New-Languages

Whenever you move someplace where the local language is different from your maternal one, it's essential that you make plans to study and speak it. Being able to communicate your needs is one of the most important you will have when you move. Beyond, "where's the bathroom?" you need to be able to let people know if you have allergies, figure out directions, ask for help, etc. Also, speaking the local language does wonders to help you feel independent, and lose the "fish out of water" feeling that often accompanies a move.

Learning a new language can be daunting, so the earlier you start lessons, the better. If you can begin the process several months or more before you move, you'll be even better prepared. Hopefully the company sending you over has some resources for you, and possibly your spouse, too.

If not, here's a few tips for figuring out the best way to learn a language:

Building upon the tip above, about the best learning style for you, once you are ready to put that in motion, here are some further suggestions:

Personal Instructor - depending on budget, and time, you could go to a big company, like Berlitz, or InLingua, and hire a tutor. For a lower budget option, try an online social network, like Craigslist, or go to a local university and post a note looking for language instruction. If a student is studying teaching a foreign language, or, perhaps a foreigner is enrolled there, these can be excellent, and more affordable, options.

Reading/Software - If time, money, or preference leads you to seek out a book or software for learning languages, you could try Rosetta Stone, or books by Berlitz, for example. Know that if this is your choice, you have to build in the discipline to study at least once, better several times, a week. If you know anyone that can correct your homework, that can be helpful, too. Or, buy a cheap tape recorder, so you can record yourself speaking phrases and notice your accent improving.

Practice, practice, practice! There is simply no better way to learn a language, once you have the basics, than to step outside and practice. I keep my French going with Haitian cab drivers in New York - if I see their name sounds French, I just ask if they speak French, and start a conversation. If you know a cafe, or shop, where the employees speak the language you're studying, why not try ordering in that language. Tell them you are practicing, and would appreciate if they would correct your pronunciation and vocabulary. Carry a notebook so you can jot down what you learn.

Kids. After you relocate, if you know, or meet anyone, with small children, around 4 - 10 years old, these are honestly the best instructors you'll ever have. First, since they are studying the language, too, they are obsessed with grammar and pronunciation, and they know it well! Second, they will take delight in being the teacher, so while you learn, they get to laugh if you make a mistake. It's a win-win for all of you!

Hand Gestures. If, after all the practice, you're still struggling for a bit, remember, hand gestures work great for describing things. So does a pen, and a sheet of paper, so carry that around with you always, and find creative ways to express yourself if you need more time to master a new language.

If you enjoyed these tips, feel free to get my free report on strategies to successfully adapt to a new culture, and an MP3 file to encourage you along the process.

Heather is a Culture Transition Specialist. She works with Expatriates (anyone that relocates to a new city or country for work) and their families to handle the social, personal, and professional challenges that arise after relocating to a new city or country.

Learn more at http://www.culturetransition.com where you can get a free report with more useful relocation strategies, and a free mp3 affirmation file to encourage you along the process!

You can access my eCourse "8 Steps to Feel at Home Anywhere in the World" at http://www.8stepstofeelathome.com - a $19.97 value