Languages
How to Learn a foreign Language?
at home, at the office, with friends & family
How to Learn a foreign Language?
at home, at 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 bring linguistic success. 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 to give anyone an introduction to a language. If you’re 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 like me, after a couple of excited weeks there’s a strong chance 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 struggling language learners. At a minimum this could be in writing, but in a more involved 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 method, and for everyone as a supplement to all other methods of language study.
Face-to-face – at home
Some people – and I definitely fall into this category – 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 – not too many students, convenient class times (beware of late evening classes after a long day at work) and a usefully 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, homestaying 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 goal to aim for.
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 these ideas: 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.
Gambatte!
“Gambatte” is a handy Japanese phrase I learnt which doesn’t translate perfectly into English, but means something like “Do your best” and “Go for it!” When trying to remember new vocabulary or struggling to understand a difficult grammar point, just remember to “gambatte,” and don’t give up! Once you start communicating in another language, the possibilities are endless, and the personal satisfaction is enormous.
