What is the best way to increase vocabulary in a language without native speakers nearby, after you've learned the basics?

Answer 1

Love this question, for any language!! My initial thoughts were music, podcasts, and movies/TV programs. Find a musical group you love and study the lyrics (they may surprise you!), or try to find movies or shows in your target language that might have subtitles to help you out!

News programs are often very advanced and specific to context, but - depending on the language you're studying - try the "New in Slow" series... They do a nice job of keeping current events at a pace learners can handle!

Although I luck out with many native Spanish speakers around me, I still love supporting that with other authentic sources - it keeps me current!! Good luck!

Answer 2

Find a book or go online to learn about word prefixes and suffixes. These syllables added to words change many words the same way. Also, many English language words are Latin in origin and a few are Greek in origin. The Latin and Greek origins are listed in some dictionaries. Once you learn about these, you can better guess the meanings of more words.

Also, just go on line or go to public libraries and ask for books or tapes on increasing vocabulary.