Will it take me years to learn?
Some languages are definitely more difficult to learn, but there really isn't a language that is impossible. Probably the difference between the two is the amount of time that you have available to dedicate to learning, and your own will to succeed. As an example, it will take you less time to learn a language that is similar to your native language or to another that you are already proficient in.
As an example of the difference there can be in the time it takes to learn a new language, think about this. For the more remote languages that don't even have the same alphabet as your own language, you could be looking at a timescale of maybe 2 or 3 years to become fluent, but if you want to learn quickly, pick a language that is close to your mother tongue and you could be looking at 3 - 6 months depending on the time you can devote.
Who can learn a new language?
Most people can learn most languages if they work with a sensible method for a reasonable period regularly. Although it is true that some people are really bad at learning languages, there are very few of these. Rather, there are many people who were discouraged by bad experiences in school and who believe that if they dont speak french or german with any fluency after having spent 10 years in school studying it, this is because they are not gifted. That is rubbish!
There is almost always an efficient learning method that will help you to learn a new language, although it may be different for different people. Whether you have a good or a bad memory, or you think you may not be gifted, don't give up on your plan to learn a new language; there are so many ways to do it.
If you are slightly more mature and move to another country, it is possible to become fluent enough to be able to converse with the locals, but you need to get out there and make an effort. Most people who learn this way will always speak with an accent but that doesn't matter. The only way that foreign speakers can speak fluently and almost without accent is if they moved to that particular area when they were young and were surrounded by the language on a daily basis.
The best way to learn is to set targets. Logically, the first of these would be to speak and be understood. This would be hotly followed by being able to understand (this can be difficult due to the variations in local accents). These goals, and your ability to keep pushing them onwards, are the difference between a gifted language student and an average one.
You don't want to be working constantly to pass for a local, life is just too short, but there will always be room for improvement. There may never be a time when you can say 'that's it, I've learned all I can'.
Instead, just keep it relaxed, whilst still trying to improve your skills with new words or expressions, or simply work on your pronunciation. Aim for the top and with determination, you will get there!
About the Author:
About the Writer: Clare Innes has a number of health, exercise and lifestyle websites, including one showcasing the USA's top selling method of exactly how to learn a new language...and in less than 8 weeks! Watch out for more websites in the 'First For....com' series that is less than development.
0 comments:
Post a Comment