Learning a new language can be very tricky but there’s always a few methods and tips that will ease the process.
I was born and raised in a french speaking family (I’m french Canadian) and learned english when I was a kid; mostly by watching tv, movies, reading stuff in magazines, on the internet or by hearing people around me.
I am pretty satisfied with my writing and listening skills but speaking it in everyday situations make me a little uncomfortable; So I don’t unless I really have to. Don’t really know why..I guess the french accent annoys me and makes me feel self conscious.. And since I don’t practice, I look like a douche everytime I talk with an Anglophone. Anyways, the fact is, I didn’t make any efforts to learn English so even though I already have acquired a second language, I’m a complete newbie at learning a language.
I recently decided to try and learn spanish, (mostly for fun) and wanted something that would make me practice the “speaking” part.
Then I found Rosetta Stone, Here’s how it works.
The method they use is “immersion”. You basically have to associate a series of images, words (or sentences) and sound clips. Sometimes, you have to read out loud a word or complete a sentence (using a Mic).
I think it’s a fun non-cramming process. It looks a bit childish at first but it’s very efficient; There is no translation so everything you learn is by association. They don’t make you learn.. They make you understand. (I don’t know if what I just said makes sense but… meh)
After a few days (they recommend about 1h/day) you can already name objects, colors and food products very easily without thinking about it. the Pronouns, verbs and stuff come a bit later. By chapter 2 you start making sentences.
I’m really happy with the Software. The only “negative” thing I can say is that it may feel a little redundant some times. (Then again… that’s probably what makes it work so I can’t complain)
Here’s a few things I’m currently doing (other that Rosetta Stone) to “immerse” myself even more.
- I switched my Facebook language to Español;
- I loaded my iPod with Mexican music (I know there’s a lot of Spanish bands and singers, but I really like Mexican style music)
- I picked a couple of DVDs that I’ve seen a couple of times. (favorite movies or shows) and switched the audio option to Spanish.
- I also try to watch real Spanish-speaking movies but with English subtitles.
- Spanish web pages; don’t understand much but when I “try to read” stuff (move eyes over text), I can already associate some words and see the resemblance between English-french and Spanish words or sentence structure.
It’s not much. I’m not saying this is the Ultimate way / fastest way to learn a new language but it seems to work for me. I never felt like I was STUDYING or taking classes. I’m learning through entertainment.
Any of you have other tips or experience you want to share about learning a foreign language?
I wish I had the determination to learn a new language like that. Do you know if Rosetta makes other “classes”? Sounds like a very interesting and efficient way to learn!
We need more inhgists like this in this thread.
"A little bit of parental involvement goes a long way."Yes, it's true. Parents make a difference in a child's life. It should be that way, considering they brought the child into the world.
Jim, you have got to be the first to actually come right out and say it, halleluiah! Writing for SEO strictly has always been hard for me. I much prefer to write from the heart and share our area with a community that will hopefully enjoy what I write and find it valuable to what they are looking for. I have found the changes in Google liberating in so many ways.Thank you for this post, it just solidifies that the methods I have been using are OK.