If you have recently moved to a new country, or might one day, don’t miss today’s episode.
Aubrey speaks with Ingrid Piller, co-author of Life in a New Language.
She shares valuable tips for becoming your best self in a new environment.
Who is Ingrid Piller?
Ingrid is a distinguished professor at Hamburg University in Germany.
She is also Distinguished Professor of Applied Linguistics at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
Ingrid was awarded an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship in 2024, which includes a research grant and recognizes her outstanding work in applied linguistics.
She focuses specifically on linguistic diversity and social participation.
Ingrid is an internationally recognized expert in intercultural communication, language learning, multilingualism, and bilingual education.
She is also the author of several books including “Life in a New Language,” “Linguistic Diversity and Social Justice,” and “Intercultural Communication.”
Ingrid’s research
Ingrid worked with a team of 6 co-authors.
They followed and gathered data about a large group of immigrants for over 20 years.
These individuals were immigrating to Australia from many different countries.
Their goal was to figure out how individuals can learn a new language while shifting their lives and identity to adapt to a new place.
It’s more than just language; it’s about fitting into a different country with a different culture.
This can be difficult in all aspects of life.
Become your best self in a new country
Ingrid shares three tips to set you up for success after moving to a new country.
In this journey, you may experience discrimination, as well as the challenge of making friends and navigating life and career.
#1: It’s not just about language
Moving to a new country is not just about learning a new language.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You will become a new person and will live a new life.
Moving will affect your entire identity because it is a transformative experience.
It’s vital to embrace that you will change.
#2: Put yourself out there
Embrace the growing pains.
This is part of the process.
Expect to change and be pushed to your limits to become the new and improved you.
The new you will adapt and settle in the new country.
Do difficult things, like speaking to strangers in a country in a new language.
It won’t be perfect, and if you get the cold shoulder, don’t let it discourage you.
You will arrive at your sense of belonging sooner than you’d think.
#3: Play the long game
Fluency in a new language may not be as quick as you hope.
It is a process.
Stick with it and enjoy the journey.
Belonging is achievable.
It will be worth it in the end, and you will be proud of how far you have come.
When you get the IELTS scores you need, that is just the beginning of your journey.
There is so much ahead of you, including reaching the goal of belonging and settling comfortably in a new place.
You want to live like a local and easily navigate through daily life and thrive in your workplace.
It will be a long journey, but it will absolutely be fulfilling.
Takeaway
Ultimately, learning a new language in a new country is more than just picking up vocabulary; it’s about finding your place in a completely different culture and way of life.
For immigrants, this process can be both challenging and deeply transformative.
Language learning is tightly woven into adapting to unfamiliar systems, building relationships, and reshaping daily routines.
It’s not just about speaking the language; rather, it’s about understanding the unspoken rules, cultural norms, and social cues that come with it.
The journey may be tough, but it’s also a powerful path to connection, confidence, and truly feeling at home in a new land.
Check out Ingrid’s book, “Life in a New Language” from Oxford University Press to learn more about living well and thriving in a new country.
Have you migrated to a new country? What has been the most challenging part of your journey?
We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
