Although it is important to be serious about learning a foreign language, the ability to play and enjoy the process is equally vital. I have been a lover of languages for most of my life. I teach French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Hindi and Punjabi, but I have also studied German, Latin, Arabic and Urdu. As you see, I have studied many languages through the years, but two common themes have emerged in my own success. The first is a deep and lasting desire and motivation to master each of the languages I have studied. The second is that I love to play as I learn. So when you begin, first play with the new sound system. Imitate, mimic, copy the pronunciation as best as you can. Even at this early stage, imagine yourself communicating fluently with natives. Imagine your persona – what you will look like and sound like – once you can communicate competently. As you progress in your learning, keep finding things that please you, and ways to enjoy yourself.
It is very useful to look for beautiful and fun materials. With the flourishing of the internet, there is an endless source of recordings, videos, podcasts e-books and general resources. Find the niche, the interests which please you, and connect them with your language learning journey. If you enjoy yoga and learning Spanish, find online or live Spanish yoga classes. If you love movies as you study French, find a French movie club or a movie forum. The more you enjoy yourself, the easier it will be for you to learn.
There are many emerging internet language communities in the ongoing social networking revolution. Find a community of people you enjoy and who have similar or complementary goals. This will place the new language in the realm of your real life. Making new friends is an amazing way to create a lasting relationship with a culture and language.
So, introduce whatever is fun and meaningful for you into your language learning. Enjoyment of life at all its stages is the secret of success – and happiness.
Jean-Paul at Focus Language
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