Improve your language skills by being politically aware (specially if you are an expat)

As all of my posts, this post has not been written by any kind of IA. I have only used AI to check some translations and / or to check grammar mistakes, as English is not my first language.

If you are living outside of your native country and you are trying to learn the local language, increasing your political awareness can be a key.

Increasing your political awareness can also help you developing your language skills. 

Ideas 

1. Ask locals how they feel about certain current topics

You will get a wide range of opinions, but each individual will give you their unique perspective over certain topic.

To know what to ask, you can:

2. Use "news in Slow Spanish" to hear about the news

It's a payed-based platform, but you will be able to listen to interesting audios about the latest news, narrated in a slow and second-language-friendly way.

3. Find cool youtubers that share the news in a friendlier way

You can also ask local friends what are their to-go Youtube sites when it comes to news. 

Alternatively, you can try getting into Youtube's rabbit holes until you find channels that make you feel welcomed. 

Remember you can slow down or speed down any video using the tool bar. 

4. Listen to podcasts about local and worldwide news

Same alternative as Youtube, but better if you are on the go, commuting or using mobile data.

Don't forget that listening without visual imputs is considerably harder.

Give yourself a big pat on the back if you can understand loose words,  complete phrases or ideas: any of those are big accomplishments! 

Benefits of following what's happening in the country

1. You will be more aware of the country's struggles, hot topics and current situation. 

That knowledge is useful in itself, in my opinion, but it can also fuel decisions about investments, job market status, places to live, and legal modifications in the country. 

2. You will be able to understand the target language better

"Traditional" reporters and journalists usually speak separating words, pronunciating clearly, and you can see different other imputs on the screen (texts, images). I find them easier to follow rather than "normal" people reporting news. 

3. But, if you follow "normal" people who are reporting news...

You will be able to pick up the "real" way in which locals speak.

Finally, it's also respectful to be politically aware of the country you are visiting or living in, and an opportunity to connect more deeply with locals, who are the ones who struggle the most with their countries's policies.

You will get the chance to be able to dive more deeply into their situations and understand better how the country came to be why it is like it is now.