On the Fast Track to Fluency

Many of us have at one time or another discovered the joys and challenges of learning a language. To help navigate these adventures there are many resources, materials, studies and experts we can rely upon, but sometimes these sources can be overwhelming and lead us to become discouraged or intimidated. We have distilled some of the most practical and useful advice to get you started on the fast track to fluency. The following are some bite-sized tips to help you get started.

Language Learning Tips

1

One day at a time
Language learning is most effective when you have smaller and more frequent exposure and practice. Spending time with a program, book, class, tutor or a native speaker several times a week for less time is more effective than one or two times a week for longer periods, according to researchers at the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL), the national professional body of language learning experts and educators and the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), a global, renowned independent language and culture “think tank.” Language learning does indeed take time, but small gains yield great rewards.

2

Mistakes are learning opportunities
One reason that children learn languages faster than adults is that they aren’t afraid to make mistakes. Take a cue from a child, especially in the early stages of the language learning process. As Dr. Patsy Lightbown and Dr. Nina Spada, experts on the language-acquisition process, suggest, errors are a natural part of language development. Mistakes can be your most valuable learning opportunities. As you learn and become more fluent, you will recognize your own mistakes and correct yourself.

3

Become a local
Take every opportunity to engage with the local community in the language you are studying. Find out what radio and television stations as well as internet resources are available. Check out restaurants, theaters, and music and community events and try out your language skills while you’re there. This will provide you with the authentic context, motivation and real life models that will personalize your learning experience.In point number 5 below, you will learn the important role that motivation and engagement with the culture plays in the process of learning another language.

4

Leverage your learning style
Know your learning style. Know what your strengths are and target specific opportunities for improvement. Researchers and learning experts, such as Dr. R. M. Felder and Dr. E.R. Henriques in their article “Learning and Teaching Styles in Foreign and Second Language Education," suggest that there are multiple learning styles -- such as visual, audio, active, reflective, deductive, inductive, global or sequential learning -- and therefore multiple legitimate approaches to learning a language. Create the learning environment that works best for you. If you are a visual learner, use ancillary materials to support your learning style such as picture dictionaries, flash cards, illustrations or learning charts/graphs. If you are an audio learner, you may want to listen to music, radio, television or pod-casts in the target language. If you are a sequential learner, you may want to follow a learning program or routine by moving from lesson to lesson, segment by segment, making sure to review before you move on to the next lesson or learning opportunity.

5

Calm and Confident
Researchers such as renowned global scholar and linguist Dr. Stephen Krashen suggest that language acquisition is optimized when certain affective conditions exist: when the learner is relaxed and not anxious, is motivated, and is self -confident. Indeed Dr. T.S. Gregersen and Dr. E. K. Horwitz, experts on language learning, motivation and error anxiety discovered that learners who were very anxious made more errors and reverted back to their native language while learners who were calm and confident chose to view their errors as learning opportunities.
If you can implement some or all of these basic and fundamental learning tips you will soon reap the benefits from all your efforts, whether it is checking in for your flight, making an appointment to speak to your business partner in another country, or ordering a special meal in an exotic locale.
Enjoy the adventure!

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