March 9, 2010
There are many language tutoring software available designed especially for children. Using a mix of multimedia tools with a fun approach to learning, they allow kids to adapt an entirely new language without having to make it feel like work.
Like all products, of course, some 12 and under language software titles are good, while others are bad. In fact, I’ve seen quite a few that are just downright horrible. As with everything, it pays to do your research before investing in one.
If you’re going to get a language learning tool for your kids, I highly recommend looking for the following qualities:
- Relaxed pacing. It’s hard enough getting kids to sit down for an extended period. Making them do it to interact with a piece of software that can stress them out is just asking for a meltdown.
- Immersion-centered. Kids tend to pick up things very easily when immersed in a particular environment. Same will go for their language learning.
- Kid-oriented topics. Chances are, you don’t need your child to learn how to ask for directions to the subway or how to haggle in the local market. Make sure the software focuses on information they can actually use, such as language they will need to make friends or interact in school.
- Do you need cartoons and other kid-like stuff to be in the software? Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. While having that should help keep their attention on the screen, it’s really more important to focus on the things I outlined above. If it creates a fun, lively environment to go with that, all well and good. If it doesn’t, it’s better to pass.
February 19, 2010
Don’t like to memorize? Me neither. Reading off a list and committing them to memory is one of the most boring activities I can imagine. Fortunately for language learners, there’s a whole world of alternatives to straight up memorizing when it comes to acquiring a new vernacular.
Want to internalize survival phrases for your trip to a new country in two weeks? My personal choice for getting it done is by repeatedly exposing myself to the specific expressions. You can do it too – it’s easy.
Get a tape recorder and begin recording yourself reciting those phrases, each one followed by its equivalent in your language (which, I assume, would be English). Make sure you check your professional language software to ensure correctness of both the expressions and their pronunciations. Turn the recording into an MP3, load it into your iPod and use it to replace your Lady Gaga downloads as your official listening for the next two weeks. Offended about my insinuation that you listen to Lady Gaga? Whatever, Michael Bolton.
The more you listen to the expressions, the more meaningful the language will become. Over the amount of time you devote to it, you will likely develop the connections in your head that allow you to understand those words when hear it. Later, it will also be easier to remember each one when reciting them.
Most of the time, you’ll begin by recalling bits and pieces of each phrases. When you use them, you may end up missing a word or two. As your mind forms its own identification patterns, though, you’ll be able to employ them without much conscious thought.
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.
February 5, 2010
Memorizing words and phrases has long been a valid way of picking up a new language. Called production-driven language learning, its focus is on cramming your head with things to say and hoping it sticks.
In such situations, your ability to commit things to memory will obviously play a huge part. Do you have any mnemonics and memory techniques up your sleeve? It might be time to pull them out of their hiding places because you’ll need them if you choose a language training software based on this concept.
Want to know what to expect in detail? Here are a few principles of this approach.
- Being able to say things in the target language is the all-important first step.
- Being able to say things with proper pronunciation is crucial.
- Understanding what you’re saying is important, but the main goal is to be able to learn the words and phrases.
- If you can speak a phrase correctly, you will also understand it when fed back.
- Repetition of learned words and phrases, either in practice or actual settings, should be a priority.
A key part of this approach is the value of seeing language as a social tool. When you memorize phrases, you afford yourself the ability to express meaning in a social setting. The trick to growing as a second-language speaker, though, is practice and repetition – the more settings you use what you have learned, the deeper your comprehension of the lessons will be.
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