After observing Carla in her efforts to learn Croatian, and from my experience in learning several foreign languages, I came up with a foolproof technique to learn a foreign language. Just because it is foolproof it does not mean that it is easy or quick. :-)
The following are the important steps that need to be followed in the process of learning the desired language:
1. Learn how to pronounce sounds of the foreign language.
2. Build a vocabulary of basic verbs and nouns.
3. Learn the basic grammar rules for tenses and genders (genders are more important in some languages than others).
4. Learn the 'connector' words.
5. Read newspapers and magazines in the area in which you would like to be fluent.
6. Listen to conversations in the area in which you would like to be fluent.
7. Start SPEAKING.
Below, I will provide more details about each of the steps.
1. Learn how to pronounce sounds of the foreign language. The main reason that people have problems being understood in a new language is that they are pronouncing foreign letters the 'native-tongue' way. This is the main reason for an appearance of an accent in the new language. For example, why is it that you can differentiate a Slavic person from an East Indian person in English when you talk to them over the phone. You hear an accent. They are both speaking the same language, but are making sounds the way they did in their mother tongue.
So, the trick to be understood is to properly pronounce the 'new' language sounds. This is why language tapes have proven to be very effective in teaching students a foreign language quickly. It does not matter if you 'don't have an ear for foreign languages.' Everyone has an ear for foreign languages, it's just that some take longer than others to perfect the pronunciation. Don't give up!
2. Build a vocabulary of basic verbs and nouns.
Once you've learned how to pronounce the sounds, you need to expand your vocabulary of foreign words. Learn the important words for your topic of interest. If you are in a finance industry, learn the terms for stocks, bonds, interest; if you are into fashion, learn terms for different types of cuts, clothing, etc.
Everyone should learn the essential nouns (numbers, colours, animals, fruit/vegetables, family relations (son/mother/etc), days of the week, directions, etc.) and verbs (eating, sleeping, and anything that you do every day). The basic vocabulary can be anywhere from 200 to 600 words and you would have a very good chance of being understood (or at least shown where the bathroom is) :-) in the new language.
If you are serious about learning the new language, I would recommend that you keep a small notebook of new words that you learn. Keep reading this notebook and quizzing yourself daily. Other ways to speed up learning of new words is to:
-write them out repeatedly
-put them on post-it notes all over your house/office
-make audio tapes of words that you can listen to on your drive to work/gym/shopping or during your walks
Try each of these techniques and do the one that works for you. We all learn in different ways (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) so find the way that works for you.
I realized that this topic will require a lot more writing, so stay tuned for other parts of the "Learning a foreign language" post.
1 comment:
Ivan,
You are right: learning a language is rarely ‘quick’. Being immersed in it, however, speeds up the process.
I would like to comment on your tips to learning a language.
1. Learn how to pronounce sounds of the foreign language.
- and don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
2. Build a vocabulary of basic verbs and nouns.
- your strongest ally!
3. Learn the basic grammar rules for tenses and genders (genders are more important in some languages than others).
- This is not necessary in Week 1 or even Week 4, but does indeed polish the developing product.
4. Learn the 'connector' words.
- Oh yes! Those little words (and/or, etc.) help a lot and add cohesion to phrases.
5. Read newspapers and magazines in the area in which you would like to be fluent.
- This is ambitious, but a good idea. Note that newspaper articles often use colloquialisms or regional slang! This project is not for the faint of heart!
6. Listen to conversations in the area in which you would like to be fluent.
- Sure; why not? Hearing enough hockey broadcasts would have a learner of English saying “He shoots; he scores” and understanding the context to boot.
7. Start SPEAKING.
- I would suggest this be step 3! Try, try, try. And never think others are making fun of your efforts! If they smile, it is because they admire you.
I love your suggestion regarding post-it notes and repeatedly writing out new words. Why not write a new word on several post-it notes? Voilà! You’ve achieved two milestones.
When can we expect Part 2?
Paulette
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