Remember those old-time Spanish drills in elementary school? Mindless repetition seemed the order of the day, but nowadays there are many ways to learn a different language. If you need to pick up some helpful expressions in preparation for a trip overseas, here are some ideas for helping you on your way:
1. Get a set of language tapes. CD's, audiocassettes, or other forms of recorded language are helpful for listening to a different language being spoken. You will get an idea of enunciation, accents, and meaning when you hear actual expressions articulated by a human speaker. Listen to the tapes and repeat them as you apply this auditory learning technique. Tapes can be purchased online or in regular language or teaching materials stores.
2. Practice grammar drills. From a language textbook you can work with exercises, applications, or drills to polish your new skills. Some texts provide keys for checking the accuracy of your responses. If not, contact someone from a college or tutoring agency who may be willing to check your work. You may want to get a partner, such as a friend or family member, who also is interested in learning the language with you.
3. Get a tutor. Visiting foreign students at the local university or international business may have a family member who would be interested in helping you learn their language for a small fee. Contact the International Student office or Modern Languages department to see if such a program exists, or if staff can give you the names of a few people who might be interested in helping you out for an affordable fee. Check the Cultural Exchange program or International Institute if one of these is located in your city.
4. Visit Internet sites. Many Web sites exist for specific countries or languages, some with online dictionaries and audio pronunciation guides as well as a Web guru to contact for assistance. You also may be able to access an Internet radio site that broadcasts in the language you wish to learn. Try this multi-factorial approach to studying a language and enjoy the advantages of learning from many perspectives and original sources.
5. Contact the cultural attaché or university in the country for which you wish to learn the language. Chances are there may be someone who is willing to communicate with you by email, letters, or occasional phone calls to help you learn the language as a conversation partner, especially if you help that person learn English. This method will let you learn something of the culture as well when you get to speak with a native of the country.
There are also grammar texts, community college classes, and language schools that can provide formal language instruction in a number of foreign languages. Browse your library or a local bookstore to see the type of resources that are available. Learning another language is fun and challenging. Start today so that you will soon lose your accent and sound like a native! Then enjoy baffling others when you speak your new tongue around those who don’t know it.
