You’ve been learning English for quite a few years, you know plenty of words, you understand song lyrics and read without difficulty, but when you have to speak, it feels like all your skills have vanished, and you struggle to form a simple sentence? Don’t worry. The language barrier is a common phenomenon and affects many people, regardless of their level of proficiency. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to break the language barrier and start speaking freely in a foreign language.
How to Overcome the Language Barrier Before Traveling Abroad
One of the most effective ways to overcome the language barrier before traveling abroad is through language immersion. This means surrounding yourself with the language you’re learning at every possible step. This way, you have constant exposure to the language, expand your vocabulary, and become familiar with its sound, helping you feel more confident upon arriving in another country. How to do this?
Watch Movies Only in the Foreign Language
Watch series and films in English, preferably with English subtitles. Over time, you’ll automatically start recognizing new expressions and better understand the context in which they’re used. If watching films and series with English subtitles is too difficult at the moment, use Polish subtitles but try switching to English ones every now and then. Choose films produced in different English-speaking countries to get accustomed to various accents.
Listen to Music and… Sing-Along
It might sound funny, but it’s a great way to break the language barrier and start speaking in a foreign language. Look up the lyrics of your favorite songs, learn them, and sing along while listening to music. Learning a foreign language doesn’t have to be boring – you can polish your language skills while doing something you enjoy.
Talk to Yourself and Read Out Loud
For those learning foreign languages, it’s very important to know how their own voice sounds when speaking the language. It’s one thing to hear yourself in your native language and another thing to hear yourself during a conversation in a foreign language. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make a habit of reading out loud every day. It’s crucial not to do it in your head but to get used to the sound of the language. Lack of confidence is common among language learners, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you’re your own audience. It’s best to choose simple texts, especially at the beginning, to avoid discouragement.
Another method is having conversations with yourself – imagine you’re having a dialogue, for example, during a social gathering or a job interview. Ask yourself questions and answer them, of course, out loud. This will boost your confidence in using a foreign language.
How to Overcome the Language Block Abroad?
The big day has arrived, you’ve traveled to another country, and now there’s nothing left but to speak the language you’ve been so dedicated to learning. But what to do if you’re still paralyzed by the fear of speaking?
Change Your Attitude – Making Mistakes is Natural
Sure, you might think, it’s easy to say, but how to do it? Start by recalling situations where you met a foreigner learning Polish. As a native speaker, did you expect them to speak fluently and without mistakes, or did you understand they were still learning and had the right to make mistakes? People usually appreciate it when you try to communicate in their language and don’t focus on your stumbles. Remember that everyone who now speaks a foreign language fluently was once a beginner. It’s important to overcome the fear because it blocks us more than our language skills.
Try to Speak in the Foreign Language
Instead of avoiding conversations, just start speaking. From conversation to conversation, you’ll feel more confident. At first, a brief exchange of words in a store or on the street, like asking for directions, is enough. Nothing will happen if someone corrects you – even simple conversations in a foreign language are the best way to refine your skills.
Use Simple Language
Focus on simple phrases that allow you to communicate effectively. You don’t need to use complex vocabulary to order coffee, ask for directions, or shop and start talking. Learning a language is a process, and it’s best to start with simple things.
Ask and Request Repetition
Don’t be afraid to ask for the meaning of words or to request a repetition if you don’t understand something. Most people know you’re learning a new language and are willing to help. If the speaker is talking too fast, ask them to slow down. And if you’re unsure how to say something correctly, ask for a correction of your pronunciation.
Learn New Words
Set a realistic goal – learn, for example, five new words every day and use them in conversation. This way, you’ll simultaneously expand your vocabulary and have the opportunity to practice using it in everyday communication.
Enroll in a Course
Attending a language course is always a good idea for learning English. Conversations with native speakers who are experienced instructors are a great help. Moreover, casual conversations with people from different countries who met during classes at a language school are also an opportunity worth taking – such a conversation can be less intimidating for those struggling with the fear of speaking.
As you can see, there are ways to overcome the language barrier – by using the methods mentioned in our article, you’ll quickly start communicating in another language without fear. This will be a real game-changer, allowing you to freely connect with people from other countries and better understand the English-speaking world.
FAQ
Why do I have a language block?
The language block mainly comes from a lack of confidence and fear of making mistakes. Even people with a good knowledge of the language can feel uncomfortable during conversations.
What are the best ways to break the language barrier?
The most effective methods include immersing yourself in the language, reading out loud, participating in language courses, and conversing with native speakers.
Do I need to speak perfectly to communicate effectively?
No. Often, basic knowledge of the language and simple sentences are enough to communicate effectively.
What can I do if I don’t understand the person I’m talking to?
Ask for repetition or to speak slower. You can also repeat what you’ve understood to make sure you got the meaning right.
