Why Take Language Lessons with a Native-Speaking Instructor?

When choosing an online program to learn a new language, learners are often met with dozens of options.  An effective way to learn a second language is directly from a native speaker.  Lessons with a native speaker immerse the student and allow for instant corrections and real-life examples.

Cultural Immersion 

A student’s ability to immediately compare and contrast their culture to their teacher makes content more relevant and engaging.  The student and instructor can discuss the differences in their everyday routines and differences in social or cultural norms, all of which contribute to increased cultural understanding. Just as the language student may be eager to learn about a new culture, language instructors are equally eager to share and learn about the student’s background!  Students who relate to their class content are likelier to actively engage in lessons and commit new content to memory. 

Build Confidence Speaking and Listening 

One of the best ways to build confidence speaking a new language is by practicing with someone straight from the source – a native speaker!  When a student can engage in conversation with a native speaker to the point where they are understood when speaking and can comprehend the accent well, their confidence soars.   

An additional benefit of learning from a native speaker is constant exposure to an authentic accent.  This helps immensely, both with listening comprehension and with perfecting pronunciation.  Students looking to take AP Exams or the Global Seal of Biliteracy benefit, particularly from regular interaction with native speakers.  Language exams’ speaking and listening portions are easier for students who consistently speak with and listen to a native speaker.  

Formal vs. Informal Speech 

Formality may vary from one language to another and can be a difficult concept to grasp for new students.  Luckily those who learn from native Spanish students can learn from their teacher’s real-life experience on when to use tu or usted, and French students can learn how to appropriately use vous and tu.  Knowing how to address others correctly in a new language is integral to fluency.  Native speaking instructors will build their students’ confidence when interacting with other native speakers of their language.  

They Understand  

When you take lessons from a native-speaking instructor, chances are that English is not their first language; it could be their second or even third!  While they may not relate to the difficulties of learning their language, they know the struggles students face when learning any new language and the best practices for mastering content.  A native-speaking teacher will be able to share practical strategies for expanding vocabulary and obtaining a better grasp of complex grammar concepts.   

The LanguageBird Difference 

Learning a language requires using it with someone who can give you the proper context.  At LanguageBird, each instructor is a native speaker of the language they teach or have worked to reach native-level proficiency.  Our one-to-one classes equip students to confidently speak a new language, knowing they can be understood by native speakers!