FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING: 5 MORE PRACTICAL TIPS

FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING: 5 MOREpronunciation and accent.
PRACTICAL TIPS3. READ THE NEWSPAPER: There are several
In my previous article we discussed the basics ofways to get Newspapers, Magazines, and Comics
learning foreign languages. To supplement yourin foreign languages. I mention these forms of
experience we will go over 5 more practicalprint media because they are the most
language learning tips that you can apply easily inconversational. They will teach you to speak and
your daily life. These tips to accompany yourwrite like a native does in their natural state, not
already existing foreign language learning studies.when they are trying to speak in dramatic or
1. CARRY A DICTIONARY: I know that soundsintellectual terms. You can find these materials at
hard to do. I'm not talking about carryinglibraries, online, or for languages like Spanish and
Webster's collegiate dictionary that would requireChinese often times at your local newsstand. Most
its own backpack. You can find miniatureof them are free. I prefer the online sources
dictionaries that can easily fit in your pocket orbecause they are always free and easy to get.
purse. Although it will never be convenient this isYou can find links to Newspapers in foreign
how I learned to speak French fluently. While Ilanguages here: . Comic books are great because
was in France anytime anyone said anything Ithey are the most conversational print material.
didn't understand I could instantly look it up, andYou can see the people in action and connect with
then use it in my vocabulary. Also, anytime therewhat they are talking about.
was a French word I wanted to say I could4. WRITE LETTERS: Even if the letter is pretend
instantly look it up. This is so important becausewrite a letter about your day. This will force you
there are so many times when you are out andto learn new words and to think in the language.
you want to know how to say something but areAlthough you WILL make mistakes, don't worry,
unable to. Then by the time you get home andit is all apart of the process. I look back at some
can look it up you have either forgotten the wordof the things that I wrote when I was starting
or forgotten altogether and you have missed outand wonder what I was thinking. Even though the
on a great opportunity to you improve yourwritings are reminiscent of the ramblings of a
language skills.crazy man it helped me to refine my abilities. I
* One alternative that is also effective is to carrycan see the progress in my writings month by
a pocket notebook where you can keep a runningmonth they improve significantly. Don't forget to
list of words you've learned or want to learn.pay attention to your Conjugations.
2. WATCH MOVIES: The great thing about English5. THINK THE LANGUAGE: Think as much as
movies is that everyone wants them so thatpossible in the language. When you are thinking at
means they all get dubbed into a couple ofanytime during the day do it as much as possible
languages. This may only work for French,in the foreign language you are learning. Fill in the
German, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, orblanks with your native language but just keep
Japanese but is still a great tool. Turn on thethinking in the language. This is HUGELY important.
dubbing for the language your want to learn andOne of the biggest problems when learning to
enjoy your movie. Don't turn on the subtitlesspeak a foreign language is HABIT. If you are not
even if you don't understand because you willused to thinking in the language how will you
start to focus only on the subtitles and not gainspeak. This will prepare you to be comfortable
anything from the experience. Subtitles can be aand confident when confronted with the
good tool for learners who are already advancedopportunity to speak the language. If you make
and want to learn the exact idiomatic meanings ofthis a habit it eventually becomes natural and
sayings. This is also a great tool to increase yourextemporaneous.
listening comprehension. Start a small segment ofStay tuned for more articles on improving your
the movie. Listen carefully and then replay it overlanguage skills in the near future. If you have
and over until you understand every word.questions or requests feel free to contact the
Secondly, mimic the voices exactly in eachauthor.
segment. This will allow you to learn proper