The Quickest Way to Learn a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language can be a challenging task, especially if you are learning a language that is completely unfamiliar to you. Many people have some familiarity with some elements of a foreign language, and no matter how rudimentary that understanding may be, it does at least allow the mind to grasp a few basic aspects of the language a little more quickly. Planning to study a completely unfamiliar language, however, takes planning and commitment. With a little of both, anyone can learn a language more quickly.
Learning by Immersion
One common myth about learning a foreign language centers on the idea that the best way to learn the language quickly is through immersion. In this context, immersion is typically taken to mean traveling to a foreign country where the language being learned is the native tongue. The idea is that you will "immerse" yourself in the language and culture and pick up the language more quickly as a result. While it is true that you will be introduced to more of the language and culture more quickly, it should be kept in mind that you may not actually learn to speak the language properly. Foreign students and immigrants often find it difficult to completely master the language in its entirety and often make mistakes that result from being forced to speak the language more quickly than the mind is able to process the material. Speaking the language is something you should do only after being properly inundated with reading and listening material.
Developing Your Memory First
You can study and study a foreign language, but if your memory is poor, the chances that you will retain the information remains relatively low. If you want to learn a foreign language quickly, you may want to take a little time to develop your memory first. Your memory, when exercised regularly, acts more efficiently in the acquisition and retention of new material. There are a number of do-it-yourself memory courses available, like Paul Scheele's Memory Optimizer course, that will make your mind more sponge-like and increase your capacity for learning languages. A good way to learn a language quickly is to either complete one of these memory courses first or at least begin one and then shortly thereafter begin studying the language in conjunction with the memory course.
An Integrated Approach to Learning Languages
True learning by immersion involves an integrated approach to learning rather than simply going to a foreign country to experience the "sink or swim" approach to understanding the native tongue. Integrated learning involves content-based instruction. Content-based instruction, according to the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, is "an approach to language instruction that integrates the presentation of topics or tasks from subject matter classes (e.g., math, social studies) within the context of teaching a second or foreign language." True immersion also involves the use of a variety of reinforcement tools such as audio, video and software specifically designed to teach a language. A good example of this approach is the Rosetta Stone program that immerses you in the language through computer-based instruction. Finally, full immersion includes reinforcement of what is learned through participation in cultural events and doing other activities that create a sense of curiosity and fulfillment such as watching your favorite DVD movie in a language other than English. The key to reinforcing the material is to get creative and use every opportunity you have to introduce the language in a format you are already familiar with.
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