Is it possible to learn Indonesian in 3 months? Some people might say it's impossible, but others swear by the efficacy of intensive language courses.
So, which is it? Can you learn this complex Southeast Asian language in a relatively short time, or will learning Indonesian require more effort than that?
In this blog post, we'll explore what's involved in an Indonesian course from the experience of other students who learn Bahasa at Lingo School of Knowledge and whether or not you can realistically expect to be proficient in the language after three months. Ready to get started? Let's dive in!
What's Involved in an Indonesian Language Course?
The first thing to understand is that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning. Every student is different, so what works for one person might not for another.
That's why at the start of your Indonesian language course in Singapore, you'll work with your teacher to get to know your learning style so that your teacher can tailor their lessons to your specific needs. There is a range of different techniques that might be employed across an Indonesian language course, including:
- Reading and Writing: To become fluent in a language, you'll need to practice reading and writing in that language on a regular basis. In many classrooms, this is something that happens naturally as part of the course.
- Listening Exercises: You may have noticed that one of the skills listed above is listening. This is because language is not just about pronouncing words correctly and understanding the grammar. It's also about correctly interpreting what people are saying to you.
- Speaking Exercises: The best way to get used to hearing yourself speak in a language is actually to practice speaking it as much as possible, which is why most language courses feature a large number of speaking exercises.
- Pronunciation: This is a skill that might not even occur to you, but it's one of the most important skills for a fluent speaker to have. Poor pronunciation can make it almost impossible for people to understand what you're saying, so this is an important skill to develop.
An Expert Look into the Indonesian Language
The first thing that you need to know is that Indonesian and Malay are two different languages. Indonesian is the official language of the country, while Malay is a language spoken by the majority of people in Malaysia and Singapore.
There is a slight difference between the two, but they are extremely similar, so if you learn to speak Indonesian, you will be able to communicate with a large number of people in the Southeast Asian region. Indonesian is a complex language with different dialects and writing systems, as well as many loan words from various languages. It's one of the most difficult languages to learn for an English speaker, but it's also one of the most rewarding.
Is it Possible to Learn Indonesian in 3 Months?
As we mentioned above, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to language learning. However, if you have a full-time job and are able to commit to an intensive Indonesian language course three times a week, you could get up to a conversational level in 3 months.
However, if you have a full-time job, you'll need to factor in things like commute times and work commitments. You'll also need to get up extra early to get in a few hours of studying before work, or you'll need to find a place that offers evening classes.
If you have more free time, you might be able to get to a conversational level in 6 months. How quickly you learn the language will depend on your current English language level, your learning style, and your commitment to learning. At the end of the day, it's possible to learn Indonesian in a short amount of time, but it's going to take a lot of hard work.
Pros and Cons of Learning Indonesian in a Short Amount of Time
To make an informed decision on whether you should opt for learning Indonesian in a short period of time, you’ll want to compare both the pros and cons. We’ve rounded them up for you below.
Pros:
- You can save time and money since you don’t have to spend as much time in class: Perhaps, the most notable benefit of learning Indonesian in a short amount of time is the fact that it saves you time and money. You don’t have to pay for classes, purchase books, or spend a lot of time in the classroom.
- It is an effective way to learn the basics of the language: Learning Indonesian in a short amount of time is also a great way to get the basics down. It can give you a solid foundation of vocabulary and grammar, which you can then build on over time.
- You can get high-quality instruction: Many language schools offer intensive courses that are taught by experienced native Indonesian speakers. This means you can get the best possible instruction in a short amount of time.
- You can reach your language goals faster: If you’re on a tight timeline to learn Indonesian, an intensive course can help you reach your goals quickly.
Cons
- It's exhausting: Let’s face it; learning a language is one of the most exhausting things you can do, and it can really take its toll on you.
- You won't have enough time to practice grammar: If you don't have time to practice grammar, you'll never become fluent, at least not at this stage in your language learning journey.
- You could get bored: If you try to learn Indonesian in a short time, you may get bored, and it will be difficult to keep your attention.
Final Words
Depending on your circumstances, it's possible to learn Indonesian in a short amount of time, but it's not an easy thing to do. You'll need to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and be realistic about the amount of progress you'll be able to make. If you follow a structured course, set yourself goals, and make time for study, you'll be able to make the most of your Indonesian language course.
We offer intensive courses for all levels at Lingo, so you can learn Indonesian in a short amount of time. Contact us today to find out more about our courses and get started on your Indonesian language journey. Call: 8811 1995 or visit us at:
Lingo School of knowledge -Thai | Korean | Spanish | France Language School
87 Beach Rd,
#03-01 Chye Sing Building,
Singapore 189695