Language Learning Tips

Powerful Language Learning Tips From The Refugee Olympic Team

For sports fans around the world, the leading international competition is here: The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. From July 24 to August 11, athletes from across the globe are showcasing their talent and hard work through various sporting events and competitions.

Among them is the Refugee Olympic Team, representing extraordinary strength of character, the spirit of overcoming adversity, and hope for over 120 million forcibly displaced people. Established in 2015 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to support potential elite athletes affected by the global refugee crisis, the 10-member team that debuted at the Rio 2016 Games has grown to 37 athletes in Paris this year.

The stories of these world class athletes offer powerful lessons for us all – including our community of language learners – showing us that training for sports and mastering a new language are more similar than you think!

Let’s take a look at lessons we can learn from Olympic athletes to accelerate our language learning…

Lessons from the Refugee Olympic Team for Language Learners

1. Motivation

Growing up in Damascus, Yusra Mardini trained in swimming with the Syrian Olympic Committee, and represented her country internationally in 2012. However, at age 16, the Syrian Civil War forced her to flee home and undertake the dangerous migrant route across the Mediterranean Sea on an overcrowded boat. The crossing made global headlines when Yusra and three other strong swimmers spent over three hours pulling their dinghy and fellow passengers to safety after the boat’s motor failed and it started taking on water.

But Mardini’s journey had only begun. Overcoming almost impossible odds, she went on to compete in the first Refugee Olympic Team at Rio 2016. Throughout this pursuit, Mardini openly expressed her personal mission, “to help others better understand the plight of refugees; that ultimately all they are seeking is safety and opportunity.” Yusra Mardini’s dedication to raising awareness about refugees drove her success, illustrating how a strong personal mission can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Although Mardini is not competing in the Paris 2024 Games, she continues to support the Refugee Olympic Team as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. You can learn more about her story in the BAFTA-nominated film The Swimmers.

Language Learning Tip: When learning a new language, find your “why.” A personal motivator will help you stay committed, even when learning feels tough, by providing a larger purpose.

2. Consistency

It is important to put in the time and effort to consistently exercise the skills needed for success. Iman Mahdavi, a refugee from Iran, is competing in wrestling at the 2024 Olympic Games. He talks about training in the gym in the outskirts of Milan, where he is now based after fleeing his home country. The gym has become his second home as he commits to a consistent and rigorous training schedule.

Language Learning Tip: Find your own “training gym,” that second home where you feel comfortable putting in regular practice, fostering consistent progress in your language learning.

3. Managing Breaks and Burnout

Iranian-born Dina Pouryounes won her first international taekwondo medal while living in an asylum center in the Netherlands in 2015. Now competing in her second Olympics in Paris 2024, Pouryounes emphasizes learning from past experiences without succumbing to pressure. In her words, “I gained experience from my first Olympic Games. I noticed my errors and worked on them. I want to be the best version of myself and be proud and happy of what I did in the competition. I am training to get the best result and to be able to appreciate all those efforts.”

Language Learning Tip: Acknowledge your progress to avoid burnout. As you are learning a new language, there will come moments when fluency – or even proficiency – seems impossible. Pouryounes shows the importance of balancing hard work and realistic expectations to avoid crushing pressure. When facing challenges, take a step back, reflect on your growth, and return to training with a positive mindset.

4. Enjoyment and Play

Training and competing for a title win is challenging, but it can also be fun. Adnan Khankan – originally from Syria and now based in Germany – is making his Olympic debut in judo with the mindset of a winner. Khankan believes in enjoying the journey as much as the competition. His positive attitude reminds us that enjoying what you do is one of the most important aspects of achieving success!

Language Learning Tip: Incorporate play into your learning. Engage in games, puzzles, and popular culture in your target language to inspire curiosity, maintain interest and enhance retention. Whether it’s Arabic jeopardy, French bingo, or singing along to your favorite Spanish songs – you can learn in ways that best suit you with the expert guidance of NaTakallam’s native-speaking Language Partners.

