Sunday, January 12, 2014

Learning Languages: A Brief Guide

If you've got a bad case of wanderlust just as bad as mine, I'm sure you've considered studying a language to either enhance your experience abroad, or in my case, hoping fluency will just get you on a plane with a salary already discussed. 

However, you might find once you buy the language book, take the class, or listen to the audio tapes, your efforts seem a bit, lacking. 

As a university student studying Mandarin Chinese, as well as taking an interest in learning Thai, I have a few tricks up my sleeve as to how to get past the initial fall out of learning a language, and get you right back on your road to fluency. 

Tip #1: Motivation. 

The most important part of learning a language and sticking with it is finding your inner motivation. Ask yourself: 

'Why do I want to study this language?' 

Is it because you have fallen in love with the particular culture of that country, including the language? Maybe you have a very special someone whose first language is not English, and you'd like to get to know them, their family, and culture a bit better? 

Whatever your reason, find out exactly what your motivation is and why you'd like to continue on the journey of learning a new language. 

Tip #2: Good Textbook and Teacher are a Winning Combination 

It's true, the combination of a textbook that is clear and concise plus a teacher that has patience and understanding is the winning formula for once you find your inner motivation. 

I am lucky enough to have gotten both of these things for studying mandarin. The text book I'm using in my university class: 

Has clear lesson plans, lots of pictures, and teaches Chinese characters along with pinyin to maximize your road to fluency.  As for my teacher, she had clear lesson plans, lots of in class discussion, and she made the class fun and enjoyable. I am so excited to start Chinese level 2 with her this next semester!  

Again, when you have inner motivation, a good textbook, and a concise teacher who is clear in her expectations and lessons, you're on your way to learning a new language! 

Tip #3: It's Not Just About Words (or Characters) 

You can't learn a language without learning the culture along side it! Almost all language textbooks will give you a culture highlight section that emphasizes specific customs that coincide with the lesson plan. 

Study these up, you never know when you'll get a chance to hop on a plane and practice your new language! 

Tip #4: Practice 

This has been the toughest tip for me to implement in my day to day life. If I am not in a classroom studying or preparing for an exam, my idea of practice is having Netflix on in the background as I mindlessly flip through my textbook. 

Do not do this! Practice means practice, which means repeating commonly used phrases, memorizing characters and vocabulary, and maybe making some friends whom can help you with every day conversation. 

Make it a routine to study a little bit every day, whether it's conversing with your loved one, studying a culture high light, or watching a tv show in the language you want to learn. The more you do it, the closer you are to fluency! 

Tip #5: Immersion 

This might not be possible for you, as many of us have work, school, and other obligations that prevent us from a total immersion for the period of time it takes to obtain fluency (which is years unless you're just super talented at languages!) if you have the opportunity to study abroad while your at school, or to just take a vacation to your desired country, every little bit helps with learning a new language. 

From my experience, locals are always excited to help you with learning their native language, and you can easily make a friend or two. Even if you're struggling, a smile and a hand gesture go a lot longer than you think! 

So there you have it, my tips to learning any language you desire! 

Remember: Life is about having fun and enjoying the moment. If you are confident you can learn a new language, then by all means you certainly can! 

再见!

Macfly <3 

(This photo was taken at Khao Phra Wihan national park in Thailand. I'm in this orange shirt!) 


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