Without classes, it can be challenging to keep up with daily language practice over breaks. You may have heard the typical suggestions (all of which are great!), such as watching movies, listening to podcasts, or reading books in your target language. Here are some unique ideas to help you integrate your target language into your everyday life over break!
- Speak to your pets
Although your pets probably won’t be able to reply back, this is a great way to practice daily. It can be difficult to practice your language if others in your family or hometown don’t speak it, but if you have pets (or a houseplant?), give this a try! In my imagination my cats are multilingual, they’re just too shy to reply back to me.
- Follow a recipe
The winter is the perfect time for cooking and baking, but have you ever tried following a recipe in another language? Not only will you brush up on some cooking-related vocabulary, but you’ll discover more about your target language’s culture.
- Retell a story
If reading a book entirely in your target language seems too daunting, try this method! First read a book in your native language, then reverse it and retell it in your target language. Maybe you want to write a chapter-by-chapter summary, a description of the characters, or possibly a new ending to a familiar story.
- Narrate your life
Pretending to be a day-in-the-life vlogger can help you to become more comfortable using your target language in everyday situations. For beginning learners, now’s the time to practice some non-school-related vocabulary—no more 做不完的作业! Who knows, you may even be motivated to actually start vlogging!
- Research winter traditions
Learn more about your target language’s culture by discovering their winter traditions. Maybe the culture observes a holiday or has a certain dish that is made during the cold months. Get involved by making crafts, singing songs, and experiencing the winter through another culture’s lens.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
Last but not least, remember to be patient! Language-learning does not happen instantaneously, and it’s important to take a break, especially during academic breaks! Take small steps to practice your target language, and you’ll notice that you’re improving every day. Have a restful and fun Thanksgiving and winter break—your language classes and the Language Lab will be here for you when you get back!