At home, at the office, with friends & family
Desmond Harrington
How to Learn a foreign Language?
At home, in the office, with friends & family.
Now comes the hard bit. There are numerous ways to actually learn a language, and a combination of them – depending on what’s available to you and how much time you can put aside – will help you succeed in your learning goals. Let’s look at some key methods for studying a foreign language.
From the bookshop
Self-study textbooks and CDs are good for busy people and can give you a good introduction to a language. If you’re not highly motivated and especially if you have experience with learning other languages, you can get a long way on your own. What you’ll miss is critical feedback on small errors or pronunciation and the chance to interact in the language. And if you’re not as highly motivated, after a couple of excited weeks there’s always the possibility that the books will be left on a desk corner to gather dust.
On the Internet
This can be a similar experience to studying from a book, but with the bonus of interacting with other language students. This could occur simply via writing, but on a more in-depth online course, this might involve live conversations too. Ranging from simple, free resources through to fully-fledged university-level courses, the online world of language learning is worth exploring for those needing a flexible learning method, as well as providing a useful supplement for those students using other methods of language study.
Face-to-face – at home
Some people need a regular commitment and a face-to-face situation to make significant language learning progress.Through private language schools or teachers, search for a class that seems right for you – one that doesn’t have too many students, has convenient class times (beware of late evening classes after a long day at work) and a useful, clear textbook. Be aware that not all native speakers of a language make good teachers (imagine trying to explain a few things about English grammar to someone else, and you’ll realize why) – check if they have teaching qualifications, or ask their previous students. In reverse, non-native teachers may not be able to teach you the most natural, common phrases, or perfect pronunciation. Weigh this up with your goals, too.
Immerse yourself
The most rewarding way to learn a language, but also usually the most expensive, is to take an immersion course in the country where the language is spoken. Spending several weeks in Paris, or better still several months, home-staying with a local family and attending daily classes taught only in French – this is the ultimate crash course. Not everyone can afford such an experience but it’s a great way to learn a language.
Practice makes perfect
As you make progress beyond a basic conversational level, an important consideration is how to keep practicing and improving the language. Getting beyond the classroom is especially important then, so try some of the following:
• watch foreign movies on DVD… using the subtitles – depending on your level, you could use the English subtitles to help understand the content you’re listening to, or view it with the foreign language subtitles if you can understand the gist of what they’re saying but need help with fast speakers or difficult accents.
• listen to popular foreign music, and try to understand the lyrics.
• meet up with a language exchange partner – check websites or local papers to find people who want to improve their English. Chat for an hour in a café – half an hour in English, half an hour in their language.
• consider studying towards a recognised language proficiency exam (for example, Goethe Institute examinations for German, or Japan Foundation tests for Japanese) - a local embassy would be able to provide information relevant for your language.
• if you’re able to visit a country where the language is spoken, even just for a short holiday, take every opportunity to speak with the locals – perhaps by staying with a local family, browsing and chatting in small shops or spending time outside the usual tourist areas.
• Collect newspapers or brochures in the local language to take home and practice reading in the future.
Jia You!
“Jia you” is a handy Chinese phrase which doesn’t translate perfectly into English, but means something like “Do your best” or “Go for it!”. The literal translation is 'add oils', but 'go for it' sounds better. When trying to remember new vocabulary or struggling to understand a difficult grammar point, just remember to “jia you,” and don’t give up! Once you start communicating in another language the possibilities are endless, and the personal satisfaction is enormous.