Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating experience, filled with new sights, sounds, and cultures to explore. For international school teachers relocating to Singapore, one of the most rewarding ways to fully immerse oneself in the local culture is to learn the local language. While English is widely spoken in Singapore, learning Mandarin, Malay or Tamil can provide a deeper understanding of the local culture and make everyday interactions more meaningful. Here are seven practical ways to learn the local language in Singapore.
1. Enrol in a Language Course
One of the most structured ways to learn a new language is by enrolling in a language course. Singapore has a plethora of language schools offering courses in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. These courses are designed to cater to various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
Language schools such as the British Council Singapore and inlingua School of Languages offer flexible schedules and a variety of course formats, including intensive courses, part-time courses, and private lessons. This allows you to choose a learning format that best suits your teaching schedule and learning style.
2. Use Language Learning Apps
In this digital age, learning a new language can be as easy as downloading an app on your smartphone. Language learning apps such as Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Babbel offer interactive lessons in a variety of languages, including Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.
These apps utilise gamification techniques to make learning fun and engaging. They allow you to learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. Just like playing a game of Scrabble or Sudoku on your phone, you can squeeze in a quick language lesson during your lunch break or while commuting to work.
3. Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Language is deeply intertwined with culture. By immersing yourself in Singapore’s rich and diverse culture, you can pick up the local language in a more natural and enjoyable way. This can be as simple as watching local TV shows, listening to local music, or reading local newspapers and magazines.
For instance, watching a popular Mandarin drama series can help you pick up conversational Mandarin and understand the nuances of the language. Similarly, listening to Malay songs or reading Tamil newspapers can expose you to new vocabulary and sentence structures. This method of learning is akin to how we naturally learned our first language as children, by absorbing the language used in our daily environment.
4. Practice with Locals
Practising with native speakers is one of the most effective ways to learn a new language. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world context and receive immediate feedback. In Singapore, there are plenty of opportunities to practice the local language with locals.
You could start by striking up a conversation with your local hawker stall vendor or taxi driver. You could also join local interest groups or community events where you can meet locals and practice your language skills. Think of it as a language exchange, where you can teach them English while they help you with Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil.
5. Use Language Exchange Websites
Language exchange websites such as Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native speakers who are keen to learn your language. It’s a win-win situation: you help them with English, and they help you with the local language.
These platforms allow you to chat with native speakers via text, voice, or video calls. They also provide language tools such as translation, transcription, and correction to assist in your language learning. It’s like having a personal language tutor at your fingertips.
6. Learn Through Volunteering
Volunteering is another excellent way to learn the local language while giving back to the community. Many volunteer opportunities in Singapore involve interacting with locals, which provides a natural setting for language practice.
For example, you could volunteer at a local community centre, where you can interact with residents in their native language. Or, you could volunteer at a local school and assist in language classes. Not only will you be helping others, but you’ll also be enhancing your own language skills in the process.
7. Keep a Language Journal
Keeping a language journal can be a helpful tool in your language learning journey. It allows you to record new vocabulary, phrases, and grammar rules that you’ve learned. It also provides a space for you to practice writing in the local language.
You could start by writing simple sentences or short paragraphs, and gradually progress to writing longer texts. You could also write about your daily experiences in Singapore, which will not only improve your language skills but also create a memorable record of your time in Singapore.
In conclusion, learning the local language as an international school teacher in Singapore can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It not only enhances your understanding of the local culture but also improves your communication with locals. So why not give it a try? With these seven methods, you’ll be speaking like a local in no time.
Enhance Your Teaching Career with iQTS
As you embark on the journey of learning the local language and embracing the vibrant culture of Singapore, consider taking your professional development to the next level with The IQTS at UWE. The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Programme is designed to elevate your teaching credentials, ensuring you meet the high standards of international schools. With the iQTS, you can look forward to increased interview callbacks, higher promotion rates, a significant salary boost, and a stronger connection to the global teaching community. Embrace the opportunity to become more adaptable to international curricula and balance your career advancement with your current commitments through our flexible online study options. Make Your Next Step towards a fulfilling international teaching career with the iQTS programme.