With NaTakallam, Go for Gold in Your Language Learning

This summer, why not take inspiration from the Olympics beyond the excitement of the games? Just as athletes train rigorously to excel in their sports, you can channel that same dedication into your language learning journey.

Connect with a NaTakallam Language Partner today. These experts bring not only language proficiency but also the resilience and unique perspectives gained from overcoming the challenges of forced displacement. Imagine having a coach who motivates you with the same discipline, reward, and enjoyment found in the sports we admire – a true champion in guiding you through your language learning adventure.

NaTakallam offers language learning options in Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian – powered by native Language Partners from conflict-affected, displaced and refugee backgrounds.

Learn a language, make a friend and support the livelihoods of forcibly displaced persons – from the comfort of your home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sabrina Salam is an intern at NaTakallam. She is currently doing legal work supporting refugees and migrants. She loves to hike, write stories, and learn languages!

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5 Reasons Why Language Learning Boosts Your Mental Health

Language Learning Tips / [email protected]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the profound impact of mental well-being practices. We know that #mentalhealthmatters – the hashtag has over 13 million posts on Instagram! As a language learning and cultural exchange social enterprise, powered by the talents of displaced and conflict-affected individuals, we believe in the transformative power of language learning — not just as a cognitive exercise but as a vital tool for enhancing mental health. Let’s explore how learning and teaching languages can benefit both learners and educators.

The Mental Health Benefits of Language Learning

Language learning offers numerous mental health advantages. It can significantly reduce stress, alleviate social anxiety, boost self-esteem, and improve problem-solving skills. According to research, it even delays the onset of dementia, making it a powerful tool for cognitive health.

1. Enhancing Focus and Reducing Stress & Anxiety

When you’re focusing on a specific task, it relaxes the nervous system. Learning a new skill gives us a sense of purpose and growth. A team of Harvard researchers found evidence that active learning is actually a more effective stress management technique than passive relaxation.

2. Combating Depression

Practicing a new language can help distract from negative thoughts and help you feel less isolated. The practice enables you to build social connections, and provide manageable goals, all of which are crucial in combating symptoms of depression.

3. Overcoming Social Anxiety

Language learning helps individuals deal with mistakes and learn how to respond to feedback. By practicing speaking with a language partner, you develop and strengthen social skills. In time, you will become more comfortable meeting new people. Still afraid to speak your target language? Try some of these tips.

4. Boosting Self-Esteem

Achieving proficiency in a new language provides a sense of accomplishment that enhances self-worth.

5. Delaying Cognitive Decline

Language learning helps delay mental decline like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies suggest that it can delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by up to four years!

“A different language is a different vision of life.”
Frederico Fellini

The Unique Role of Refugee Teachers

NaTakallam’s refugee tutors play a crucial role, not only in educating others but also in benefiting themselves through the process of teaching. Here’s how language teaching aids their mental health and integration:

1. Self-Confidence and Empowerment

Teaching their native language allows refugee tutors to regain a sense of agency and self-worth. They feel empowered as they share their knowledge and cultural heritage with others.

2. Building Social Connections

By engaging with learners, refugee teachers build meaningful relationships, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of community.

3. Easier Emotional Expression & More Accurate Diagnosis

Teaching offers a structured way for refugees to process their experiences and traumas, which can be therapeutic. Afaf Doumani, a behavioral health navigator, emphasizes the importance of communication in mental health. She notes that speaking in one’s mother tongue allows for better articulation of emotions and more accurate diagnoses.

4. Cultural Exchange and Integration

Teaching their language helps refugees integrate into their new communities by bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual understanding.

5. Gainful employment and a Dignified Income

Through NaTakallam, displaced and conflict-affected individuals are able to gain economic and social access regardless of location and status. 60% of our Language Partners report NaTakallam as their sole source of income.

