tests

Knowing you'll be taking an exam is one of the most effective ways to motivate yourself to study more quickly. Make an effort to put yourself to the test regularly. If you're learning from a language book, practice mock exams or complete the assignments at the end of the module. You can also play games or take quizzes that are available online, and online practice exams are available for almost any language. After studying a new language, planning to take relevant and standardized exams is a great idea to help you stay motivated. The results can "prove" your language proficiency to potential employers, schools, or simply to yourself.

Above are some ways to help you learn any language during travel if put into strict practice. All you need is discipline and proper focus. 

Did you find this helpful? Write to us at [email protected] and let us know. Choose atleast 2-3 activities from these and try them while you commute to work everyday (or while your tea/coffee break, or while waiting in line for the grocery store).

You’ll be quite surprised to see how these little efforts help you in the practice of learning a new language.