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August 30, 2009

The Role Of Other People In Your Language Learning

How important are other people in your language learning?  While we’ve always maintained the positive benefits of an autonomous tool like a language learning software, it’s important to note that it doesn’t mean we’re advocating abandoning people entirely.  In fact, it’s the other way around – language learning software provides you with the lessons, but it’s ultimately people that lend you the experience.  Both, after all, are necessary if you wish to succeed in language learning.

Which particular individuals play a part in your overall learning success?

Teachers. If you’re taking formal classes or receiving private tutoring, you’ll naturally be interacting with your language learning teachers.  Naturally, these people will have more facility at the new language than you.  As such, you can pick their mind well beyond the daily lessons, all to your benefit.

Students. Other language learning students are great resources for anyone trying to get a grasp of a language.  Even if you prefer to study on your own with a language software, meeting other students allow you to exchange tips and bounce around ideas that can take your studies to the next level.

Friends and Family. You’ll be surprised how much gains you can make in language learning with a strong support group behind you.  Imagine being able to practice new phrases that you learned during normal conversations (even if they don’t completely understand it) without anyone taking offense.

Native Speakers And Second-Language Speakers. If you can find speakers of the target language in your area and arrange so you can spend time with them, your language studies will soar like never before.  As good as our methods of instruction are today, nothing beats the value of experience – being out in the field, learning with those who can speak the tongue.


August 12, 2009

How To Keep Conversations Flowing In A Foreign Language

How much facility do you need to keep conversations flowing in a foreign language?  Most novice language learners think you need to have a good deal of ability before holding actual conversations with native speakers.  That couldn’t be further from the truth.

What exactly do you need?  If you’ve memorized a dozen or so phrases from your language learning software, have a positive attitude about the process and truly enjoy interacting with people, you’ve got everything you need.

Simple Conversations

Many folks starting out with a new language approach it with apprehension.  Convinced they don’t have what it takes to hold conversations yet, they content themselves with one-word answers and single statement conversations, assuring themselves that within a few months, they’ll be ready to take that next step.

What these people don’t realize is they likely already have everything they need to communicate (in an acceptable manner) with native speakers.  The secret is to have the confidence to string together those few phrases that you have in your arsenal to form complete sentences.  While they may not facilitate the most stellar conversations, they can get you more practice time than you probably think.

Let’s say that you know the equivalent of the following phrases:

  • I am from America
  • I am going to the…
  • What do you think?
  • Thanks for asking
  • Five days

With just those few phrases, you can answer many questions in a way that extends the interaction, such as:

  • “Where are you from?”  – Thanks for asking.  I am from America.  Where are you from?  (simply repeating their question at the end)
  • “Where are you going? – Thanks for asking.  I am going to the Plaza.  Where are you going?  (again, repeating their question at the end)
  • “How long will you stay here?”  – Thanks for asking.  Five days.  Where are you from?

Do you get the point?  Conversation, after all, is more than just about words.  It’s about establishing a connection and then filling in the gaps with language.  If you’re willing to take the risk, I assure you, you’ll discover an ability you never thought you had before.



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