Social media as a language learning tool

Social media, for all its faults, is an amazing tool for language learners. Whether you prefer Instagram, Twitter, or the strange world that is Tumblr, social media can be an amazing language tool. Here are some reasons why.

Multiple language availability
All social media can be accessed in a range of languages, meaning you can change your settings to Italian, Spanish, Mandarin, and so many other languages. This is only one small change, and the language you need to understand how to use your preferred social media perhaps limited to words such as like, reblog, retweet, favourite, and so on. But this is still an important stepping stone to getting used to using your target language all the time.

Lessons whenever you want them
If you don't have much time to spare for studying, scrolling through the trending tags on Twitter from a country that speaks your target language can be a quick, bite-sized lesson. Or, you might follow an artist or actor whose native language is the one you are learning; keeping up to date with their Instagram posts and stories is a great way to get a little language practice in. There are lots of options for you!

Instant practice from all over the world
The internet has made international friendship easy, making awareness of different timezones one of the most important elements of keeping in touch. So once you are comfortable with Tweeting in your chosen language, or commenting on an Instagram post, maybe you can speak with your new friends in direct messages using the language you are learning.

Perfect grammar and vocabulary
The more you are exposed to the correct way to structure sentences, the easier grammar will be for you to understand. Equally, by having new vocabulary on the posts you are reading, every minute you 'waste' on social media is actually a learning experience. You have the perfect excuse!

Keep up to date with language
Sometimes when we learn a language traditionally, the language in our textbooks and other material can feel old, and outdated. By accessing Twitter, Instagram, and so on daily, not only can you be sure your language is the most modern used, but you will also pick up some current slang and expressions as well. Possibly even some curse words. Who doesn't like to curse?

So the next time someone says that you are wasting your time online scrolling through the same few websites, tell them to leave you alone. You are studying a whole new language! What better use of your time is there than that?