How to Learn Another Language Quickly! |
· Build Your Vocabulary - There is a core group of about 50 to 100 essential words in any language that should be mastered right away. These words include prepositions, question words, a few adjectives, and some selected nouns. Once you learn these words, many other words can be understood eventually through context.
· Memorize Vocabulary Words - Word lists should be memorized and then reviewed many times over. Saying the new words out loud, rather than just reading them silently, helps greatly. Word association, imagining an equivalent word in your native language, can also be helpful. Flash cards might seem a little low-tech but they are quite effective tools for this. Even Post-it Notes placed on household items with the vocabulary word listed can help. To gain maximum retention, the vocabulary list should be reviewed daily for a week or two and then again weekly for at least 4 to 5 weeks.
· Always Read Aloud! - Don't just read new phrases and vocabulary silently to yourself. Read aloud. Studies show that this helps you retain new vocabulary at a much faster rate, plus it helps with pronunciation.
· Don't get Bogged Down by Grammar - Let's be honest. Grammar is a dry subject. It can be an absolute incentive killer. So, just start out with a brief overview of prepositions, definite and indefinite articles, singulars and plurals, adjectives, and most importantly, pronouns. Put off learning conjugation for verb tenses for later on. Just learn enough grammar at the start to get you by. If you make mistakes no big deal. Native speakers can understand what you are saying 90% of the time through context.
· Study Phrase Books - Always carry a phrase book with you for the targeted language you are learning. Study it at every opportunity: standing in line at a grocery store, waiting for a train or bus, over your morning cup of coffee, or while relaxing in the yard.
· Immersion - Look for every opportunity imaginable to use your languages skills. The best way of course, is to physically go to the actual country where your target language is spoken, even if it's for a very short time. I cannot stress enough how critical an element this is. Look for any excuse to travel to a country where your targeted language is spoken. The next best thing is to visit an area in your city or town where the language is spoken. Hang out at cafes, libraries, malls, bars, and other locations and engage foreign language speakers with simple conversation. Make friends with native speakers. Invite them over for dinner or a few drinks. Tell them that you want them to speak to you only in their native language. Date a native speaker. The absolute best way to immerse yourself quickly is to find a boyfriend or girlfriend who speaks the native language you are trying to learn.
· Watch Television and Movies for Your Targeted Language - These days television stations are available in a whole range of languages over satellite and on cable. Watch them for an hour or two every day and try to pick out familiar words and phrases. Additionally, try to mimic the tone and accent of the speakers. Go to the local video store and rent movies for your targeted language. Have a 2-hour review session of vocabulary before you watch the movie. It's even better to watch them more than once.
· Listen to Music in Your Targeted Language - Give your native music a rest for a short while and experiment with some music from a country of your targeted language. Many of the national bookstore and CD chains now have excellent World Music sections. Listen to stations and programs on radio for your targeted language. You can tune in to some of these stations on-line.
· Listen to Language Tapes! - Purchase some language learning tapes and listen to them as often as possible. First read the accompanying booklet to get a feel for the vocabulary and grammar. Then, listen to the tapes while relaxing at home, while driving to work, on a Walkman when jogging or while working out, and even while in the shower. Be a maniac with the tapes. Don't just listen to the tapes in your easy chair or in your car once a day. Listen to them around the clock. You need to listen to the tapes about 15 or 20 times before they really start to sink in.
· Take Language Courses By Computer - Whether on-line or a software program, computer language courses provide good visualization for learning vocabulary words.
Immerse yourself in the language learning experience and you will learn much more quickly.
Eric Dondero is a Certified Language Instructor and Interpreter in Houston, Texas
