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HOW TO LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
based on text by Susan Gass,
Ph.D.
Repetition
When learning a foreign
language, repetition can seem
boring, but it is the key to
your success. Studies show that
very high numbers of repetition
are necessary for you to truly
"own" a word. Repetition
exercises can be verbal, aural,
read or written.
Use Several of Your Senses
You will retain new vocabulary
better if you speak the word out
loud as you write it down or
read it. Writing characters
while you study can also help
with retention.
Mirrors and Acting
Watch yourself in the mirror
occasionally as you speak your
foreign language. Practice
various postures, and try acting
angry, happy, or sad. Use the
language to truly communicate
your feelings so that it has
some context.
Make Mistakes
Some students are very nervous
in foreign language class. You
don't want to say something
stupid and make a fool of
yourself. However, learning a
language almost guarantees that
you will make mistakes. You just
have to convince yourself that
this is OK, and keep trying.
Ear Training
In your native language, you
don't have to listen very well.
You only actually hear some of
the words being said and your
brain fills in the rest. You
can't do this when you are first
learning a language. You have to
train yourself to listen and
listening to audio tapes can
really help. It can take awhile
to become accustomed to a native
speaker's speech patterns, so
don't become frustrated. Start
listening in small amounts and
build up more time as you go.
Study Strategies
Think about how you learn best,
and then put those methods to
work. Many people benefit from
flash cards, word association,
memory tricks, or making up
sentences using new vocabulary
words. Find a "study buddy" that
you can meet with to study and
discuss the material you're
learning.
Translation
For any modern language,
translation is considered a
no-no, though occasionally you
can't avoid it. Consider the
following expression in English:
to be in a pickle. If you were
to translate this word-for-word
into another language, it would
be nonsensical. Other languages
often say things in other ways
and do not mirror English
vocabulary or constructions.
Study Frequently
Study often for short periods of
time. Four half-hour study
periods are usually more
effective than a two-hour block.
Languages cannot be "crammed" at
the last minute. They are
learned through frequent
practice and review.
Instructor/Tutor Help
Use your instructor's office
hours for grammar help or
additional listening practice.
Go and just speak the language
for a few minutes. If you decide
to get a tutor, prepare for your
tutoring session. Know what you
want to work on and why, and
study ahead of time.
Continuity
Don't take a semester off from
your language instruction! You
will forget your language at an
alarming rate. If you are
planning a break in your
language sequence for any
reason, speak with an advisor
first.
Spring/Summer Courses
If you have trouble learning
languages, continuing over the
spring/summer may be helpful.
Continuing your language
instruction gives you less time
to forget what you just learned.
Spring/summer classes are
usually much smaller than during
the academic year. Students are
given more chances to speak in
class and more individual help.
Spring/summer classes are also
more intensive as you are
immersed in the language. On a
cautionary note, some students
feel overwhelmed by the
intensity so you may want to
speak with an advisor to decide
whether a spring/summer term is
right for you.
Happy Learning!
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