Whether a student is learning a foreign language for the first time, or brushing up on the basics, there are some simple ways that (s)he can reinforce the skills necessary to become fluent. These tips can be applied to any secondary language and any learner, from grade-school level to continuing adult education level.
Four Simple Tips for Studying a Foreign Language
- Read children's books.This is an enjoyable way to practice reading a foreign language. Students should visit their local library and pick up some books intended for children and young readers written in the language they are learning. The book can be read to themselves to practice comprehension and can also be read out loud to enforce speaking skills.
- Create flashcards for self-testing.Though this may seem like something from childhood, flashcards are a great way for students to evaluate and self-test their skills.
- Label your home environment.When learning a new language, the students who are more likely to succeed ate the ones who actively immerse themselves in the language. A fun and easy way to incorporate the new language into everyday use is by labeling all parts of the home with index cards written in the language the student is studying. For instance, if a person is learning Spanish (s)he would label all of the objects of his home with its Spanish counterparts. This reinforces visual skills, and allows the student to become familiar with the language in a natural way.
- Watch a translated version of your favorite movie.Most cable stations carry a wide variety of foreign language channels which constantly air translations of English language movies, and most DVDs offer a language setting that can be changed to accommodate the needs of the viewer. By watching a translation of a movie they are already familiar with, a student can become acclimated with listening to a native speaker and reinforce his own listening and comprehension skills.
Total Immersion in Secondary Language is Key to Learning
All of these tips center around the idea that total immersion in a foreign language is the key to successful understanding. When students incorporate these study skills into their repertoire, they are essentially training their brain to think more naturally about the new language, as opposed to typical memorization techniques, which only offer temporary results.
As with any other kind of new skill, it is also important to practice and study on a daily basis. Students pursuing a foreign language get better results devoting smaller chunks of time every day to their practices, instead of trying to cram a lot of unfamiliar information into one study session.
One final thing to remember when studying a foreign language is that the speaking component is as important as the visual one. While reading the language is a necessary part of the learning process, a student can increase her information retention by devoting an equal amount of time to speaking it. This can be a little intimidating at first for a beginner, but she will soon reap the benefits of being fluent in a secondary language.
By incorporating these tips into a study plan on a consistent basis, the student will develop a firm grasp on the language and be prepared to converse and read his new language with confidence.
Lisa Rufle - If I had to describe myself in one word, it would easily be: curious. So as a natural extension of my curiosity, reading is my life's ...
