Foreign-Language

Most people today are already familiar with the concept of language learning. There are, however, many people who are not bilingual but have come across various sites or blogs that talk about language learning. This is purely because of their interest in different languages. So here, we talk about various aspects that deal with language learning.

First and foremost step in learning any language is the desire to learn. A person cannot learn anything in life if he/she does not have the interest or the desire to do so. Next important thing is the dedication of energy and time.  A person must devote enough time to learn the art. The language learning requires as much practice as is required by any other skill to attain perfection. It is just like learning to play a musical instrument, such as a guitar. Obviously, you cannot lead a band with you playing the guitar unless you have learnt it! No one will ever tell you to lead a band the first time you have taken the guitar in your hands.  Last but not the least, the traditional pillar of learning any language is the association with the language.

There is no particular way of learning the language. You may opt from any of the following methods of learning:  immersion versus distance, textbook versus freeform, drills versus incorporation. However, there is one exception to these methods. The element that is used by the native speakers of the language cannot be replaced by the new learners of the language.  Even remaining in contact with the language cannot replace the original accent of the language. Today, Internet has made it possible to discover native speakers of any language on a regular basis so that he/she can maintain a contact with the language.

From my personal experience, I can say that often people do not talk about these things much. One common phrase that I often hear from the language learners is that they are thinking in the new language. This practice however is not very effective. In this process, they make the same mistakes and grammatical errors that they have made while learning the language. A more effective way to learn the language is to think in the way a native speaker thinks. In other words, a language learner needs to separate his or her traditional approach to a situation and to see it through the eyes of the new language, in terms of vocabulary and structure. For example, a person learning Spanish will translate a sign “Staff Entrance Only” as “Entrada de Personal Solamente”. A native speaker of the language may translate the same thing in a slightly different manner. Only experience can help a person attain such perfection. The process of language learning is not about time or dedication; it is about seeing the world through new eyes.

Another important aspect of learning a language is watching television. If a language learner watches a station broadcast in the language to be learned, it addresses all of the new speaker’s needs in terms of contact with native speakers, listening, and reading. In addition to this, the broadcast transmits cultural aspects that may be very difficult to understand by reading a two-paragraph write-up in a textbook.

Make use of technology, there are so many websites, blogs and social networks which specialize in teaching & sharing information about a foreign language. I have learnt Spanish and to practice my language skills, I made friends with natives from Spain and Latin America on Skype and other popular Chat services. They spoke to me in English (to practice their skills) and I spoke in Spanish. A barter exchange technique benefiting both of us.

To conclude, if you have the desire to learn a language you will find hundred ways to learn them. Read, Listen, talk and practice. And after gaining substantial knowledge, try your hands on translation. As an amateur translator you will need lot of guidance along with some tips and trick. So don’t forget to read the article – Tips for Amateur Translators . Would you like to share some experience with those who are about to learn a new langauge. I think its good to encourage them.