Archive for the ‘language learning tips’ Category

How to Sound Good in a New Language

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

This post gives you ways to develop your ability to Speak a new language well.  What level of knowledge am I assuming you need to start this process? An intermediate one. But you could really use it at any level.

So! You know  basic vocabulary. You know how to form correct – or mostly correct – sentences. Your pronunciation is accurate enough for you to be understood.  You are also able to understand simple conversations. What can you do to improve your ability to speak efficiently and systematically?

1. Accept your level! You cannot speak faster or better than your actual knowledge and capacity allow. Be nice to yourself. You have done the best you could… Continue reading

Vocabulary is the King and Grammar is the Queen

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Vocabulary is absolutely vital. If you need to say “elevator” or “clown suit”, there is no substitute. This means that learning vocab is a huge priority when you are learning a language. So now you’ve learned 3000 words! But what do you do with them? This is the magical field of syntax and grammar. You have all the parts for an automobile. Grammar teaches you how to assemble the car and then how to drive. Here is a way of putting them together usefully.

Once you have learned some basic vocabulary and grammar, you can begin the task of beginning to express yourself.  I find that using translation exercises really develops this capacity. I know! Many language acquisition… Continue reading