I have interviewed a friend of mine. I think you will find this post quite interesting. He is not just any friend. He has mastered the Polish language. Here are his ideas: How I learned a language interview.
He like me is an American that moved to Europe, learned a language and got dual citizenship. Many Americans want to pick up and EU citizenship and learn a language with no work. I tell them you have to know how, and have motivation.
I have a great life now that I did a little bit of work. I am dual citizen and almost bilingual. I also travel the world. Anyone can do this. Just read the interview with a language learner.
After you read this please come back and leave a comment and let me know what you think? Also let me know your experiences with language learning. Are you just starting or want to learn or have you masters a few languages.
Me personally I think the best way to learn a language can be summarized by:
- Know your motivation.
- Learn about a few thousand words with flashcards.
- Study some grammar, the soul of any language are verbs.
- Practice with native speakers.
- Read books at bedtime.
Once you get a to a good level read book in your target language at bedtime. I love this part because you are already speaking the language and now can enjoy it.
The first part is the hardest part. However, once you own these words phrases and grammar will come pretty easy and you will already be a the comprehension level.
Go to the interview and let me know. If you want to skip my introduction just go directly to the interview part one: Why and how I learned a language.
5 responses to Why and how I learned a language – Interview
I’m Brazilian and am have been learning German for about two years. The school is very good and I am already very conversant with the language’s grammar and structure, but have more problems to memorise new words than my class colleges – sometimes I have to look for a word in the dictionary on more than three separate occasions before I can efficiently remember it.
Any suggestions on how can I improve my learning?
Mneumonics and link words for me always helped me learn new vocabulary in hard languages, you need to associate the word with something in your own language, however, the simplest way I think is flashcards.
Hello Everybody!
Originally I am Polish and found on this website that Polish is extremely hard for Americans or probably English speaker.Would you like to explain what is so difficult in Polish,because I’d love to know that and understand.If I could be helpful somehow it will be my pleasure.
Thank you,
Hello Luiz,
In response to your question ‘How to learn/memorise words’ I found a wonderful method just by chance. It is called the Michael Gruneberg Link Word Method. It is in the U.K. I used to find it difficult to remember vocabulary, but not any more! The only extra thing I did to add to the Link Word Method was when I first imagined the new word, I made sure I remembered the gender by adding a male or female to my mental picture. It was like magic! A true break through for me, learning French. Good luck to you.
I use mneumonics in my MP3 program.
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