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June 3, 2010

How Far Can Language Learning Evolve?

For those of us who have spent some time learning a foreign language, it’s quite amazing to notice the facility by which people can pick up on a new vernacular. I’ve literally seen people gain enough working knowledge of a language to have flowing conversations after a couple of months of using one of the better language software and serious practice – a learning pace I never even thought was possible.

Every year, we discover new methods, new techniques and new ways to improve people’s ability to learn. To me, this has always begged the question: how far can language learning evolve? Can people become well-versed enough to hold sensible conversations within a month? How about two weeks? Three days?

While I do believe there is a threshold to the advancements, I also believe we’re still on our way to finding it. Short of being able to implant chips in people’s brains, I doubt anyone can gain enough working facility within a couple of days. Heck, even two weeks. However, finding that limit is fascinating and I eagerly listen to people’s stories about their learning processes because of it.

Of course, very few of you will probably interested in the same thing. Chances are, you just want to find the best way to learn a language so you can implement it. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a one-on-one language software, coupled with opportunities for practice. If you follow lessons diligently and practice as much as you can, you will realize successes faster than most other methods offered on the market.

March 19, 2010

The Basics Of Language Learning Methods

The words methods, strategies, approaches and techniques tend to be confusing, especially once you see them appended to the words “language learning.” Every time you see a term like “language learning method,” you can’t help but ask, “Isn’t that the same as a language learning strategy?”

By definition, a language learning method refers to the overall plan you have for learning a target language. This plan will have to conform to the specific approach you selected.  This method refers to a very specific design, where you can concoct a practical plan for how the learning will occur, taking into account all the different techniques, obstacles and details accomplishing that will involve.

Many packaged learning courses use a single method, most of them developed through the proprietors’ own experiences with language learning. Samples of these methods include Counseling Learning, Dynamic Immersion and Total Physical Response. Each of them are governed by different approaches and filled with different techniques, employing a variety of tools, from direct interactions to language software, to achieve their targets.

Like every type of learning, finding the best among this lot isn’t exactly a straightforward affair. For the most part, you’ll need to make your own research on each method, reading experiences from its practitioners and deciding on whether it’s one that appeals to you.

November 2, 2009

How To Use Strategies And Methods For Language Learning

We’re big proponents of having a structure for language learning.  Employing tried and tested strategies and methods get you on that road.  Without a workable structure, you can end up learning bits and forgetting just as much.

Strategies are a road map to how you will achieve your language learning goals?  Will you do it by poring over a learning software non-stop?  Are you going to take classes and get practice time by joining a local group?  Will you throw all caution to the wind and fly to another country to fully immerse yourself?

Apart from the general strategy, it’s prudent to define a timetable for your learning, as it will help you keep tabs on your own development.  This is one area where a language training software or a classroom course can actually help, as they’re designed with a prescribed timetable in place.

Finding an optimal method for yourself is an important aspect of language learning.  With that said, we highly recommend trying out different techniques before settling on one.  Going for the first thing you can find (such as dry phrasebook, coupled with an old CD) rarely worked out well for anyone.  Try out different things and find out what method works best for yourself.


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