“Language at its core is centered around people. Language learning by its nature is opening doors to new experiences.”
Kinda, Arabic Language Partner from Syria with NaTakallam since 2021

A Conversation with Afaf Doumani

Afaf Doumani, a Palestinian mental health professional with extensive experience working with refugees, underscores the critical role of language in mental health. With a master’s degree in social work and a background in developmental studies, Afaf has dedicated her career to supporting displaced individuals. She recalls her motivation to study mental health after witnessing the trauma of refugees following the Syrian conflict’s influx into Toledo, Ohio in the United States.

Afaf highlights several challenges refugees face, including the stigma around mental health in their native regions and the significant language barriers that prevent them from seeking help. “Mental health relies heavily on communication—more than physical health. Articulating emotions and sharing personal experiences are crucial for accurate diagnoses,” Afaf explains.

“Language is the essence of mental health. Explaining your feelings in your mother tongue is always easier—you can speak your heart. It’s about having someone who understands your culture and can help you articulate your emotions accurately.”
Afaf Doumani

Working with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Afaf focuses on MENA populations, emphasizing the need for mental health professionals who speak the native languages of their clients. She points out that the lack of such professionals often leads to mistrust in therapy interpretation sessions, where unfamiliarity with the interpreter can hinder effective communication. “Deprivation of communication undermines their wellbeing. I’m often the only Arabic-speaking person in the mental health field helping navigate and connect them to services,” she says.

Afaf’s efforts extend to facilitating support groups for women and children, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting the importance of seeking help. “It’s about breaking the barriers and reminding people that it’s okay to ask for help. We meet them where they are, socializing and building trust,” she emphasizes.

Restoring Dignity & Celebrating Expression Builds Trust

Language learning is a powerful tool for mental health, offering numerous benefits for learners and refugee teachers alike. As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s recognize and embrace the dual impact of language learning: fostering cognitive and emotional well-being for learners while enabling displaced and conflict-affected teachers to express themselves, become more integrated in their communities, maintain and reaffirm their sense of dignity and unique cultural identity and build trust.

Gain more insights and learn how to Stop Being Afraid to Speak and overcome your fear of utilizing your new language skills in our blog.

NaTakallam also offers Arabic for Professionals. This unique program created in-house by qualified Language Partners from conflict-affected backgrounds is a curriculum designed specifically for students looking to apply their Arabic language skills to their careers – from medical and humanitarian work, to journalism and business – and beyond.

Learn a language, make a friend and support the livelihoods of forcibly displaced persons – from the comfort of your home.

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woman afraid to speak, hiding face in sweater

How to Stop Being Afraid to Speak a New Language

Language Learning Tips / Suhara Mushtaq

When you’ve just started learning a new language, speaking to other people might be the skill you struggle with the most. You’re afraid that you won’t understand what the other person is saying, or that you’ll make mistakes or embarrass yourself. You’re not alone in this; in fact, it’s actually a really common fear. Luckily, it can be overcome.

First and foremost, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” You might conjugate a verb wrong or completely forget a word in the middle of a sentence, but is that really so bad? A good speaking partner will either correct you or ignore it and move on because they still understood your point — which is the main goal of communication — so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Still, if you’re nervous, you can try practicing with language tutors like those here at NaTakallam. They already have experience teaching the language and are familiar with all of the mistakes learners can make.

If the person you’re talking to does laugh at you or otherwise makes you feel bad, that really says more about them than it does about you; it has nothing to do with your language skills! You should be proud that you can speak another language, however imperfectly, and look for someone else to spend your time with — someone who appreciates your efforts and encourages you to speak.

Before you start speaking with someone, try, whenever possible, to imagine the conversation in advance and plan ahead. For example, if you’re meeting your language exchange partner for the first time, naturally you’re going to introduce yourself, so you should take some time to imagine possible questions and answers in the target language: “My names is…” or “I work as…” and of course, “Nice to meet you.” If you’re practicing with a tutor, it might be useful to plan a topic in advance, so you’ll have time to learn some vocabulary and create sentences before the lesson.

