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This article was taken from the July 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
When author Joshua Foer, planned to go to Congo to research his next book, he knew he'd have to get to grips with the local lingo -- fast. Here's how he picked up the basics of trade language Lingala in just a couple of months -- and how you could do the same.
Make up mnemonics
Foer used Memrise, a language-learning app, and an English-Lingala dictionary to come up with mnemonics for each word: "heart" in Lingala is motema, so Foer pictures an internet modem with a heart on top.
Drill yourself efficiently
Learn little and often. Foer advises testing yourself for a few minutes during the day. And don't learn words you already know: "Memrise tests you right at the edge of your ability... it's making the most efficient use of your time."
String it together
You will need some basic grammar to make a coherent sentence. Find a beginner's grammar book that includes exercises so you can apply what you learn, and stick to the basic rules of forming a sentence -- nuance can wait.
Get talking
Pronunciation is an issue. After his first visit to Congo, Foer found a native Lingala speaker through a -refugee agency and met him for conversation practice. Three trips later and Foer could almost do without a translator.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
