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February 28, 2011
Using the language as early on as you can is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to developing your abilities. Unfortunately, a lot of people end up too anxious at the prospects of actually going out and using what little they know so far.
Fact is, you can memorize ten core phrases, along with a few sentence connectors, and you’ll be ready to do a little conversing. Sure, it isn’t likely to go smoothly. Heck, it might even leave you and whoever you’re talking to frustrated. Still, that’s a more beneficial result than locking yourself in your room, reading the same flashcards over and over.
You need to find a way to manage your anxiety for using the language. If you don’t, then you’re not doing everything in your power to successfully acquire a target language, leaving out one of the most important activities for gaining confidence and truly understanding how it works where it matters (i.e. out there, among people).
- Accept that you will mess up. No one practices a language early on and does it perfectly. As much as you might hate the idea, you need to stumble in order to develop enough confidence to use the language .
- Visualize yourself using the language. Construct an image in your head where you use what you know of the language. Doing so can help make the prospects of using the language a lot less scarier, since you get accustomed to picturing yourself in that scenario.
February 26, 2011
Even the best-laid plans are subject to things outside your control. Regardless, a plan gives your actions structure and they can help reinforce good habits that will help you achieve any goal. As such, we highly recommend creating a language learning plan when you’re looking to acquire a new language.
Here are some tips for doing that:
- Don’t strive for a perfect plan. There’s no such thing. Instead, write the most reasonable one you can, based on the time and resources you have. You can adjust it later as you learn more.
- Have one primary learning material. Plan to use one material as your primary learning source. We suggest a language training software, although you can use other mediums, like classroom lessons or private tutoring, if you’re so inclined. Additionally, sticking to one material isn’t always necessary, but it will help to simplify your own learning efforts.
- Include all your language learning activities in the plan. If you plan to carry around a stack of flash cards for studying while in the train or engaging in practice conversations with your friends on the weekends, then include those in your plans. You want a clear picture of all the things you will be doing in order to reach your goals — that’s the only way you can refine it later.
February 24, 2011
If you paid good money for a language training software, then it’s probably a good idea to make use of everything it has to offer. By that, we mean getting to know all of the software’s features so you can use it for best results.
Most language software have one main feature. In the case of most, it will be the main training modules — the actual lessons that you’ll use to understand the elements of the language and how to use them. Whether these come in the form of interactive modules, video instructions or some other form of computer-based teaching, it’s the part of the software that most language learners end up using.
However, most of these same language software usually have other features that most people just end up ignoring. That’s a mistake, because some of them could be just the tools you need to help reinforce your understanding of the language and help commit its numerous elements to memory.
When you get your foreign language software, try to familiarize yourself with all the features it has to offer. Don’t just dive into the lessons and be comfortable there. Instead, try out the different additional modules and tools. Chances are, your software will include one or more of these extras: puzzles, games, practice modules, list builders, flash card makers, translation dictionary and other language tools. Learn them, try them and see how they work for you.
February 23, 2011
Practicing a second language is easy when you’re in an environment conducive for it. When you’re in France, for instance, trying to learn French, all you’ll have to do is leave your hotel room to find people to practice speaking with.
Things get harder when you’re living in your own country, trying to learn a foreign language all by yourself. While using your language software can do a whole lot of good in your acquisition efforts, regular practice is often necessary to commit it to memory and build up your confidence in using the vernacular.
Despite not having the odds in your favor, all is not lost, though. There are still ways for you to practice conversing in the target language even without people who speak it around. Here are some ideas:
- Teach your friends. Speak to your friends in the target language, explaining what it means afterwards. This can work very well for short, memorable phrases that you’re trying to commit to memory.
- Talk to yourself in the target language. It might be a good idea to do this in private — it doesn’t bode well for your reputation in public. Record yourself speaking for later review. It should prove especially useful when trying to work out kinks in your current abilities.
- Get online. Find fellow language learners and native speakers online. Forums and communities designed for language acquisition should prove good hunting grounds for potential practice buddies. You’re already on a computer working with your foreign language software anyway; might as well use it to find practice partners, too.
February 22, 2011
According to research, as much 65% of people are visual learners. That means, majority of us work best with learning aids that use visual components, rather than auditory and kinesthetic.
The good news is, there are plenty of tools for visually-inclined language learners, both commercial products and materials you can come up with yourself. If you feel that you’re part of that majority, using those kinds of tools will serve you very, very well.
What kinds of tools fall in the visual category?
- Language software. Majority of language learning software combine visual and audio components in a way that can serve most types of learners. Try to research any language program you’re considering for purchase to find out the level of visual engagement it includes — you can usually figure this out by getting a rundown of its available features.
- Flash cards. Whether physical or virtual (i.e. software-based), flash cards that show a picture of an object and the word for it in the language can be very beneficial to your learning efforts. You can make your own flash cards, too, which should make for excellent review material.
- Labels. One of my friends used to label everything around her house with Post-It notes that has the foreign word for that object written on it. This is a visual-based form of language learning that reinforces memorization with very little effort.
February 21, 2011
I’m surprised that not more college students are taking language lessons. When I ask some students about it, they answer me with a quizzical look in their faces. Why would they study something that isn’t required of them?
Fact is, there are numerous reasons why you might want to study a new language while you’re in college. Here are some of them:
- A second language can be a major upside in your field. Learn more about your field and see how learning a second language can make a difference in your future career. Acquiring Mandarin or Spanish skills , for instance, could mean a whole new career opportunity for some people, depending on what they’re specializing in.
- You’re already in school with innumerable learning facilities at your disposal, so why not make the most of them? There will never be another time in your life when you can have this much time to devote to learning things on your own (unless you strike gold in your backyard at 25). If you’re not taking advantage of your opportunities now, you might end up regretting them.
- You have access to student discounts. As a student, you have access to student software discounts, which can bring down the costs of expensive language software programs in a huge way. You won’t get the same opportunity after you leave academe, so make good use of it.
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