Learn a language for the Mind blog

How to learn a language like a child.

22/7/2024

Learning a language like a child involves immersing yourself in the language environment and using natural learning methods. Enrol yourself in a structured course and utilise this step-by-step guide on how to enhance your language learning outcomes.

Immerse yourself in the language: Use reading and listening skills. Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. Listen to music, watch movies or TV shows, and listen to podcasts or radio in the target language. Start with simple books, children's stories, or comics in the language. Focus on understanding the context and meaning rather than every word.

At VLLC from your first tutorial you will be speaking in your new language. This builds confidence and fluid speech. Practice speaking: Don’t be afraid to speak! Mimic native speakers’ pronunciation and intonation. Practice basic phrases and simple sentences.

Build your vocabulary naturally by learning words in context, rather than isolated vocabulary lists. Associate words with situations or images. Use flashcards with images or associations to reinforce vocabulary. This can mimic how children learn by associating words with visuals. Focus on communication first. Don’t worry too much about grammar rules initially. Grammar will gradually become more intuitive as you gain more exposure and practice. When corrected, don’t feel discouraged. Learn from mistakes in a positive way, just as children do.

Regular practice is key. Set aside dedicated time each day for language learning activities, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes. Practice the language in everyday situations – shopping, ordering food, asking for directions – just like children learn by using language in real-life contexts. Be curious and playful with your language. Be curious about the language and culture associated with it. Explore idioms, cultural nuances, and expressions. Approach learning with a playful mindset. Experiment with the language, make mistakes, and enjoy the process of discovery.

Seek feedback from native speakers or language teachers. They can provide guidance on pronunciation, vocabulary usage, and cultural insights. Celebrate small achievements and milestones along your language learning journey. Recognize your progress and stay motivated.

Stay patient and be persistent. Language learning takes time. Embrace the journey and be patient with yourself, just like children are patient as they learn their first language. Keep going, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Consistent effort will lead to gradual improvement.

By approaching language learning in a child-like manner – through immersion, natural practice, curiosity, and playfulness – you can make the learning process more enjoyable and effective. Remember, the goal is not perfection but communication and connection with others using the language.

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Handy ways to keep your language learning alive.

16/7/2024

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To keep your language learning alive and continuously improve your skills, there are several handy strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine. One effective method is to set aside dedicated time each day for language practice, whether it's through vocabulary drills, reading articles, or listening to podcasts in the target language.

Additionally, keep up with your conversation by speaking with a native person. Online resources can provide interactive exercises and opportunities to practice speaking, listening, and writing skills. Flashcards and language learning games can also make the learning process more engaging and enjoyable.

Immersing yourself in the language by watching movies, TV shows, or listening to music in the target language can help you familiarize yourself with native speakers' accents and colloquial expressions. Joining language exchange groups or finding a language partner to practice speaking with can also enhance your language skills and provide valuable feedback.

Consistency is key when it comes to language learning, so incorporating small daily habits, such as labeling household items with their foreign language names or keeping a language journal, can help reinforce your learning and keep your language skills sharp. By staying motivated, setting achievable goals, and incorporating these handy ways to practice, you can maintain and improve your language skills over time.

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Jo's Tips for Improving Your Memory - Part 1.

3/7/2024

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In a previous blog, I gave you some ideas of how to get the most out of your learning experience and gave you the idea of breaking up your learning into 15-minute segments rather than 1-2 hours at a time.
This blog is an exercise so that you can see how your memory works. I think it is really interesting and will only take you 10 minutes so give it a try. (I have taken this exercise from Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century, Colin Rose and Malcolm J Nicholl – it’s a good read if you are interested in more information).

The following is a list of words:
Relax, then focus on the words and read through them slowly – just once. When you have finished, follow the instructions below the words:

ACTION. Now cover up the list and write down as many of the words (it doesn’t matter how many) as you can recall in any order. Compare your written list to the full list and you may find that you will notice the following:

You probably remembered the first words. As I mentioned in my last blog, you tend to remember more of the beginning of any learning session. So you probably recalled Grass and maybe Paper. You probably remembered the last words. You tend to remember more of what you learn at the end of each learning session, so you probably recalled Pen and maybe Stream.

You typically remember what’s unusual. You probably remembered the word, Zulu. Why? Because it stood out from the rest of the list and a vivid mental image almost certainly sprang into your mind of a Zulu warrior. We tend to remember what is odd, bizarre, comical or rude. You generally retain information that is organised. You may have automatically written down some words in groups – objects and subjects that fit into the same category - Animals – Cat, Bird, Sheep.

You remember “real” things more quickly. The list also contained words such as Love, Truth, Wisdom and Meaning. These are the least well remembered because they are not unique or concrete. They are not things; they are ideas. “Real” things are easier to remember than abstract ideas because you can picture them in your mind’s eye.

So my memory tips for you today:

Have a lot of beginnings and ends in your learning sessions– take breaks; We remember pictures many times better than words – so find a way to make a picture of what you are learning. Try to associate vocabulary (particularly) with a funny or unusual mental image. Organise what you are learning into groups or categories. This works because you are actively doing something with the information, not just passively looking at it.

Enjoy stretching your brain in new ways.
Jo

Joanne Ammerlaan is the National Manager of Vocational Language Learning Centre and a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

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How to learn a language like a child.

Handy ways to keep your language learning alive.

Jo's Tips for Improving Your Memory - Part 1.

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