Language Learning

10 questions to ask to avoid mistakes in language learning

Learning language is hard, but not too hard. “Mistakes are an inseparable part of the language learning process”, it is so much enjoyable to learn a new language if you dare to make mistake and you know the mistakes to avoid.

1. How to study a new language efficiently?

Similar to any other subjects, some students are able to learn a language much faster than others. You may have heard of left-brain and right-brain learners, I strongly recommend you to figure out what type of learner you belong to and stick with the way which matches your learning type. Your language learning will improve considerably.

2. How can I overcome the fear to speak in class because I am afraid of other students will laugh at me?

Making mistakes is a crucial part in any learning process. “To be afraid to make mistake is the greatest mistake of all”. So please feel free to speak out loud and make as many mistakes as you can. Only by this the teacher can help you to correct. It can be embarrassed at first, but it’s the best way to improve your speaking.

3. What is the best learning material?

Having a great textbook can save you plenty of time and help you to study effectively. You can have a look at the bookstore or online resources, usually your language school will offer free training materials which are written by the subject coordinator. Moreover, materials can also be found in real-life brochure, newspaper, hand-out in language classes.

4. Which language school should I choose?

You can ask your friends, read newspapers or search on the internet to find out the course you are interested to. There are several things which you should pay attention to:

• Learning material– does the school recommend any learning source
• Class size – should be less than 8 students so the teacher can offer best care to all students
• Teacher – should be native speaker and experience in teaching

5. As a beginner, where should I start from?

Never struggle with thick dictionaries and grammar books. Not all native speakers know every single word in their own language. Just start your new learning from the very first fundamental things such as daily life language for shopping and meeting people. You can find much self-encouragement and motivation to keep going on. 6. How many hours should I spend on my study?

Never overestimate the time you have to set aside for study per day. Studying day by day and little by little will be more beneficial compare to study 3 hours successively per week. Just 30 minutes a day is all you need to build a good language learning routine.

7. Never rely on others

Some students tend to rely on their teachers for their learning success. However, it is the learners themselves that are ultimately responsible for their learning. The teachers are only there to guide you and correct your mistakes. Only you can make yourself to master something you really want to. Take effort to practise your language with other native speakers wherever you can.

8. Never invent something new

Learners should not invent their own structure or vocabulary; it will make the students themselves more confused. What they need to do is to do things similar to the way the native speaker does it. 9. What if I have difficulty in pronunciation because of my own accent?

We should know that “knowing the right way” does not always mean you can “doing it the right way”. Sometimes you know how the words pronounce but still incapable to repeat it appropriately. As the matter of fact, learning to pronounce a new language word is very much like learning yoga — your body and soul have to get used to the new movements. It takes time! So be patient, try harder and don’t worry too much. 10. What if I want to give up from the very first stage?

Thinking back why you decided to learn the language and is it worth to end of doing the thing you previously really want to accomplish. You can see your language consultant to seek for useful advices.

1. Diversity
When you learn another language, you also learn about the country and its people, their culture and their community. Learning a language offers you the chance to step into another world.

2. Work opportunities
Discover new job prospects both locally and overseas. Knowing more than one language can make you more competitive in the job market.

3. Languages are beautiful
Language is the medium we use to share our thoughts with the whole world. Learning a new language is similar to learning a different way of thinking.

4. Enhance your travel experiences
If you are planning on a trip to other country, it will be a richer experience if you are able to converse with the locals in their native language! You will find it much easier to discover and explore your destination, and you will gain more respect with the local community.

5. Culture
Language shapes and is shaped by the world around us. Knowledge of another language gives you insight into another culture and allows you to experience life from a different point of view.

6. Experience foreign novels, movies and music you enjoy
Use your new language to pursue all the things you love to do like reading books, watching foreign films and listening to music. Having a new language will open up a door into a world of new authors, actors and artists you may never heard of before.

7. Indulge your study experience
It is common that the information you try to find is published in a foreign language, so how can you access the material you really want to understand? The answer must be… learn that language!

8. New friendships
While you are leaning, you will make friends with people who share your love of learning a language too. Moreover, you can expand your social network to include people whose nationality is different to yours.

9. Understand how other people think
Language influences culture so learning a language may help you to have a different living perspective. It also helps you to gain a general understanding of our lovely planet.

10. Learning is fun!
The satisfaction of accomplishment is there for you! Learning something new can be one of the most enjoyable things ever and it will benefit you for your whole life!

How to improve your language learning?

1. Practice makes perfect Always keep in mind that learning a language is a gradual process – it doesn’t happen overnight. Therefore, the more time you spend studying, the better you will become.

2. Define your learning objectives What do you want to learn and why? Once you set your goal and know exactly what you want to do, it becomes easier to reach it.

3. Make learning a habit When learning becomes a habit, it will become part of your daily routine so when you don’t do it, you will feel like something is missing. Creating positive study habits can mean great advantages for you.

4. Choose appropriate learning material Once you have the right learning material, you will find it much easier to acquire the knowledge that you need. Learning a new language can be time consuming, so having appropriate reference books and resources can help you save plenty of time.

5. Efficiency How often do you study? One hour a day or once a week? Sometimes, spending more time studying does not necessarily mean you can learn more compared to someone who studies less. The key is how efficiently and effectively you do it.

6. Group work Some people find it quite boring or lack motivation when they study alone. Studying with a partner or in a group may be a good choice because you can discuss and help each others while working as a team.

7. Move your mouth and say it out loud! Sometimes, understanding a word doesn’t mean the muscles of your mouth can pronounce that word correctly. Therefore, it is essential to practise speaking loudly so that your mouth can get used to the new vocabulary

8. Make the most of the Internet The Internet is actually the most interesting, unlimited source that you could take advantage of and it is right at your fingertips. Just type the thing you want and click “Search”. There will be a whole world of material which is quite useful for your language learning.

9. Write a news diary Daily writing about one’s own routine can be boring, but what if you write about the news that you read and listen to everyday instead? There will be a big difference! You will improve your vocabulary and grammar for sure!

10. Sing karaoke Singing can help you to improve sounds and stressed syllables. Singing is an interesting way to learn compared with reading a book or listening to a long CD lesson. You may find learning a language really enjoyable!

11. Move out of your comfort zone When I say move out of your comfort zone, I literally mean move. Get up out of your chair, hop on a bus, hop in your car or put on you walking shoes and just go. Take what you have learnt in your language study and try and put it into use by visiting a restaurant or supermarket and ordering something to eat or even exchanging a simple greeting. It may feel awkward at first but you will be amazed how people will open up and help you when they see you are making an effort to speak their language. You may even find a new friend.

Reading – Read anything that you can get your hands on; it doesn’t have to be a book. Magazines and graphic novels with lots of pictures can be really useful. You may not understand the word but will get a feeling for it through the pictures.

Writing – Write a simple story with the words that you already know and add pictures to help you associate the two. It doesn’t matter if the story is silly but it is fun to have a go and will definitely help you remember new words.

Listening – Try listening to the radio in the language of your choice (eg. BBC World Service), watch a movie or something fun like YouTube that can be spontaneous and harder to understand than a usual language learning CD.

Speaking – Practise your new vocabulary out loud by making up simple sentences and phrases with the words you have learnt. It doesn’t matter if the cat is the only one listening!