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Helga Van Den Broeck
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10 Tips from Helga Van Den Broeck
Why do you want to learn a language?
The first thing to do is to ask yourself why you want to learn a new language. Is it just for fun or do you need it for your job? Is it because you fell in love with someone or because you want to go on vacation to a foreign country? Deciding why you want to learn a language gives you better insight in which way to learn it: a do-it-yourself course or going to a school?
Repetition is the key
Have you learned some new words, but do you keep forgetting them? There's only one method to remember them: repetition. Find someone who speaks the language and ask to do any future conversations in the new language. Try to use them as often as possible, find situations where you can use them because practice makes perfect.
Talk to kids
Yes, talk to kids. It's a very efficient way to learning a new language: make a conversation with children who speak a foreign language. They won't mind if you make a mistake and they use a simple vocabulary with everyday words. When you learn all the words a child uses, you will be able to make a simple conversation in your newly learned language.
A word a day, keeps ignorance away
Find a vocabulary book in your new language and learn one new word every day. Start the day with it and use the word throughout the day. When you're in a conversation and you say the word in your own language, think the word in your new language. Visualize it and pronounce it (you don't have to do this out loud, but if you can then do say it out loud.)
Watch TV
Watch television in your new language. See reruns of programs you have already seen in your own language or watch a movie on DVD with subtitles in your new foreign language. It doesn't matter if you don't understand every word, it's important you get the big picture. If you are able to do this, then you can start watching programs you haven't seen yet or watch a movie in a foreign language.
Read, read and read
Do not only practice speaking a new language, but learn to read the foreign language. You can start with children's book in your new language, move on to books for youth, to continue to books of your own interest or books you have already read. Read websites in your new language or even a newspaper. Another benefit of reading a lot in your new language, is that you will be able to speed up your writing ability in this foreign language too. Try out that new recipe, that you found in your new language. Grab every chance to practice!
Don't be afraid to make mistakes
When learning a new language it is normal that you will make mistakes. Try to practice in a 'safe' environment, a place you feel safe and with people you are comfortable with. They won't laugh when you make mistakes and will help you by correcting you.
Let others read your writing.
I know, it's scary to let others read your work. But find some penpals that speak your new language. Send them letters, postcards,... . Reply to forums, chat on the net, write e-mails or even start a website in your new language. Let the world know you're learning a new language and correct your spelling when needed.
Practice in your own style
One person will find it easier to learn by listening to a language, while another will have to see the written words. Be sure to have a lot of variation in ways to practice, types of exercises, ... Just remember learning has to stay fun. Why don't you try to learn your new language by playing word games?
Enjoy hearing your new language
Even if you don't understand a lot of your new language yet, enjoy hearing it. Listen to it and her rhythm. Listen to songs, the radio. Try to grasp the meaning of the lyrics and check it on the internet to see how much you already understand. Take it one step at a time.
