Returning to one’s native country after a period of time spent living abroad is known as repatriation, especially in the context of Armenian repatriation. This path can be thrilling as well as difficult, particularly in terms of language proficiency. Proficiency in the local language is an important factor for networking, getting new opportunities, and successfully assimilating into the community. So, let’s get a better understanding of the importance of language competency in the repatriation process and provide strategies for improving it.
Let’s start with effective communications
Language is the primary medium through which people communicate. Speaking the language fluently promotes social integration, and improves communication with locals while helping in understanding subtle cultural differences. Excellent communication abilities are necessary for both professional and personal relationships.
Access to resources
Speaking of personal relationships and communications. By understanding the local language, the repatriates get access to multiple services of importance, some of them being healthcare, education, and the above-mentioned employment. In the healthcare industry, repatriated people can communicate more freely with doctors and not only get precise medication and treatment but also describe their situation thoroughly to give the specialists a better understanding of the health issues they are facing. For the repatriates who have children and want to set some kind of connection to the other parents and children, learning the basics of the language will help them do so. Besides, if the adult repatriates want to continue their education in specific fields, then they can use their knowledge of the language to sign up for the courses they prefer. This will also help them find the job they want more easily and become a part of the environment sooner.
How to improve the language skills
There are many tips on how to improve specific language skills, especially if you are considering repatriation. For starters, you can engage with the language more frequently. This can be done through different sources, such as reading, listening to, and even speaking in the language. If there are no people who possess the language for you to communicate with them, then you can talk to yourself. For example, you can talk slowly just to catch the errors you make during your speech and then correct those. The next time when you’re talking in the language, you will remember the previous errors and avoid making them.
Another great tip for you to learn the basics of the language is labeling the household items in that language. You can start with the guest room furniture, for example, a chair in Armenian would be athor, a table would be a seghan, and many more examples you can explore by simply doing some research. While this isn’t much learning of the language, it still gives you the basic knowledge of the language that you can use to navigate when the time comes.
How to maintain your motivation for learning the necessary language
It is a common fact that the concept of motivation lies in temporary encouragement to do something. Then it fades away and results in the individual dropping the strategies and plans developed while being under the motivation spell. So, in order to avoid being stuck in a situation like this, you can start by setting specific and achievable goals, even, especially when it comes to learning a new language for serious intentions. So, break down some larger objectives into smaller milestones and understand why you want to learn the language and how it will help you during your repatriation process and after being officially repatriated. For example, you can start the path of your language education with five-minute podcasts or speech or even learning 5 words a day. Since at the end of the day, those five words a day will add up and turn into a whole vocabulary, no?
If it’s difficult to get back to your studies, you can set a strict schedule and follow it. As already discussed, you can start with light sessions that won’t depress and break your desire to learn the language. Then, by slowly gaining some language base, you can increase the study duration and volume as you please. This will not only help you learn the language without dropping it but also will give you some sense of achievement to keep going with your studies.
Conclusion: Reflect on your motivation
Learning a new language is a serious life achievement, especially if you have specific intentions related to it. As the repatriation also means changing the lifestyle and adapting to a new one, language is one of the first barriers that you will have to overcome, so, starting before the main repatriation will benefit you in the longer run than you think. So, you can start with five words a day, or five minutes a day to enrich your language knowledge and use it more confidently in the future.
