Learning a new language is one of the most challenging and useful things you can do. Besides giving you an advantage at work, speaking more than one language makes you understand a different culture and expands your horizons. And as Mark Twain said about traveling, approaching a different culture is the best antidote against "prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." These six tips will help you in this amazing adventure.
1.- Words, words, words.
At the beginning focus on expanding your vocabulary. Right now don't worry too much about grammar, you'll have time for that later on. What matters when you start is learning as many words as possible. This will allow you to understand basic texts and expressions, providing a sense of advancement and reward that will keep you "hooked" on the learning process.
2.- Remember: it's a long process (and that's alright)
I'm not trying to say you can't reach fluency within a reasonable period of time. What I'm trying to say is that you never really finish learning a new language. You can get to a point where you are able to master your second language with an ease comparable to your native language, but even in that case there will always nuances to understand and subtleties to learn. You're not only acquiring a valuable skill, you have now an entertaining, inexpensive hobby.
"The internet has changed many aspects of our lives, and that includes language learning."
3.- Take advantage of technology
The internet has changed many aspects of our lives, and that includes language learning. In fact, one may argue that this is a golden era for learners of all types. You can download apps to help you improve your vocabulary (Duolingo is a good example). You can read the news, watch TV and listen to the radio in the language you're trying to learn. You can live a portion of your life in another language if you put your mind to it. All these opportunities were unthinkable ten years ago. Take advantage of them and expand your horizons.
4.- Push the envelope of innovation
Internet, radio and TV are logical, well-known options to learn a new language, but the pace of innovation is such that new learning opportunities arise every day. Native speakers of all languages are opening Youtube channels to teach a global audience (my favorite example is Francais avec Pierre, you can watch one of their videos below). Online communities like Reddit allow learners to ask specific questions and get guidance from native speakers and teachers. Most of these options are totally free. The only limit is your willingness to try them.
5.- Go old school
The internet offers great opportunities, but traditional methods are still useful to learn a new language. Write down new words or grammar rules on index cards and review them at least once a day. The Pimsleur courses, which can be bought online as audio files, were created with cassette tapes in mind, but they are still incredibly effective to help you gain the confidence necessary to use a new language in a social setting.
6.- Challenge yourself
"Don't bite more than you can chew" is a valuable piece of advice. But not when you're trying to learn a new language. In this case you want to run before you can walk and fly before you can jump. Are you afraid to talk to a native speaker? Do it now. Are you planning to read a novel in the language you're learning? Go ahead! Climb those little Everests and you'll improve noticeably. And if the result is not perfect, who cares? You knew it was difficult from the beginning. Punching above your weight is the way to fluency.
No comments:
Post a Comment