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Let's get multilingual!
by Lernen Unteich
http://www.alearningsys.com
Mastering a language does not exclusively involve memorizing
a set of rules and building up a comprehensive vocabulary.
The conventional methods of learning any foreign language
have been revised and altered over time. A number of
effective techniques have been brought into use which
enables a student to learn a second language faster and in a
more effective manner. Thus, a student's proficiency in a
language is not judged by their knowledge about the language
but rather how they perform with that language in a public
space. To this end, students or individuals possessing a
rudimentary knowledge of a second language can adopt varied
approaches in order to improve their language skills.
Even though some people think textbooks are a boring aid
for learning a foreign language, where all the information
about sentence patterns is presented in the form of
'rules', there are self-study books and textbooks in which
the new patterns that are to be learnt are
"contextualised", that is, they are built into each text.
Besides, many textbooks are interesting or amusing so that
students' attention can be focused on the intended
article, and the inevitable drudgery involved in drill
work can be reduced. If the texts are accompanied by
illustrations, they will be even more appealing and make
the learning process much more enjoyable.
Magazines and books are useful tools to promote the learning
of words and structures of the second language. You can read
about topics and articles of your interest, while learning
the jargon of different professions and activities. There is
an abundance of all kinds of magazines and journals to
choose from. If you cannot lay your hands on a magazine or
newspaper written in the language of your preference in your
country, you can phone or e-mail some publishers or
bookshops from the country where your second language is
spoken, and subscribe to receive a monthly or weekly volume.
In the present age you can get all possible aid to learn a
language, thanks to the technological developments. For
example, DVDs make the language learning process an
immensely interesting and enjoyable experience. You can
start the learning activity by watching your favorite movies
with subtitles in the language you're learning or the other
way round. Watch the movie in the second language with
subtitles in your own language. DVDs can store up to eight
language subtitles. Plus, you can select the audio to hear
and read what the characters say in the language you prefer.
Another alternative is that of learning a language abroad.
By visiting and staying some time in a country where your
favorite second language is spoken can be a striking
learning experience. You can contact and talk to native
speakers, while learning about their lifestyles and
society. Touring a city provides you with quite a lot of
opportunities to practice the language structures you have
been studying. Places like, for example, museums,
restaurants, or theaters allow you to meet people and
interact with them. In addition, you can make friends
with some of them and keep in touch via e-mails or
telephone when you come back home.
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