Articles on Learning | Topics: learning, learn, study, studying
by Glenn Quinn
If your high school was anything like mine, you probably didn't learn much in foreign language class. Oh sure, at the time you could probably say a few words in French, Spanish, or German, but all of those words are probably long gone. Language learning, you see, is a pretty difficult thing to accomplish when you're not in an environment with native speakers. If you don't have to rely on your new language, you simply won't. You'll forget it as soon as you pass the tests and retain nothing beyond a year or two.
My experience as a teacher of English as a second language has really helped me to understand this better than most people do. I have been helping foreign students learn spoken English for years, so I have a pretty good idea of how it works. Basically, if you want to learn spoken English – or learn to speak any language for that matter – you really need to be in a nation that speaks it. This approach is called immersion, and it is all the rage among language learning classes.
| Historical Quote |
How inimitably graceful children are in general before they learn to dance!
| —Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) |
|
|
While it is true that some of the better language learning classes try to create an artificial environment of immersion without being located in an actual place where the language is spoken, they are still a poor substitute for actually getting to experience immersion. Learning spoken English is best done in Britain, America, Canada, or one of the many other English-speaking countries. No matter how hard you work to learn spoken English, if you are studying it somewhere else, you are at a disadvantage.
This is why I am always so enraged when I see programs advertised that claim to help people learn spoken English at home on the computer. You simply cannot learn English speech without at least one conversational partner. Computers are good at many things, and even make valuable teaching resources. One thing they are not good at, however, is holding up a conversations. In order to do that, you need an actual human being to speak with you. Although you might be able to learn written English on your own, you won't be able to pick up the nuances of language without some help. You will still speak in your native language, think in your native language, and interact with people in your native language. In order to really gain fluency in another language, you have to be able to think in it on a day-to-day basis.
|
We strive to provide
only top rate articles on our website. If
there is a specific learning-related topic that you would like us to cover, please contact us here.
Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Learn Spoken English" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by SloanSemester.org. |
Top Study Habits of those who Earn Online Degrees
By Yvette Calderon
Top Study Habits of those who Earn Online Degrees Earning a degree online can be incredibly hard work, especially for those who are unaware of just what it requires. A lot of people seem to think that earning an online degree is both faster and easier than going through the traditional college route, and while this can be true, the opposite can be true as well....
Helicopter School
By Zachary Greer
Learning to fly a helicopter may seem an out of bounds dream but determined people will be pleased to know that there is a big demand for pilots to fulfill many different jobs. The first step in realizing the dream is to find a reputable helicopter school....
Making Music – Five Great Kids Toys that Reinforce Music Learning
By Faith Kirk
When it comes to learning, some parents overlook the importance of music. Not only is music a great way to help kids learn new concepts, it is important for children to learn about music in general....
College Research
By Violet Ellis
One of the major steps you'll encounter in this life is higher education. Once you finish high school, you either want it or you don't....
High School Class Reunion
By Morgan Rios
There is probably nothing you can do to talk me in two going to a high school class reunion. Not only do I think they are lame, I don’t think anything good comes from them....
|
