Archive for the ‘learning english online’ Category

Using Audacity with your Recordings

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

They speak too fast!I can’t understand anything! Does that sound familiar? When we begin to communicate with natives in a new language, it is often what we experience: they are speaking so fast that our heads spin! Even though we know the vocabulary and the grammar, it all goes by like a race car in the night.  What can we do about this? Slow them down, of course.

When you are actually talking to a live person, ask them to slow down. It will definitely help if they are able to. What about with your recordings? There is a great free audio tool called Audacity that can slow down any recording on your computer in 1 minute … Continue reading

Advice for Language Practice: Speaking Confidently

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Do you want to be more confident when you are speaking your new language with a native or a teacher?  Here is some simple advice.

1.  Relax.  It’s impossible not to make mistakes.   You might as well enjoy making them.  The key is to begin tracking your mistakes so you can correct them over time.  Listen to yourself or ask the native/teacher what you need to improve.

2.  Take your time and speak simply.  Make short sentences: get the basic point across.  “Where is there a restaurant?” is good enough.  You may not have time for: “Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering if you had any recommendations for a place to eat nearby?” … Continue reading