Have you heard the latest research? The mere effort to learn a foreign language protects brains from some of the degenerative effects of aging. However, there should be a bit more behind your decision to tackle a new language than a desire to keep young.
1.) Choose a language that you are likely to use in the future. If you are researching your family tree, you might want to learn the language of your ancestors in order to decipher old records and obituaries; or perhaps you wish to interact with salespeople in one of your company's branch offices abroad.
The point is to choose something for which you have a practical need. The old adage "if you don't use it, you lose it" is very pertinent when it comes to retaining language skills.
Remember to select a dialect that coincides with your requirements as well. There are different versions of many languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese, among others.
2.) Rely on your friends, co-workers, and relatives for advice. Ask them about courses, programs, and software. Get their opinions on what worked and what did not work while they were learning.
3.) Investigate the resources in your local library. It may have a good foreign language center, or it may belong to a lending network with appropriate textbooks, audio books, and DVD titles. If you do not see what you need, ask the librarian or use the library's search facilities.
4.) Check Internet reviews. If a specific software program or course has several positive reviews, it may be worth acquiring. However, never buy or avoid a purchase based on a single opinion. People who post reviews have various needs, motives, and expectations.
5.) Before you become too involved with written material, spend a lot of time listening to audio and watching people speak the language you are attempting to learn. Nowadays there is a plethora of resources such as streaming radio and TV broadcasts on the Internet, YouTube, DVDs, and free MP3 downloads.
6.) Ambient noise can make some sounds difficult to distinguish. For example, you may confuse an "f" for an "s" or an "m" for an "n". Try to listen to foreign language productions using earbuds or headphones whenever possible. The noise-cancelling type works best, but anything is better than nothing.
7.) Rely on mental pictures without an English translation. Learn a few key phrases and repeat them to yourself whenever possible. Do not think of the English words. Instead, link the foreign phrases directly with mental concepts and images. If a foreign word means "mad dog", for example, form an image of a dog with bared teeth foaming at the mouth.
8.) Expect to make mistakes. They are part of the language acquisition process. Talk to yourself when you can. Try to remember correct grammar, but do not dwell on it at first. It is more important to say the words and get used to the sensations produced in your ears, tongue, and facial muscles. If you have a long commute, pretend that you are talking on your cell phone. Nobody will know you are practicing!
9.) Technology is amazing. If you carry a smartphone or PDA with you wherever you go, consider installing a foreign language dictionary. The correct word for any situation will always be at your fingertips.
10.) Spend some time every day speaking or listening to your new language. Fifteen minutes daily will produce better results than three hours once weekly.
Be sure to check the author's information box for a link to her eBook containing hundreds of tips and hints for learning any foreign language.
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author's note below (with active links) are included.
Kathy's eBook about learning foreign languages can help you get organized, focus your efforts, and save you a lot of money in the process. Also be sure to visit her foreign language website, full of articles and resources for students and teachers.
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