conversation-based is to look at the textbook. If the introductory lesson teaches you a lot of obscure words (“monkey wrench”), chances are it isn’t.
Practice daily
Experts emphasize that daily practice is necessary. Benjamin Rifkin, author of a widely-used Russian textbook, remarked that “learning to speak and use a language is like playing an instrument or playing a sport. Without daily practice, without daily commitment, there can be no progress.” (I actually recall my viola teacher saying something very similar.)
This is not just a matter of opinion; it’s backed up by the latest psychology and neuroscience research. As noted by the former chair of Harvard’s psychology department in a recent book, studying for brief periods of time spaced out over regular intervals leads to better recall than one marathon session.
Take your teachers’ advice The admonition about daily study
may sound just like your teacher telling you that cramming doesn’t work, but it helps to remember that just because your teacher said it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. In a recent email, Rifkin sighed, “I wish my students would trust their teachers’ experience and expertise, do the homework as assigned with conscious effort, not merely to get the work done and turned in to get the credit.” I include his quote with some chagrin. Early in my language studies, I often skimped on homework, as it got in the way of the studying that I wanted to do. These days, I fi nd myself doing exactly those activities my teachers suggested so long ago.
“Languages cannot be ‘picked up’ without effort” Rifkin cautions students. You didn’t learn your native language overnight and you aren’t going to learn a foreign one quickly, either – but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t shortcuts. By listening to the tales of those who’ve gone down the road before us, we can pick them up with less effort.
How the Author Studies Languages
Immersion Anyone who has ever learned a foreign language would agree that immersion is, by far the best way to accelerate your language learning.
Multiple language exchange partners I have language-exchange partners. They practice Chinese with me in exchange for practicing English with them. This not only helps me learn non-textbook speech, but is an easy way to make friends in a foreign country.
Memorize sentences, not just individual words Flashcards and vocabulary lists A set of small index cards with words or phrases of your new language on one side, and English on the other to drill for speed; vocabulary lists for review
Learn songs and poems This helps both with pronunciation and learning new words. It also means I can go with my Chinese friends to karaoke.
Read favorite English books in foreign-language translation Watch favorite English movies dubbed into foreign language This way I can practice my listening comprehension without worrying about understand what is going on.
Write every day I keep a journal in my new language and write letters to my Chinese speaking friends.
22 : verge RESOURCE SERIES FOCUS ON : Study Abroad
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