That is why so many companies are marketing special software or providing special phrasebooks and dictionaries to help others in their endeavors. But if you don't truly apply yourself to the process, all the software in the world will be lost to you. So here are a few tips to help you potentially go from struggling student to fluent speaker.
First, when it comes to learning a language, you get what you give. Even if you are enrolled in a formal class or not, you need to "go the distance," and apply yourself to learning at all times.
Study ahead. Go back to lessons which your teacher skipped over because of time constraints. Ask extra questions. Be engaged with the language--don't just jump through hoops assigned in the classroom.
This means you should also add depth and dimension to your studies. Look for opportunities to write, read, and speak in the language you are learning. This can mean everyday simple things.
For example, when I was studying French in high school, I would always read the labels on my cosmetics, as they were written first in English and then in French. I found myself understanding turns of phrase and new vocabulary faster than ever. Try translating things in your mind or describing whatever you are doing to yourself in the new language. It keeps your mind active and engaged!
Try exploring various music genres of one of the cultures that speaks this new language. Read the lyrics as you listen. Sometimes music can be more difficult than the plain spoken word to understand, so if you can get the hang of their version of rock or rap--or whatever else-you may have an easier time understanding their speech.
Plus, music can be an easier way to be introduced to how certain tenses are used. I had a French teacher in the early days of my university studies that used certain contemporary rock songs to teach us the elusive subjunctive tense. Trust me--it works!
Go to your local bookstore and consult the foreign language portions of the children's books. Find a familiar storybook or even a child's novel that you are familiar with. Make the purchase and start reading. If you already know the story fairly well, you should be able to follow what is going on. As you read, you will be able to pick up on more and more of what's going on!
There's so much more you can do to enhance your learning; if only I had time to share all of my suggestions. But the greatest suggestion I can give you is just to get out there and practice! You know what they say: practice makes perfect!
International Language Programs (http://www.ilp.org/)is a international language program. Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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