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Most people who write about language learning, including me, inundate their readers with messages about "How to learn Spanish fast," or, "How to learn Japanese quickly and easily." It's always "fast this," or "quick that!" Well, today I'd like to get away from that theme. Today I'm going to talk about how not to learn fast, but how to learn well. I'm going to tell you the top 4 ways to ensure that you retain what you've worked so hard to learn.
1. Mix it Up!
There are four core areas of learning in second language acquisition--reading, writing, listening and speaking. The most important one, of course, in terms of real-life communication, is speaking. Oddly, this is the area of study that gets neglected the most. For example, if you take a Chinese course in college, your measure of success will be based on a written exam, not oral proficiency. Of course, speaking is not the only area of learning that suffers from neglect.
To learn Thai, I have decided to give the super-popular, and heavily marketed, Pimsleur language learning course a try. For those of you who don't know, this course is 100% audio and teaches only speaking. The course is going well, so far, but I can't help thinking that a mishap I had this morning ( I went shopping and forgot how to say "how much") could have been avoided had I been giving my brain a bit more candy, some reading and writing!
Doing so, I think, would have allowed me to dip into the mental reserves of my brain. When I opened my mouth but was unable to speak even the simplest of phrases, I could have quickly tapped into another source of information, perhaps the visualizations of flash cards or pictures. Or maybe the kinesthetic act or writing would have opened up working channels of communication for my overworked and temporarily nonfunctional brain.
I'm convinced that they would have, so, to improve your retention rate, be sure to mix up your learning styles.
2. Revisit What You've Learned
There is a popular phrase that's often spouted by hunky Hollywood actors. You know the one, "never look back." Well, when it comes to language learning, you couldn't get any worse advice. It's so easy to do, though. We want to succeed. We want to move forward. We want to learn more, more, more! That would be great if we were like stone, if once we learned something it was carved into our brains, metaphorically speaking, of course. Unfortunately, our brains are more like sponges; they soak up information like water, but then it all leaks out!
Well, that may be a bit dramatic, but it's true that if we learn something and never revisit it we will forget it over time. That's why it's so important to visit and revisit every bit of your target language. Do it often and you'll be wrapping the proverbial plastic around your brain, you know, so all that water doesn't leak out.
3. Use What You've Worked so Hard to Learn
This sounds like pretty silly advice, at first. Of course you'll use the language skills you've worked so hard to acquire, just as soon as you get a chance! But when is that going to happen? Today? Tomorrow? Next Week? How about right now? As a language teacher and textbook author, I can't stress enough the importance of using what you've learned. It's simply amazing how many people I've met who have spent hours, weeks, months, and even years with their eyes glued to books and flashcards, but who never get out and speak the language they study. Don't be one of those people!
4. Spread the Word!
Ask any language teacher how they know so much about a particular language, and they'll all tell you the same thing, "From teaching it." This makes perfect sense. After all, you can't teach something unless you know it well yourself. In addition, what's the most important language learning study habit? Yep, repetition. And when you teach a language to others, you repeat concepts, words, and phrases over and over again. This cements them into your mind and frees you from the sort of humiliation I suffered this morning. There are more benefits.
You can use the opportunity to do some volunteer work, perhaps by teaching underprivileged kids. Or, maybe you can make a little money on the side by tutoring learners who are at a lower level than you. Finally, you can start a social language learning club. This is a great way to meet new friends and to teach what you have worked so hard to learn.
Final Thoughts
Every once in a while, our brains are just going to freeze up, even when speaking our native language. There is not a whole lot we can do to stop it. We can, however, limit the frequency with which these embarrassing and frustrating occurrences take place. Mix up your learning styles, regularly revisit what you have learned, use your target language in natural settings, and teach others what you know, and you will limit those terrible situations when you open your mouth only to have your brain refuse to spit out any discernable words or phrases.
Best of luck with your learning!
Come see how to learn Spanish (or any other language) quickly and easily. Come now!
Plus, visit my language learning blog now and bookmark the place with the web's best language learning tips and tricks.
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