| FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING: 5 MORE | | | | pronunciation and accent. |
| PRACTICAL TIPS | | | | 3. READ THE NEWSPAPER: There are several |
| In my previous article we discussed the basics of | | | | ways to get Newspapers, Magazines, and Comics |
| learning foreign languages. To supplement your | | | | in foreign languages. I mention these forms of |
| experience we will go over 5 more practical | | | | print media because they are the most |
| language learning tips that you can apply easily in | | | | conversational. They will teach you to speak and |
| your daily life. These tips to accompany your | | | | write 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 sounds | | | | intellectual terms. You can find these materials at |
| hard to do. I'm not talking about carrying | | | | libraries, online, or for languages like Spanish and |
| Webster's collegiate dictionary that would require | | | | Chinese often times at your local newsstand. Most |
| its own backpack. You can find miniature | | | | of them are free. I prefer the online sources |
| dictionaries that can easily fit in your pocket or | | | | because they are always free and easy to get. |
| purse. Although it will never be convenient this is | | | | You can find links to Newspapers in foreign |
| how I learned to speak French fluently. While I | | | | languages here: . Comic books are great because |
| was in France anytime anyone said anything I | | | | they are the most conversational print material. |
| didn't understand I could instantly look it up, and | | | | You can see the people in action and connect with |
| then use it in my vocabulary. Also, anytime there | | | | what they are talking about. |
| was a French word I wanted to say I could | | | | 4. WRITE LETTERS: Even if the letter is pretend |
| instantly look it up. This is so important because | | | | write a letter about your day. This will force you |
| there are so many times when you are out and | | | | to learn new words and to think in the language. |
| you want to know how to say something but are | | | | Although you WILL make mistakes, don't worry, |
| unable to. Then by the time you get home and | | | | it is all apart of the process. I look back at some |
| can look it up you have either forgotten the word | | | | of the things that I wrote when I was starting |
| or forgotten altogether and you have missed out | | | | and wonder what I was thinking. Even though the |
| on a great opportunity to you improve your | | | | writings 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 carry | | | | can see the progress in my writings month by |
| a pocket notebook where you can keep a running | | | | month 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 English | | | | 5. THINK THE LANGUAGE: Think as much as |
| movies is that everyone wants them so that | | | | possible in the language. When you are thinking at |
| means they all get dubbed into a couple of | | | | anytime 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, or | | | | blanks with your native language but just keep |
| Japanese but is still a great tool. Turn on the | | | | thinking in the language. This is HUGELY important. |
| dubbing for the language your want to learn and | | | | One of the biggest problems when learning to |
| enjoy your movie. Don't turn on the subtitles | | | | speak a foreign language is HABIT. If you are not |
| even if you don't understand because you will | | | | used to thinking in the language how will you |
| start to focus only on the subtitles and not gain | | | | speak. This will prepare you to be comfortable |
| anything from the experience. Subtitles can be a | | | | and confident when confronted with the |
| good tool for learners who are already advanced | | | | opportunity to speak the language. If you make |
| and want to learn the exact idiomatic meanings of | | | | this a habit it eventually becomes natural and |
| sayings. This is also a great tool to increase your | | | | extemporaneous. |
| listening comprehension. Start a small segment of | | | | Stay tuned for more articles on improving your |
| the movie. Listen carefully and then replay it over | | | | language 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 each | | | | author. |
| segment. This will allow you to learn proper | | | | |