What does the Titanic have to do with the accessibility of foreign language? Technology. Over seven hundred people survived this disaster thanks to the advancement of radio technology--SOS in Morse code. Since the development of this basic code of communication there has been rapid development in the variety of communications systems available.
Over the centuries, people have maintained records or information in various ways. Some of the earliest forms writers used to preserve their work were to make inscriptions on stone, wood or parchment. This gradually progressed from the scroll to the codex (which is the early form of today’s book). These writings were limited in quantity, thus, for the vast majority, copies of the writings were unattainable.
Unlike the days of the distant past, modern communication systems -- computers, radios, video and audio tapes -- have enabled many to learn a foreign language and made it a more enjoyable experience.
In spite of advancements in technology, learning a new language proves true to the expression …“Anything worthwhile takes time and effort”. Not everyone learns at the same pace and a learning method may not produce desired results for everyone-- you will need to experiment with the technique that works best for you.
Learning a new language is a pathway that will broaden your outlook of the world and extend your possibilities. To assist in your advancement of learning your chosen language, you’ll want to complement technical tools with some practical learning methods.
You may already realize that learning a new language will involve more than just learning a new vocabulary…it will necessitate the use of a range of skills. For instance, the language you are learning may have familiar words or letters but have an entirely different pronunciation or intonation and word order than your own language. Developing the skill of imitating the sounds, or acquiring the proper accent, and putting them into practice will enable you to effectively communicate with those speaking your new language.
Initially, you’ll most likely start with the basic vocabulary. Recently, Eric Vogt in his article “How to Enrich Your Vocabulary About Everyday Life” provided some excellent suggestions on how to do this. For instance, labeling household items in each room of your house--providing a walk-through dictionary. There’s no doubt, seeing these items labeled in the new language on a frequent basis is a great memory tool.
Another practical way of learning a vocabulary would be the use of word cards. These can be purchased, but you may choose to make them yourself--since you know what words and phrases will be most valuable to you. This can be easily done by writing the foreign word upside down on one side of the card and writing the word and definition of the word in your native language upright on the back of the card. For words more difficult to learn, word association -- connecting a sound or image -- have proved useful to many to improve retention.
Too, recording yourself speaking the language and playing it back can be a useful memory aid. It can also serve as an analysis of whether you are pronouncing the words correctly and if you are emulating the proper intonation.
Whichever learning strategy works best for you, remember no technique or method can be a substitute for practice and persistence. In addition, interaction with those speaking your new language is very helpful--interchange is very helpful-- and listen carefully as they speak in their native tongue. Furthermore, welcome any correction they may offer to assist you in improving your verbal skills. Happy learning!
Experience the power of a new language!