October 23, 2010
Language learning is never easy. In fact, the road to acquisition is typically filled with hassles and challenges of varying types. There are some obstacles, however, that a language software can help you avoid when you choose it as your primary medium of study.
- Endless costs. Let’s face it – language learning isn’t cheap. All those classes will cost a lot of money and the deeper you want to go, the more cash you’ll need to dispense with. With a language program, however, you get to limit your costs to the one-time expense of acquiring the software.
- Re-working your schedule. Regardless of how tight your schedule already is with work, family and school, you’ll need to add one more to the rotation: your language classes. This is a hassle you don’t have to put up with on a foreign language program, since you can arrange the sessions according to your available time.
- Commute. Unless you’re able to pay a private tutor to come to your house, you’ll need to deal with the local traffic and transportation hassles in order to attend your language classes. With a learning software, you can do everything right from the bedroom or anywhere else you are.
February 8, 2010
Every person I know will have their own preferences about the best way to go about learning a new language. My wife, for instance, can’t commend her French classes at Alliance Francaise enough; my own experiences, on the other hand, has led me to sing the praises of software-based language training to high heavens.
When you decide to learn a new language, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of choice available. The avenues are definitely aplenty and things can get confusing fast. Each one will have a different approach to the process, implement their own materials and follow their own procedures. Deciding on which one to take can really give you fits.
Consider this list of possible methods:
- situational language learning
- audio-based language learning
- communication-based language learning
- software-based language instruction
- adapting styles based on student’s learning tendencies
- total immersion approach
- simulated immersion approach
Overwhelming, right? And that’s even far from being a comprehensive list. Imagine if you really went out to research them one by one – you’ll probably end up paralyzed with the amount of choices.
So, what’s a confused, novice language learner to do? My suggestion is to try to dabble first, while trying to gauge which approach works best for you. We’re not saying to invest tons of money on everything – far from it. Instead, take a local night class, use a trial software and try some free online materials to see which ones you best respond to. There are many ways to try the different avenues of learning without having to fully commit. Try them out until you find one that fits.
November 28, 2009
Are you a right-brainer who’s trying to learn a second language? There are some things that come naturally to creative and intuitive individuals like you which you can use to boost your training.
1. Use a language acquisition software (or enroll in a course) that is based around either communicative techniques or immersive learning. Traditional grammar-based instructions are only likely to end up flying over your head.
2. If you’re designing your own learning program (incorporating numerous materials, for example), get help. Many of the skills required to make such preparations are left-brained by nature. As such, there’s a good chance you’ll end up drawing up inadequate plans and activities.
3. Incorporate plenty of opportunities for interaction with your learning, especially ones that call for innovation and creativity. Remember, you tend to learn best when employing your strengths.
4. Use your imagination to your advantage by integrating it when memorizing vocabulary, practicing speech and other activities.
5. Use your intuition to your advantage. Learn to trust your instincts when guessing the meaning of certain words and phrases. When practicing your speaking skills, don’t hold back. Chances are good that you’re doing it right. Even if you’re not, nobody’s watching.
6. Use visual and auditory stimulation to aid your studies. Pictures, music and art can be very beneficial tools for someone of your temperament.
October 21, 2009
When you’re communicating for business purposes, being a professional isn’t optional. That holds true whether you’re interacting with English-speaking colleagues or with those whose English proficiency are at a less than optimal level.
Of course, projecting an air of professionalism is not as easy when you’re conversing in a foreign tongue. Regardless, you should do everything within your power to bring a professional tone to your interactions. For instance, you can:
- Learn the basics of professional business communication in the language. Many foreign language software specifically target business communicators. You may not be able to completely grasp the nuances of a vernacular, especially one that’s industry-specific, but knowing how to show tact and respect can go a long way.
- If you hold correspondences in written form, such as email, have someone knowledgeable proofread it. Use a language checking software, if necessary.
- Know the local customs. Do they expect calls to be returned promptly? Is it acceptable to put it off for a day? Get acquainted with how they conduct business and arrange to be able to fulfill those expectations.
When you communicate in a professional manner, it fosters an image that reflects both on you and your organization. That’s true whether that picture paints you in a good or bad light.
April 13, 2009
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April 2, 2009
When talk of translation services arise, the issue of whether it is wiser to use a translation software or a human translator always comes up. The question, however, is a really bad one to ask. How can a machine ever be better than a human in such a field?
Software translators, while being an economical alternative to human translation services, can hardly match-up. In fact, instead of being a replacement, they’re usually employed as a lower-cost way to create a first draft. In situations where an in-depth conversion from one language to another isn’t necessary, a language translation software is usually enough to facilitate the required results. For those where the quality of translation can result in dire consequences, however, relying on software is wholly inappropriate.
Taxpayers’ Money Saved
Federal facilities are among the most poignant examples of organizations that enjoy tremendous benefits from a language translation software. Instead of hiring a professional consultant, whose services never comes cheap, for routine documents like circulars and announcements, organizations can just employ a software-based solution.
Many government offices, including police, military, health services and local agencies, now include software translators among their most useful tools. Instead of hiring a translator to translate a suspect’s legal paper, for instance, some precints now employ a translation software. At the least, it offers a good first draft, which can later determine whether bringing in a full-fledged interpreter is necessary.
The Right Question
Instead of asking whether a software translator can match up with its human counterpart, a better path would be to determine which functions can be served by an automated solution and which ones will need a qualified professional’s expertise. If software can do the job, after all, why bother spending more?
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