sic vocabulary and pronounciation?Maybe they know something that you don't.
A language can be learned anywhere and everywhere, at any time. The trick is to flip a little switch in your mind to be processing it at all times. In other words, surround yourself with language. Make it something that you can't put off and ignore.
One easy way to practice vocabulary in the language you're learning is to put post-it notes with vocabulary all over your house. This way, you'll be forced to associate the object with its name in the foreign language you're learning. When you see one, say it out loud. Don't forget to add accents and articles to help. As you get more advanced, you can start writing entire phrases.
Another way to help you learn a foreign language is to immerse yourself in media as much as possible. Watch t.v. or movie clips in the language, listen to music, the radio, and read everything you can get your hands on. LangoLAB is a valuable resource for this - just click, watch, click, learn.
A third great way to get to know how a language is actually used is to make friends with native speakers. Check your local university for language tables, where native speakers go to chat with people learning their language. They can shed light on things besides the grammar you're learning in the classroom and give you an insiders' view of culture.
Lastly, take every opportunity to speak the language. A typical problem with traditional foreign language instruction is that learners read and listen much more than they actually speak. So when you have the chance to talk to someone who knows the language you're learning, take full advantage! Talk their ears off!
These are just four ways to bring foreign language into your life. Please comment with your favorite way to learn a foreign language!
4 comments:
These are some really great tips! I always felt like I struggled with learning a foreign language so much because I was in school and trying to learn half a dozen other challenging subjects at the same time. I just never was able to take the time to really dedicate myself to it. Now that I am an adult and done with school (for now) I have been trying to get up the courage to try again. I think a good way for me to learn would be to find a friend to take courses with so we can keep each other motivated and have someone to practice with. Having a partner/support group seems like a good way to go for me. :) Thanks for the great tips and advice.
Hi D, thanks for the comment!
Yes, having support definitely helps you to get there and practice. Once you and your friend really start getting enthusiastic about the language, use every film, song, and text you can find to immerse yourselves. Then go out and practice on some native speakers! Good luck!
Do you have any tips for getting over feeling shy when your language level is beginning or intermediate? I know a lot of the time if I am around Spanish speakers and I WANT to practice...I feel sort of silly beginning a conversation because I know how slow the conversation will need to be. Any advice on getting over that would be greatly appreciated.
You know, I'm not sure if I have any helpful advice other than for you to keep in mind that they started out the same way when they learned English. Most people are excited to hear that you are learning their language and are that much more likely to slow down their speech and help you along. Force yourself to speak to them and, before long, you'll be feeling more confident.
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