Do you aspire to become a confident and fluent speaker of another language?

Learning a new language becomes the bridge connecting you to the world and allows you to experience different cultural wonders.Do you want to immerse yourself in the cultural charm of languages like English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese? Do you wish to make friends from other countries? There are many language-learning opportunities awaiting you!

One of the most personalized and widespread ways to learn a new language today is through various spoken language courses. By practicing vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, intonation, and other speaking skills, you can learn how to speak a language correctly. These courses often include activities such as group discussions, debates, and class presentations, helping you express your thoughts clearly and engage in daily or scenario-based conversations in other languages. Some language-learning institutions even provide certificates upon course completion, which not only validate your learning efforts but also boost your future career prospects.

1. Recommended Spoken Language Course Paths

With the rapid development and widespread adoption of the internet, traditional language-learning models are also evolving. Just like academic knowledge, language learning can now be pursued through offline and online courses. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, so you can create a personalized learning plan based on your needs and the guidance provided here.

Offline Learning Methods:

Offline learning methods are usually paid and involve fixed schedules, but they offer immersive, real-life learning environments where interaction with teachers and peers is more immediate. If you come across offline courses, you should definitely give them a try as they can provide a valuable language-learning experience. Here are some common offline ways to learn spoken languages:

• Language Schools: Institutions such as Sprachschule Aktiv, F+U Academy of Languages, GoAcademy!, and VICTORIA – Academy of Languages offer various language courses. The fees vary depending on the program type, such as standard classes, summer classes, intensive courses, or one-on-one tutoring.
• University Language Centers: Many universities have language centers that offer courses in different languages, targeting both students and the general public. These are typically paid programs.
• Group Activities: Events like language exchange meetups, cultural exchange activities, and short-term study tours can provide informal language practice environments. While effective, these activities generally require participants to have basic speaking skills and some cultural understanding of the target language, making them less suited for beginners and lacking systematic learning.

Online Learning Methods:

The internet offers a wide array of learning options. You can download various apps on your smartphone or browse websites for language course videos. It's worth noting that online learning offers many more learning opportunities compared to offline methods. Therefore, if you have good self-discipline and need flexibility in your learning schedule, online learning is your go-to option.

• Multilingual Learning Platforms:

Fun-mooc is a completely French-learning platform where you can obtain completion certificates by passing specific courses.

Loecsen is a digital language-learning platform that helps you study different languages in small time slots.

Lingodeer has a scientific learning system that helps beginners establish a learning framework.

• Convenient Language-Learning Apps:

HelloTalk is a interactive language-learning app where every user is both a learner and a teacher. Through chatting, voice, or video calls, users can practice and learn languages.

Duolingo is a popular language-learning app that uses gamification to make language learning fun. It’s across all platforms, with some optional paid features. Duolingo’s language certifications are also recognized by many countries.

• AI Voice Interaction Tools:

ChatGPT offers voice interaction capabilities, helping language learners practice different types of conversations. However, users need to learn how to give voice commands to AI.

TalkPal is another AI conversation tool that provides more targeted services for language learning, along with useful tips and suggestions.

2. Benefits of Completing a Spoken Language Course and Earning a Certificate

• Career Advancement: Languages such as Spanish and French are widely used in various professional fields. Many multinational companies and international organizations require proficiency in other languages. Moreover, certain industries have their own specialized jargon, such as Latin-based medical terminology in the healthcare field. Mastering a language that aligns with your career interests can lead to better job opportunities.
• Travel: Each region has its own common language, which serves as a communication tool for tourists. When traveling in other countries, knowing the local language makes it easier to interact with locals, better understand the culture, and enrich the travel experience.
• Study Abroad Applications: Some countries require applicants to provide proof of language proficiency, and a spoken language course certificate can serve as valid proof. However, it's important to follow the specific requirements of the institution you're applying to. Additionally, the effort put into obtaining a language certificate not only validates your skills but also helps you quickly integrate into the local environment.

Learning a new language is an effective way to enhance yourself, and language proficiency is largely demonstrated through speaking skills. A spoken language course certificate serves as proof of your oral language abilities. Today, with a variety of online and offline learning methods, and the flexibility and abundance of online resources, if you have limited time, it is highly recommended that you explore online spoken language courses to experience a diverse learning journey.

Published on Sep 15, 2024