{"id":3551,"date":"2015-08-12T08:15:40","date_gmt":"2015-08-12T12:15:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/?p=3551"},"modified":"2020-10-01T14:46:51","modified_gmt":"2020-10-01T18:46:51","slug":"how-to-learn-a-language-with-twitter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/language-news\/2015\/08\/12\/how-to-learn-a-language-with-twitter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Learn a Language with Twitter"},"content":{"rendered":"

As much as I try to resist, when I pull up Chrome, my finger automatically gravitates toward the F or T keys. Facebook and Twitter have some kind of gravitational pull over my hands, I swear. Apparently, I\u2019m not alone\u201428% of all time spent online is on social networks.
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no reason that social media has to be a time suck, though. In fact, I highly recommend social networks as language resources (I mean, I do run a few of them<\/a> for Transparent Language). I\u2019ve discussed how to use Pinterest to learn a language<\/a>, but Twitter just might be my favorite social platform when it comes to languages. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n

1. Following language-specific accounts for new vocab, grammar, etc.<\/strong>
\nHere\u2019s an obvious one, but if you haven\u2019t searched Twitter for accounts devoted to your language of interest, go do so right now. Transparent Language has more than two dozen language-specific Twitter accounts<\/a>, to which we post a Word of the Day, blog articles, tips, etc. There are plenty of other pages out there, too. I\u2019ve been learning French for more than a decade and @frenchwords still teaches me a thing or two each week.<\/p>\n

\n

#French<\/a> Word of the Day – jusqu’ici: up to now Click for an example and audio! http:\/\/t.co\/AKsBRYEbYl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/T7Gh5yl7tV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Transparent French (@frenchlanguage) August 2, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n

Croquis (masculine word) | Sketch | \/k\u0281http:\/\/t.co\/DOGZ2GeuIq<\/a> #frenchwords<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/RMEnHbKWtu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 French Words (@frenchwords_) August 7, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. Following well-known native speakers to see authentic language use.<\/strong>
\nAccounts that intend to teach you a language are great resources, but the beauty of Twitter is the abundance of natural and authentic language use. Follow famous musicians, athletes, authors, politicians, etc. who speak (and tweet in) your target language. Chances are they\u2019ll introduce you to new slang and abbreviations while exposing you to the country\u2019s pop culture.<\/p>\n

\n

https:\/\/t.co\/eNLCVpofz4<\/a> < NOUVELLE VID\u00c9O : LE HATER ! \u00c7a commence bien mais un commentaire haineux vient tout g\u00e2cher… RT \u00c7A \u00c0 FOND !! <3<\/p>\n

\u2014 Cyprien (@MonsieurDream) June 12, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

3. Following local news sources to keep up with current events and culture.<\/strong>
\nWe all know the benefits of reading the news. Following news accounts in the target language doubles those benefits\u2014not only are you practicing the language (typically at a higher level than you\u2019ll find in other resources) but you\u2019re also keeping tabs on what\u2019s going on in your region of interest.<\/p>\n

\n

Vol MH370 : la France d\u00e9ploie de nouveaux moyens de recherche \u00e0 La R\u00e9union http:\/\/t.co\/qWqYBCDcKl<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/sfgdyr2sJi<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Le Monde (@lemondefr) August 7, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And if the traditional news isn\u2019t really your thing, there are plenty of other journalistic accounts out there to pique your interest. From sports columnists to fashion magazines, there\u2019s plenty to choose from.<\/p>\n

\n

L’obsession du jour: Les broches fleurs en strass de @Prada<\/a> http:\/\/t.co\/q6Auw2zQsT<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/z0g8OTxrMa<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Vogue.fr (@VogueParis) August 7, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

4. Search for new words or phrases.<\/strong>
\nTwitter isn’t all about following, though. The search functionality can be very powerful for language learners. Come across a new term that you don\u2019t quite understand? Type it into Twitter\u2019s search box to see real-life examples of how to use it! For example, if I didn\u2019t know the French expression \u201ctomber dans les pommes\u201d (to fall in the apples\u2014what?), I could Twitter search it to give it some context. Turns out, it means to faint!<\/p>\n

\n

Un fan du PSG tombe dans les pommes devant l\u2019h\u00f4tel de Di Maria. Il est pris en charge par… le joueur ! http:\/\/t.co\/PakYPB0UVC<\/a> #Foot<\/a> #PSG<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Michel Barisano (@MichelBarisano) August 7, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Who are you following on Twitter to help with your language skills? How else do you use social networks to practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\"\"

As much as I try to resist, when I pull up Chrome, my finger automatically gravitates toward the F or T keys. Facebook and Twitter have some kind of gravitational pull over my hands, I swear. Apparently, I\u2019m not alone\u201428% of all time spent online is on social networks. There\u2019s no reason that social media…<\/p>\n

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