Secrets of Learning a Language
2008
Are there secrets to learning a language quickly, or do you
just have to study, study, study? Well, that helps, but yes,
there are some little tricks that will speed things up - especially
if your goal is to communicate, rather than pass a test. Here
they are.
Buy a Language Book
The secret here is to buy a book that concentrates on phrases
you can use right away to start speaking. The finer points of
grammar can wait until you know a few hundred words and dozens
of basic phrases. Learn how to say hello and to ask where things
are (like the bathroom). It's the natural way to learn. Infants
learn to communicate long before they know what it means to conjugate
a verb.
Memorize Phrases That Make Everyone Your Teacher
Some basic phrases will get the native speakers to help teach
you. These are essential if you want to learn a new language
quickly. Learn how to say "How do you say...," and
"What is the word for that?" in your new language.
Then you could say in Spanish, for example, "Cual es la
palabra para esto?" (What is the word for that?) and point
at a thing.
Other good phrases to know? "Please, speak more slowly,"
helps a lot, as does another one that you'll use often: "I
don't understand." It is also very useful to learn how to
ask, "How do you write it?" These kinds of key phrases
let any native speaker become your teacher.
Speak the Language in Your Mind
Thinking in your new language is a powerful way to learn many
ways to express yourself, even with a very limited vocabulary.
Imagine simple conversations you're likely to have with others.
When you put your thoughts into a new language, you learn not
just words and grammar, but ways to express what you are most
likely to want to say to others. Also, it's a great way to practice
and remember a language.
Carry a Translating Dictionary
Your dictionary should be more than an emergency back-up for
when you are stuck for a word. Use it pro-actively to prepare
for conversations you'll have. Use it when you're stuck for a
word in your imagined conversations too, and after conversations
as well. Learn other ways you could have said something, and
look up words that you heard but didn't recognize. Browse the
dictionary randomly too, and stop to learn the words that catch
your attention.
Talk to Native Speakers
Talking to native speakers is one of the best ways to quickly
speak any language you want to learn. Real conversations in your
new language quickly show you where you need the most help and
practice. Do this at home if possible, or start talking as soon
as you arrive in another country. You probably are learning a
language in order to communicate, right? So why not start communicating
as soon as you can?
One last secret to learning a language: At www.TheSpanishLesson.com,
you can get
Free Spanish Lessons
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