Are you trying to learn Serbian? If you are looking for tips for basic Serbian conversation, this blog post is for you.
Learning foreign languages is both exciting and scary. You know a new word and its meaning, but then find out it has two more different meanings.
Or, you spend time practicing a new grammar rule and later learn there are exceptions to the rule. It can be a rollercoaster. It’s the same case for Serbian.
Is Serbian Easy to Learn
Language learners say that learning Serbian is challenging because of seven cases. On top of that, there are two official scripts: Latin and Cyrillic. Yes, you have read that correctly. If your native language is not from a close language family, this is a novelty.
How to Learn Basic Serbian Conversation
To help you get started, here are some tips on how to grasp basic Serbian conversational phrases.
1. Start from Basics
Start your language learning with greetings and introductions:
- Hello – Zdravo (Здраво)
- I’m – Ja sam (Ja сам)
- Thank you – Hvala (Хвала)
- Yes – Da (Да)
- No – Ne (Не)
Listen and repeat them at least five times. Use them in communication with your Serbian-speaking partner or friend. Don’t hesitate to ask them about pronunciation and meaning.
Practice these basics in different contexts. Remember, this equals the ‘A, B, C, D’.
Pro tip: It’s important to distinguish between formal and informal language in Serbian. When you speak to someone older or in a more formal context, use the second-person plural form of the verb.
In a casual conversation with a partner or a friend, use the second-person singular form of the verb. See the examples below.
What’s your name? In Serbian:
Kako se zovete? – more formal
Kako se zoveš? – less formal
Understanding this difference will help you communicate more appropriately in various situations.
2. Watch Serbian Media
Watch Serbian movies and TV series with subtitles available on YouTube. This immersion technique helps you understand the natural flow of the language. Also, it exposes you to authentic conversational patterns. You’ll pick up basic Serbian phrases and expand your vocabulary. Type in domaće serije or domaći flimovi.
If you’re a fan of music, check out some of the famous Serbian bends:
- Buč Kesidi (disco- pop- electro)
- Lexington Bend (pop)
- The Frajle (acoustic)
- Bajaga i instruktori (rock)
Source: www.unsplash.com
How do you learn basic Serbian? Start by listening to a song, then listen again with subtitles. Translate the expressions and words you don’t understand. Repeat this process and try singing along. You might discover your inner Adele.
Pro tip: To further enrich your vocabulary, find synonyms and antonyms for the new words you learn. This will provide you with a better understanding of the language.
3. Make Flashcards to Learn Serbian Conversational Phrases
Flashcards are another excellent tool for learning common Serbian phrases. Start by creating a set of flashcards with the English translation on one side and the Serbian equivalent on the other. This is an effective method for enhancing your memory and testing yourself.
For the best results, always determine the context in which you would use them.
Pro tip: If you aren’t keen on pen and paper, there are plenty of digital alternatives. Use free apps like Quizlet to create and practice flashcards on your phone or computer.
These apps often come with extra features like audio pronunciation and interactive quizzes, which makes learning even more engaging. Why don’t you fit them into your daily routine today?
4. Use Language Apps
Language learning apps like Duolingo are a great tool to help you start learning Serbian. They offer structured lessons that can help you build a solid foundation of vocabulary and grammar. You can pick up on funny phrases and practice basics in an engaging way.
Furthermore, exercises are short and made for busy people, so you can do them on the go. There’s even an option to set a daily reminder to practice.
Pro tip: While learning apps are a great starting point, using them alone is not enough to master a foreign language. Think of them as a way to practice what you have learned to enrich the language.
5. Record Your Voice
Are you fascinated by Serbian history or another topic? Find a text on the topic of interest and read it aloud in Serbian. As you read, record yourself and listen to the playback. This exercise allows you to check your pronunciation and fluency.
You can write new words, look up their meanings, and translate them from English into Serbian. This method also allows you to expand your vocabulary in a subject that interests you.
Source: www.pexels.com
Pro tip: Are you worried about pronouncing something correctly? You can use AI tools to check your pronunciation. Copy/ paste it into a Google Cloud Text-to-Speech program and let the AI read it aloud in Serbian. This helps you spot any mistakes and improve your pronunciation.
Final Words
Last but not least, talk with locals. This one is our favorite, though our students aren’t enthusiastic initially. We know that this is intimidating. But it’s the best way to practice and learn basic Serbian conversation.
Use every opportunity:
- Speak to a shop assistant
- Strike up a conversation in Serbian with a taxi driver
- Ask locals how to get to the city center
Start with simple phrases and slowly build up a conversation.
Serbs are known for their friendliness, and we are sure you’ll gain more confidence whenever you talk to them.
Pro tip: If this is too much for you, ask your Serbian friend or relative to practice speaking Serbian with you. Remember to ask them for feedback about your language.
You don’t have a Serbian partner? Why don’t you learn Serbian online with us? We offer tailored one-on-one lessons, lessons in pairs, and group lessons. You can check them out here.
Written by Sanja Dulovic