Jo's Language Learning Tips 1...

Over my 25 years at VLLC, I have watched so many of you go through the process of language learning – some of you more easily than others – what seems to make the difference? Over the next few blogs, I will share some of the language learning tips I’ve gathered through my own learning and watching others. It would be great if you joined in the conversation and shared some tips that have helped you in your language journey. They might resonate with someone else.

Tip 1. Start with the end in mind. As I have mentioned in lots of my blogs, it is important that before you start learning anything, you imagine yourself using the new skill with ease, so in the case of language learning – see yourself speaking fluently. Take a few minutes to creatively visualise this before every learning session and see the difference it makes. When you miss this step, you really slow down your progress as you find yourself just memorising the lesson (or the series of phrases) rather than creating a new way of thinking.

Tip 2. Think in your new language as quickly as possible. Resist the temptation to translate into your mother tongue – yes, I know it is really difficult but create a new habit. Remember your subconscious mind works more effectively with visuals, NOT words.

Tip 4. When you learn a new word, try to use it a few times right away. It is better if you can use it with a native speaker, but if not, use it in your homework tasks. Again, you want to ‘internalise’ your new language or make it subconscious – not just memorise it.

Tip 5. Hear and practise pronunciation patterns. In Russian and Italian, endings always rhyme with one another, so if you are talking about a feminine noun, adjectives will usually rhyme with its ending.  e.g. woman in Russian is женщина – (zhen-shee-na); so Russian красивая женщина ‘kra -see-vaya zhen-shee-na’ (beautiful woman) works where красивый (kra-see-vee), which also means beautiful, doesn’t sound right.  A woman in Italian is una donna and we all know una bella donna!! You could never say una bello donna – it just doesn’t work!!!!

Hear the sounds of your new language like you hear new music – mimic – don’t always try and understand.

Tip 6. You will make mistakes – accept this fact. I have made so many mistakes speaking my languages with native speakers (not tutors) and some of these have become indelibly imprinted in my mind.

Others, I remember the laughter and fun they caused. Mistakes are often your best lessons – make them your friends.

I hope you have found these tips useful. I will give you some more in my next blog. Please share your own tips with the VLLC community.
Happy learning
Jo