Remember to always learn functional phrases, especially if you are a beginner. Phrases like “How do you say…?” “Can you repeat that?” or “More slowly, please” will really come in handy if you get stuck or struggle to keep up. Your speaking partner knows that you’re still learning and need to practice, so there’s nothing wrong with not understanding everything right away.

If speaking with someone else scares you, you can also try talking to yourself first. You can think out loud in your target language while you’re driving to work; describe your activities while doing housework; or have a fake conversation on the phone. No one will know you’re actually practicing!

Whether you’re talking to yourself or with someone else, use words that you already know as much as you can. This will make you more confident and help your conversation flow smoothly.

Also, speak about topics that interest you. Not only will this be easier for you because it’s more likely that you already know the right words (and if you don’t, you’ll be more motivated to learn them), but it will also be more fun to talk about something you’re passionate about. Who knows? Maybe your speaking partner will be just as interested as you are.

If you notice that you often need a word and can’t seem to remember it, or that you make the same grammar mistake over and over again, take note of that. Making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process. Acknowledging them will show you what you should focus on during your next study session.

To be a good speaker, you have to be a good listener. Practice listening with your favorite songs, an interesting podcast or an engaging TV series. You’ll get used to the speed at which native speakers talk and maybe even learn a few new words along the way. If you’re struggling to understand, put on the subtitles in your target language (so for instance, you’d watch French series Lupin with the French closed captions instead of English subtitles), so you’re reading and hearing the language at the same time. Also, using your computer, you can often slow down audio or visual files. Take some time to repeat what you hear to improve your pronunciation. You can also opt for audio books.

Speaking of books — if you’re more of a bookworm, reading will also be very beneficial. Try reading silently first to focus on the content. Read at least a paragraph or an entire page without stopping to look anything up, then go back and check your dictionary or grammar book as needed. Read it again focusing on new words and grammar points and finally, if you feel ready, read it out loud to practice pronunciation.

That said, always keep in mind that speaking with someone else is a step you’ll have to take at some point. Imagine how happy and fulfilled you will feel once you start communicating in your target language and seeing the results of all your hard work!

If you still don’t feel confident in spite of all your practice, don’t rush it. You don’t necessarily have to start speaking right away; you can focus on other skills related to your target language until you feel ready to talk to someone. Each language learning journey is personal, and everyone has a different pace.

Finally, remember that native speakers make mistakes too when they are speaking, even though they are communicating in their mother tongue, so stop worrying so much about grammar and spelling and try to follow the natural flow of the conversation. The point of communication is just to get your point across, not grammatical perfection, so speak at your own pace and celebrate every word you share with others.

For more information, you can explore the following sources:

Horwitz, Elaine K., Michael B. Horwitz, and Joann Cope. 1986. “Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety.” The Modern Language Journal 70 (2): 125–32.
Chastain, Kenneth.1975 “Affective and Ability Factors in Second-Language Acquisition.” Language Learning 25 (1): 153–61.
Woodrow, Lindy. 2006. “Anxiety and Speaking English as a Second Language.” RELC Journal 37 (3): 308–28.

Practice nine different languages with native-speaking tutors from displaced and conflict-affected backgrounds! Choose from Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian. Book a session, today, or start with a few key phrases: learn to say goodbye in Persian, hello in Russian, or how to count in French.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alice Zanini is a copywriting intern at NaTakallam while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in linguistics and Middle Eastern studies. Her research focus is on sociopolitical and sociolinguistic issues in modern Turkey and the Persian-speaking world.

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Mikaela Bell is a freelance content writer and editor working with NaTakallam. Her academic background is in linguistics and anthropology, and she also taught English as foreign language for several years. An American living in France, she also enjoys reading, creative writing, cooking, hiking, and Irish stepdance.

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