Mother Tongue

Learning Foreign Languages

I've been asked before how I go about teaching myself a new language as I have done with a few like Czech. There is no easy answer. I am lucky in that I have a natural ability to pick them up. That said I do have to do some work and I'll share a few tips and ideas...

I believe that anyone can learn another language if they can find the best method for them. There are taught classes of course. I learnt a few languages this way at school and they are valuable as you get to practice speaking and interacting with others. You also have a teacher present to ask questions of. If you are unsure about teaching yourself I'd go for this option.

If you don't have the time or money, or if the language you want isn't taught nearby the best way is to get yourself a teach yourself book with optional cassette/CD. I nearly always use the ones from the Teach Yourself series. I find them easy to follow and informative.

While you are learning you can try different things to help you improve. Here are a few examples...

1) Find a penpal in that country who you can write to in the language. You can even ask if they would mind correcting any mistakes for you so you can improve. You could get in touch with people through Friendship Books passed around in snail mail letters or at blogs/journal sites online. Or try the newish site PenPalRepublic

2) Try reading in the language. Start with childrens' books and work up from there as you improve.

3) Listen to the language. You could search for radio stations, look for audio magazines such as Champs Elysees or listen to music. I find singing along with music in the new language really helps with pronunciation and stresses. Plus a number of foreign TV stations now have websites where you can watch programmes online.

Some people find it easier to learn via vocabulary but for me it's grammar all the way. The advantage of working hard on the grammar first is that you can then say anything as you build your vocabulary. If you only learn phrases then to say anything else will be rather hard. Understanding grammar is the key. Master the grammar and you're 90% of the way there. Get a good dictionary too. Not one of the silly little pocket ones as they often don't have the words you want - get something a little more substantial. A little book with grammar guides is also useful as you won't have to search through the teach yourself books for the verb tables etc then.

So have a go! It's great learning other languages and they tell you a lot about the culture of a country. Think how impressed the handsome Italian waiter will be when you address him in his own mode of speech! (;o)