There is one thing that always amazes the new round of college freshman – the fact that the years they spent studying a foreign language in high school was essentially worthless. They learned nothing. So, they start fresh in college, where the classes are harder and faster paced, and they are sure they’ve got it this time. Then, after years of studying in college, they travel to a different land and discover that the years they spent studying the language in college was essentially useless. They hardly get their point across, let alone understand what others are saying.
What is the point of spending years studying a language if in the end you know the amount of a beginner? There has to be a better way to learn. Luckily, with the Internet and all the resources available, it is very possible to learn a language, quite fluently, for free without traveling to that land.
The problem with most formal language class is the insistent mix of conversation, grammar, and vocabulary all mixed together. This method considerably slows a person down. Think of it, for a moment, as someone who is obese. Which would work faster: 1) dieting and dropping the fat pounds, then eating larger amounts and exercising to put on muscle, or 2) trying to lose the fat while simultaneously putting on muscle? The first is the better choice, as dieting requires less food and putting on muscle requires more – you need to start somewhere.
The same principle applies to learning a foreign language fast – the brain needs a foothold, somewhere to get a strong grip and begin the work. This method I’m going to outline works, and it works well. It requires, ideally, one hour minimum of studying per day, a notebook, an Internet connection, and preferably an mp3 player or iPod.
The steps should be followed in order – the steps listed are the way the brain learns best. Trying to do one step before the other will slow the learning process down.
Step 1: Alphabet and Pronunciation
The brain, first and foremost, wants to be able to pronounce what it seems. Even if you don’t know what the word means, the brain is satisfied if it can pronounce the word. If you doubt this, look at a word you may not know – let’s say, Bhvoriak. When you first saw this word, what did you think first? The pronunciation or the meaning? The pronunciation.
To learn the proper way to pronounce the alphabet (and how to transliterate it, if using foreign letters), do a Google search for audio files. You will be able to find these on any language. You can listen to them with computer speakers, or you can download them to an mp3 player. Either way, it is best to listen to them with headphones on, so you can hear the nuances of the speech. Repeat each sound, and continue to memorize until you have it all learned. Ideally, this should take you no more than one week.
Step 2: Vocabulary
The very next thing that the brain wants is a vocabulary – words are the most basic form of communication. It’s the same way with children – drink, potty, and hungry are all basic words that convey a meaning. This is the most basic form of communication.
Each language has approx. 2000 words that are the most used in everyday conversation, and these are the ones you will need to learn. The rest of your vocabulary can be expanded overtime with literature and movies in that language.
Try to obtain a list of the most common words in the language you are learning by running a Google search. If you cannot locate one, then obtain a dictionary and pick out all the words you use every day – particles, nouns, verbs, etc.
Make flash cards, download a flash card program, or makes flash cards for your mp3 player if it has picture capabilities. Memorize the words thoroughly, until you can say them on command, at anytime, without thinking about it. You should be able to look at a page full of these words and readily understand them without even thinking about it. You should be able to look at an object in a room and says its name the language you are learning without hesitation. If you can do this, then you are ready to move one.
Learning these words should take approx. one month, assuming you work on them diligently and try to learn 50 – 100 words every day.
Step 3: Grammar
Only after you have a good foothold on pronunciation and a large vocabulary should you begin with grammar. It is so much simpler to work at deciphering a text when you understand all this words. This will allow you to pick up on the structure habits and differences in word order and phrases.
Search online for a grammar manual, or a collection of lessons. Also, search Scribd.com for a manual on grammar in that language. Once you have found one, study all the basics – conjugations, word order, and exceptions to the basic rules. Once you have a grasp of the conjugations possible and the word order, proceed to step 4. Step 3 should take approx. 1 month if studied for an hour or two every day.
The final step is perhaps the most difficult and rewarding. In this step, you will begin to work on your reading level and listening comprehension. This is time consuming at first, but progresses the level of understanding quickly.
Search online for short stories, children’s stories, or novels in the language you are learning. Work at deciphering these. Transcribing them into your language is the best way to learn quickly. A dictionary will be needed for awhile, but will help you expand your vocabulary quickly.
At the same time, you need to learn the listening comprehension and casual pronunciation. This can also be done online, and this is where an mp3 player or iPod will come in handy. Download podcasts in that language, download movies and television shows in that language, and watch online videos in that language. Most DVDs have multiple languages, also. Try to write down what they are saying. This will force you to pay attention. After a month of listening, you should be able to discern the words easier. Practice pronouncing words like natives.
That’s it! After go through each step, simply continue to write novels in that language, and to watch movies in that language, and try to set up video penpals to speak in that language. With enough practice, you will be able to speak the language on a higher level in 6 months than you could with 4 years of formal classes.
