“Like” it or not, Facebook has become an indispensable part of modern life. Yet the social network is not only a great way to connect with people. With its ever-growing global network of users, it’s not just staying in touch with friends and family that the website can be an indispensable tool for.
Did you know that it’s also a fantastic tool for helping learn foreign languages? Here are just six ways that Facebook can help improve your foreign language skills.
1. “Like” Foreign Language Schools
The simple action of befriending and “liking” language training groups will allow their daily status updates and quizzes to become visible on your homepage. This is a great way to casually begin your foreign language training. If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary this is the perfect way to do so, as you will be able to pick and choose the areas you wish to explore.
2. Become Friends With Foreign Language Speakers
Facebook allows you to connect with native speakers all over the world. Some of them may even be your long-term friends. Native speakers are the most important tools available when seeking to converse in a foreign language and gain valuable feedback on your sentence construction. Similarly, you can ask them any direct questions you may have about their language and be sure of getting the correct answer.
3. Foreign Language Apps
There are a constantly growing number of foreign language apps available on Facebook, as many businesses have begun to realise the potential of social networking as a global classroom. With so many available that cover diverse subjects such as business language skills, colloquial speech and practical tips, they are also transferrable between your iPhone and iPod. This means that you can take them with you on the go to help you whenever and wherever you need.
4. The Translate Button
Facebook’s translate button is becoming steadily more powerful. When friends with native speakers of foreign languages update their statuses in their own language, Facebook’s translate button can be used to help understand any words you may be having a little trouble with. Given time, you will also find that you need to use it less and less as you gradually become more accustomed to your chosen foreign language. Eventually, with lots of practice, you may not even need to use it at all.
5. Join Foreign Language Tutorial Groups
A step up from “liking” language schools and institutions, many groups are available which offer direct language training schemes. Again, you are able to learn at your own pace and get valuable feedback from native speakers.
This is a much more direct way to engage with a foreign language on Facebook and can help your skills develop no end. This is great because you don’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious by having to speak the language itself.
6. Change The Default Language
For those who are really starting to get to grips with their chosen foreign language you can challenge yourself by changing the default language of your Facebook page. It can be a little bit of a shock at the start but gradually, things will come clear, and not only will you be fully immersed in your new language, but will also instantly recognise words and phrases due to their location on your profile page.
Author Bio: Amie is a passionate blogger and writer, and a specialist in Business English Training. She enjoys developing her reading and writing skills within foreign languages in her spare time.