1. Bilingual dictionary. Yes, you can use Google Translate or any other online translation service to help you read a blog post or newspaper article. But if your goal is to learn another language, you’ll want to have a physical bilingual dictionary. Over the course of your studies, you will be able to reproduce pages and underline definitions. You will lovingly turn each page like an explorer, discovering how your new language describes the world. Begin your journey by taking a trip to your local bookstore and browsing through the foreign language section.
2. Phrasebook. Okay, you just bought a bilingual dictionary. Why do you need a phrasebook? This is so you can start talking right now with native speakers. You want to select a phrasebook that provides you with transliterations (the alphabetical equivalents in your native language for foreign words). Also, look for a phrasebook that provides useful expressions to help start a conversation, such as “Good morning. Are you from Romania? I’m learning Romanian!” I know it sounds obvious, but not all phrasebooks are designed for the survivalist speaker, especially less common languages. You can use an app instead of a phrasebook if you have a smartphone. The key is to have something that is pocket-sized to easily carry with you. Which brings us to the next useful item.
3. Flashcards. Flashcards are the old and tried method to memorize lots of words quickly. Flashcards are a great language learning tool because you can keep them in your pocket and take them out several times throughout the day to review them. You can buy pre-made cards with the 1,000 most common words in almost any language. Or, you can make your flashcards by hand. Before you scoff at the idea of making thousands of flashcards, keep in mind that many language students find the physical act of making the flashcard just as helpful for remembering the word as it is for practicing with the flashcard. For those of you who are less inclined to physically write cards, spend an hour looking up flash card programs and apps. There are many free and paid options. Consider spending a few dollars on a flash card app for your smartphone, a worthwhile investment.
4. Grammar notebook. I realize this will not make me popular, however please find a beginner grammar workbook for your new language. Use buyer reviews as a guide to help you choose one that is “straightforward” or “self-explanatory.” If you find the grammar difficult to understand, that’s okay. Consider this book your guide to exploring the different grammar topics in your new language. You can (and should) follow the book’s lessons and explanations with online material you can find by searching the web. YouTube is a great complement to grammar explanations in workbooks.
5. Free language courses. This comes in many forms. Start by visiting your local library to see if they have a crash course for beginners on CD for your new language. Alternatively, check out the BBC, which offers language courses for beginners in 40 different languages. You can also search for introductory podcasts in your chosen language. The key is to find auditory information to hear the way the language actually sounds.
That is all! You now have the five essential tools you need to start your language learning today!