Language Learning for Expats

Learning a new language while overseas can be a useful and potentially profitable activity but it takes time, money and commitment.

Expats seem to be divided into two groups: those who want to embrace their adopted country and those who cling to other expats for survival in what they see as a hostile – or at least harsh – environment.

Living in another country is not a life that is suitable for everyone. Some people hate it! They can’t wait to return to the comforts of home. Yet others take to a different lifestyle like a monkey to swinging vines. Language learning may play a role in how an expat adapts to a new home.

Don’t Start Language Lessons Too Late. . . or Too Soon

An adjustment time is usually needed after arriving in a new country. Being surrounded by a language that one is unable to speak or understand but hearing and seeing it everywhere can be difficult. Trying to learn before the brain has adjusted to the sensory overload may be useless. When the expat’s mind starts to distinguish words and phrases – spoken or written – rather than just hearing or seeing gobbledegook, it’s a good indication that they are ready for language study.

A certain amount of language learning will just happen over time due to environmental influences, being immersed. The learning curve for just “picking it up” in the course of daily life starts out rather steep. Over time, however, the rate of learning may become static without some type of formal study. Expats who “tune out” the “noise” of a language they do not comprehend risk being able to re-engage sufficiently for optimum learning. Veteran expats often say – jokingly, but truthfully – that the best way to learn a language is to have a romantic interest, someone close who speaks the other language.

Methods of Language Learning for Expats

There are several options for learning a language, each with pros and cons.

• Formal language classes: Language schools, colleges and universities often offer non-native classes divided into pre-determined levels of proficiency in topics such as speaking, reading, writing and grammar. Quality is dependent primarily on the teacher’s ability and the size of the class. Other factors may be commuting distance and cost.
• Tutors: For most expats, one-on-one lessons with an educated person – even if the instructor knows little English – provides the best results. One of the primary benefits is focusing lesson time on the expat’s areas of interest. Another is the flexibility in scheduling times and places for lessons. In many countries, paying a tutor is relatively inexpensive compared to the benefit gained.
• Trading language lessons: Natives who want to learn English are often willing to trade an expat’s lessons for giving lessons in their native language, all at no cost. In an informal survey of expats living in three large Chinese cities, most of the expats who tried this found that the lessons quickly became very one-sided. English became the language of choice and conversation seemed to flow better using it. As the path of least resistance to communication, English dominated the “lesson” time.
• Computer language programs: The dazzling array of language learning software is a good indication of how lucrative it is. Not all programs are equal. Ease of use, variety of learning methods (interactive sections, games, tests, quality of native speakers), and cost should be compared before purchasing. People who are self-motivated and committed to spending several hours a day may learn a great deal from such programs. While great for learning vocabulary, nothing equals a live person listening and correcting a language learner’s attempts to pronounce a word correctly.
• E-learning or online lessons: Depending on the student’s motivation and ability to get online, e-learning may be helpful, especially if the instructor is a native speaker. One potential difficulty is regional dialects and accents. Learning to say words that are too standardized may make it difficult to be understood locally.

For expats who embrace the people, the culture, and the traditions of a new-to-them country, wanting to learn the language is a natural extension. Yet, the desire to be able to communicate in a new language should not be confused with a willingness to pay the price of becoming proficient. In addition to a monetary cost, languages are usually learned by incessant studying and use, and a commitment to learn. A regular routine that includes both formal study and reinforcement/practice via social use seems to work best for many expats.

By: Mistie Shaw