When it comes to learning a new language, there are plenty of programs and services out there that promise to help you learn quickly and effectively. However, I’ve found that most of them are missing a key component: discipline. Without a structure and schedule for the lessons, it’s really difficult to muster enough self-discipline to stick to the program. I know that during a brief flirtation with learning German by CD, it seemed that whenever I sat down to do my lessons, suddenly there were tons of pressing tasks I simply HAD to complete right then, like washing the dog or catching up on my emails…you know, tasks that aren’t exactly attractive until you’re faced with something even more tedious!
Learning a language should be fun, not tedious. Take a look at the following methods of language learning and see which look the best to you:
Rosetta Stone. This is perhaps one of the most popular pieces of language learning software on the market today. Rosetta Stone’s claim is that they help you “learn like a baby”, meaning that they associate words with images to help you remember the words. The problem with this image-recall technique is that it is most effective in children. You’ve probably noticed that young children acquire language almost effortlessly, and can even learn multiple languages simultaneously (as in a bilingual household) with few problems. Kids brains are just wired that way. However, as adults we learn a bit differently. So software for learning like a baby is really best for, well, babies.
Language Lessons on CD. Lessons on CD are usually quite similar to the lessons you would receive in a classroom. You will usually be introduced to a set of grammar rules or vocabulary words, and then listen and repeat a bunch of sentences to practice these words and concepts. This technique is great for developing listening comprehension and, to a limited extent, speaking abilities. The problem is that there is no one to critique your pronunciation, and it can be difficult to hear your own mistakes.
Interactive Learning Software. Some language software helps you study by using an interactive lesson review process. In this process, you see and hear the words you have just learned in your lesson. Then, you quiz yourself on them. You can mark your understanding of each word as complete, questionable, or non existent. Words you mark as complete will appear in future reviews only sporadically, while the other words will continue to appear in your review sessions until you clear them. This software is actually a pretty cool possibility, because it allows you to save time by only reviewing words you have trouble with.
Traditional Classroom Learning. The most common way to learn a new language is by taking a class. The primary benefit of the classroom is that you have access to a teacher and to fellow students. You will be able to ask questions and get direct feedback on your pronunciation from the teacher, and you can practice your conversation skills with your fellow students. The community of the classroom is really its strongest asset. You will feel more motivated to continue your lessons if you have joined a community, because you won’t want to disappoint the teacher or your peers.
Immersion Learning. One of the best ways to learn a language, immersion learning can seem scary at first. No one will speak your native language to you, and you will be forced to use your new language. You’ll get along as best you can, using hand signals, grunts, and bad grammar. However, no matter how lost you may feel, in reality simply by being immersed in the new language, you are learning. Your ear is getting attuned to the sounds and rhythms of the new language, and you’re also doing a bit of the image-recall technique as you look around the shops and markets of your study abroad town or city. Plus, you will be on the adventure of a lifetime! Words and phrases acquired during this time will be much more memorable than ones learned out of a book at home.