If you have ever been in a situation where people were speaking a language that you were unable to interpret, then you likely understand the frustrations that arise. Having to request a translation can be embarrassing as it often makes one feel inept and excluded from the conversational loop. This uncomfortable circumstance, however, can be avoided through learning a foreign language.
Before embarking on the foreign language learning process though, so as not to become discouraged along the way, it is imperative to take into consideration that this is typically not a rapid-fire procedure. It takes plenty of dedicated time to accurately learn how to pronounce the phonemic system, acquire vocabulary and its proper spelling, manage grammatical aspects, and employ confusing colloquial expressions, along with the development of auditory skills, writing ability and text comprehension. As for accent, not to worry, native speakers are able to work around that. Think of it as a fingerprint that identifies who you are.
Language learning is something that evolves throughout our lives, so a student is not advised to expect immediate results. And, depending on the level of proficiency that one aims to achieve in said language, we add yet another variable. For instance, developing the ability for basic conversation obviously requires much less preparation than attaining a near-native level of fluency. Be prepared to commit at least a couple initial years of faithful study to establish a functional basis in the language.
In spite of the time investment, foreign language acquisition can be both challenging and fun, and the benefits to be experienced make it a most worthwhile experience. There are various means by which to learn a foreign language; enrolling in classes, hiring a tutor, independent study with books and on-line resources, and cultural immersion. According to a British group called Learn Language Abroad, "it has been proved that cultural immersion is the fastest and most effective way to learn a new foreign language" (1). Provided, therefore, that a student possesses the level of commitment and financial means necessary to study abroad, cultural immersion is the most optimal method to learn a foreign language.
Among many experts in the field of linguistics, David H. DeJong supports the theory that "language immersion is one of the most effective and efficient ways to actively involve all language students in the learning process" (2). It is worth noting the abundance of practice and constant exposure to the language that one receives through immersion. In learning a foreign language, as much as any musical instrument or developed skill, practice makes perfect. While living abroad a person is exposed to the language in the streets, on television and radio, through marketing, in restaurants and museums, among other public places. Immersion provides such a steady and balanced linguistic diet that the digestion and utilization thereof is exponentially increased, hence a much more "effective and efficient" (see #2) learning curve.
Having established this point, if your desire is to learn French, for instance, pack up your bag and journey to Marseille, France; Brussels, Belgium; Quebec, Canada or any other geographical location that perks your interest where the target language is employed. Plan on staying a minimum of three to six months, if possible. You will also want to enroll yourself in at least a part-time language course ahead of time to ensure acceptance in an available program. Or, just wing it as this writer has done. Regardless, the longer you stay, the more you will learn and the greater success you will have with its acquisition and management.
But, perhaps you are limited in economic or personal flexibility and thereby conclude that immersion just isn't an option. What then is the best way to learn a foreign language for you? Not to fret, you can still learn a foreign language in your own neck of the woods. While enrolling in a foreign language course at your nearest university or community college is one possibility, on-line sources are useful as well. One particular site that this writer has personally found beneficial in the advancement of French is called Aula Facil. You can find this easily navigable page at http://www.aulafacil.com/CursoFrances/CursoFrances.h tm, which additionally offers German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese.
This free French course is formatted in one level (a second coming soon) and includes fifty chapters whose supporting vocabulary is essential. Each chapter provides detailed grammatical lessons with an auditory option for aided pronunciation. After studying the lessons, available exercises can be completed that automatically correct your errors and reinforce what you have just learned. It's not only an excellent resource, it's free and you can resume where you left off at your leisure. Consider it convenient knowledge at your finger tips.
At-home-studies can be augmented by regularly listening to on-line radio, too. Live broadcasts from around the globe, in every major spoken language, are available to facilitate the learning process. At first you may struggle to catch a word or two, but with time and corresponding language studies in class, with a tutor, or on-line, a student can definitely make noticeable progress and eventually learn a foreign language without ever leaving his/her country. A preferred station for French is International French Radio at http://www.rfi.fr/radiofr/statiques/journauxMonde.as p. This strong-signaled broadcast is emitted 24/7/365, with options to listen to news and music, or review updated news articles with comprehension questions included.
Formal classes, a tutor, books and on-line resources are perfectly productive and rational alternatives to learning a foreign language without spending excessive amounts of money or taking the time to travel abroad. Although cultural immersion has been proved to be the best method, as indicated above, if that is not for you then you do have alternatives. Just like skinning a cat, there is more than one way to learn a foreign language. Consider your options, do your research, and decide which method is the most practical for you. Then, get on it and begin to learn a foreign language, today!
Bibliography
1. http://www.prlog.org/10026906-the-best-way-to-study- second-foreign-language.html
2. http://jaie.asu.edu/v37/V37S3imm.htm