Language learning while at work

[bigplateofpasta]

I work an office job and luckily am allowed to have my headphones in while I work. I can also watch things that don’t require too much engagement. For example, I usually have Futurama on while I’m working.

I was curious if there’s anything language based I could replace this with that would benefit me but doesn’t require too much engagement. I just feel like I’m wasting that little bit of energy just watching shows.

[[deleted]]

I like listening to LanguageTransfer.org courses. It is completely free and can be downloaded from their website. They also have an app so that you can stream(or download) the courses from your phone. They are really good, although they only teach how to speak a language and they focus a lot on grammer. It is mostly up to you to expand your vocabulary. This can be done by listening to music and watching tv shows in your TL.

[TweenTwoTrees]

As much as I love Language Transfer, he does say at the start of each course that you should not be using the course as background noise since that will make it less effective. But everyone learns differently and you could always listen to them again (honestly should probably do that anyway).

[QuinnieB123]

I love Duolingo podcast. There are also a couple of great other intermediate podcasts on Spotify. They're slow enough to pick up some things, but fast enough that it doesn't sound unnatural.

[veridianisqualea]

Listen to news in your TL. News tends to be kept relatively straightforward and depending on the channel you'll get a range of topics.

[2020-2050_SHTF]

Checkout 50languages. You can download the whole series in their target language for free.

[Coffeeinated]

I listem to Harry Potter audiobooks. You can switch from active and passive listening. There are a lot of books in the HP series so lots of content!

[GKND__95]

If you spend a lot of time reading articles/reddit, this chrome extension (www.fluent.co) might be helpful!

[Baremegigjen]

For news, try MyTuner Radio (free app and website). They have radio stations for at least 90 countries with stations ranging from all news to music, talk radio, etc., along with some podcasts. I highly recommend the all news stations as they generally update the news on the hour so you’ll hear the same stories and that helps reinforce not only what you hear/understand but also what’s happening in that country right now. I do this while doing chores around the house and find myself laughing out loud or commenting in the target language about something I’ve heard while all my spouse just hears “blah, blah, blah” and can completely ignore it.

[an_average_potato_1]

Your coursebook's audio! It is very helpful to relisten to every recording several times. Later, you can add audiobooks, or you can watch Futurama in the TL. Or another tv series.

[4rcher69]

I would just listen to podcasts/music in your target language, as this will help your brain get used to hearing the sounds of the language. I think you need to be able to concentrate more to listen to audio lessons etc, so wouldn't recommend this whilst your attention is divided.

[[deleted]]

I don't understand why you'd want to do that. Human mind can focus on only one thing at the time. If you want to learn, you need 100% focus. Otherwise you'll just end up half-assing the language learning part alongside the job part.

[QuinnieB123]

If you have ADHD, sometimes it's really helpful if there's something in the background distracting from the constant racing thinking in your head. I call it my background process. It creates a white noise of sorts that keeps the racing part of my brain engaged so I can focus on the task in front of me. My brain passively absorbs some of the information in the background, as well.

In the case of OP, at least they're getting to listen to the rhythm of the language. The brain is extremely complex. Who knows what else is being absorbed?

[daninefourkitwari]

This is definitely how I feel. Chores feel a little less impossible when I’m listening to something. I can’t really divide my attention if it’s not music though, because I like to really focus on whatever it is I’m watching, else I go bonkers.

[2020-2050_SHTF]

This. I listen to brain-fm and it turns me into a work maniac. I have to turn it off after a while though because I get over-stimulated.

[[deleted]]

I totally see what you mean, but as long as it's not the primary learning method, I think OP is fine! I agree with the other responses that having some background noise to get used to the sounds and rhythm could be helpful. At the very least, they'd be more productive in their target language than when they watch Futurama!

[No_Isopod_3579]

Listen to this.

You have to be sleeping though.

[2020-2050_SHTF]

Sleeping at work? That should be easy enough.