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August 5, 2011

Getting Rid Of Unrealistic Expectations With Your Language Software

Everybody has expectations when they first use a language software.   It’s only natural.  Make sure you keep your expectations in line with what learning software can actually, though.  Otherwise, you can end up disappointed or, worse, unmotivated to pursue learning any further.

  1. Expect to work.  You won’t magically learn the language just because you’re using the best learning software money can buy — you’ll have to work to develop your abilities, just like when learning martial arts or calculus or some other new skill.
  2. Expect to practice.  Sitting through hours of lessons will help you absorb the knowledge.  Fluency, however, comes with practice, so you’ll have to use the language if you want to really internalize the skill.
  3. Expect to reap what you sow.  The more effort you put in, the more skills you’ll acquire.  While the amount of time you devote to learning will matter, so do other things like planning, using tools (e.g. journals and flashcards) and sustained practice.
  4. Expect gradual improvement.  No matter what anyone promises, you’re not going to gain fluency in 10 hours of lessons.    Stay realistic — expect gradual improvement and you won’t be disappointed.  As long as you’re better now than you were yesterday, you’re doing fine.
Filed under: Language Learning Software — Tags: , ,
May 13, 2011

Learning A New Language? Better Develop A Thick Skin

If you’re going to purposely go out of your way to learn a second language, you might as well grow thicker skin.  Believe me, you’ll need it.

Fact is, you can’t learn a new language in a vacuum.  While it might feel that way when first working with your foreign language software, it won’t stay that way for long.   Sooner or later, you’ll realize that you need to stretch out and actually use the language outside the confines of your bedroom (or study desk).

You’ll need that thick skin because it takes courage to actually go out and use a new language.    Chances are, you’ll go back-and-forth with the decision. Should I hit that German art opening at the gallery where there could be several Dutch-speaking people I could try my new language skills on or just watch American Idol tonight?  You know, I do love me some Scotty Mcreery.

You’ll need that thick skin because you’ll fail more than you’ll succeed and you need to brush off that dirty feeling falling flat on your face regularly comes with.  You’ll need that thick skin when someone’s laughing because you’re saying something that makes absolutely no sense and you’ll need that thick skin when someone gives you criticism about your use of the language.

The good news is, if you can manage the thick skin, then language acquisition will be all the more easier.  One of the biggest roadblocks to many people’s learning, after all, is their reluctance to actually go out and use the target language.   With thick skin, nothing can puncture you.  It might sting a bit, but you’ll live another day.

Filed under: Language Learning — Tags: , , ,
August 11, 2010

Four Ways To Practice A Target Language Without Local Speakers

One of the biggest challenges for language learners is finding people to practice with.  Unless you’re staying in a country where the language is widely spoken, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself isolated in your pursuit.

Regardless of your circumstances, language acquisition requires practice beyond what you normally get with your favorite language software. Here are some ideas about how you can get that:

  1. Act it out.  If you can’t participate in an actual conversation, watching and copying them could prove useful.  Download movies filmed in that language and act out the scenes yourself.  You can do the reenactment along with the film, so you can feel like you’re actually talking with someone.
  2. Get online.  There are plenty of online communities dedicated to language learners.  Seek out forums and blogs, and participate.  They’re great places to find fellow learners to connect with, especially ones you can practice with over Skype.
  3. Shadow-boxing.  Know how boxers pretend like they’re  fighting someone,  throwing jabs at invisible opponents and swinging their  head to avoid haymakers that don’t exist?  That’s shadow-boxing.  You can do the same, pretending like you’re talking to someone in the target language, complete with odd reactions and all.
  4. Think in the language. In many ways, thinking is like having a conversation with yourself.  Because of that, thinking in the target language can be a very effective language practice.  Set aside time, such as 15 minutes every evening, where all you do is process thoughts in the new language.
Filed under: Language Learning,Language Program — Tags: , ,
April 1, 2009

Language Courses: Which One’s For You

Thinking of studying a foreign language? There’s a wealth of options out there for those interested.

When deciding on which type of language course will be a best fit for you, try looking back at all the previous times you’ve learned a new skill in the past. What mediums allowed you to learn things faster? Did you find books more to your liking than actual classroom settings? Have you found interactive software-based courses more helpful compared to listening to an audio CD?

As with other forms of learning, not every medium of instruction will affect you the same way. For instance, learning from a classroom with a teacher is near-impossible for me. I don’t know why – I just pick things up faster when I’m working solo, with a good instruction book in tow. What options do you have for learning a new language?

Traditional Classroom Courses

Most classroom-type language courses consist of regular instruction (daily or weekly), along with accompanying learning materials such as books and handouts. If you learn best with people around, with whom you can practice with, a classroom environment is probably a great format for you.

Language Tutor

If you don’t like crowds but can appreciate the benefits of having an instructor to lead you through the learning process, you might want to consider getting a private language tutor. Private teachers, but you’ll get all the attention your learning is going to need.

Audio Courses

If you find spoken instructions a great way to absorb new knowledge, you might want to consider working through an audio course. You can easily find language CD courses in bookstores or in downloadable forms online.

Software Courses

With a good part of our workdays and everyday lives spent in front of a computer of some sorts, it only makes sense that a large part of language instruction is now facilitated through language learning software. Since the medium allows for interactivity and various types of presentation (audio, text and video), it’s become a popular option for many younger individuals.

Books

While books may provide capable instruction for many areas of knowledge, it’s difficult to absorb the nuances and pronunciations of a new language from written materials. As such, books aren’t highly recommended as a form of language instruction for beginners.

Filed under: Language Learning,Language Learning Software — Tags: , ,

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