When learning a foreign language it is important to study every
day. Aside from any written homework you may have, plan to
spend some time each day memorizing the current vocabulary
and verbs. For most students, it is more effective to study for 1520 minutes 3 times a day, than to spend one full hour on the
subject. It might also be a lot easier for you to find time to study
if you break it in smaller periods.
NHake 2014
Strategies for Learning a Foreign Language
NHake 2014
When studying the vocabulary, take time to listen to the
pronunciation of the words included on the audio recordings. It
will help your pronunciation, which in turn will help you learn to
spell them properly. If you own an MP3 player, you may want to
download the audio onto it so it will be more accessible.
NHake 2014
Learning a foreign language is like learning math; you will
continue to use what you have already learned and to build upon
that knowledge. Therefore, if you find you don’t understand
something, make an appointment to see your instructor or a
tutor right away in order to get some extra help.
NHake 2014
Participate actively in class. You can’t learn another language by
simply observing. You have to be willing to speak it and to learn
from the mistakes you make.
NHake 2014
When you are listening to your instructor or the CD, or are
watching a video, make intelligent guesses as to the meaning of
words you do not know. Use the context, intonation, and if
possible visual clues such as body language, gestures, facial
expressions and images to help you figure out the meaning of the
word.
NHake 2014
Use a variety of techniques to memorize vocabulary and verbs
until you find the ones that work best for you. Some students are
kinesthetic and need to write the words, others are auditory and
need to listen to recordings of the words on the CD while looking
over the list, and still others are visual and need to use flash
cards.
NHake 2014
Study with a friend or form a study group. Not only might you
benefit when your friend understands a concept you have
difficulty with, but it will also provide you with more
opportunities to practice speaking as well as listening.
NHake 2014
Use a variety of techniques to memorize vocabulary and verbs
until you find the ones that work best for you. Some students are
kinesthetic and need to write the words, others are auditory and
need to listen to recordings of the words on the CD while looking
over the list, and still others are visual and need to use flash
cards.
NHake 2014
Review material from previous lessons. Because learning a
language is cumulative, it is
important to refresh your knowledge of vocabulary, verbs and
structures learned in earlier lessons.
NHake 2014
Grammar is an essential part of any language. While it may be
helpful to understand
some basic concepts of the English language, such as pronouns
and direct objects, it is
important not to constantly make comparisons and to learn the
new structures.
NHake 2014
Try to use Spanish for all your classroom interactions, not just
when called on by the
instructor or answering a classmate’s question in a group activity.
Don’t worry that your sentence may not be structurally correct;
the important thing is begin to feel comfortable expressing
yourself in the language. You might even initiate a conversation
with your instructor or another classmate before or after class.
NHake 2014
Find ways to use your language in real-life settings. Seek out
international students from Spanish-speaking countries or if
possible, visit a local restaurant or shop where there are native
speakers, and initiate a conversation. Explore opportunities to
travel or to study abroad. Using the language in different social
interactions will help to increase your proficiency as well as your
confidence.
NHake 2014
Get a good dictionary that has complete entries including
idiomatic expressions. Ask your instructor for some
recommendations. When you look up an English word for its
Spanish translation, pay attention to the parts of speech so that
you don’t select a noun when you want an adjective. If the entry
has a number of options, look up some of the words in the
Spanish-English section to ensure that you choose the correct
word.
NHake 2014
Look for ways to expose yourself to the language outside of the
classroom. Find music you enjoy in Spanish, watch a Spanish
language film or buy a magazine or newspaper published in
Spanish. Not only will this help you to increase your vocabulary,
but you will also become more familiar with structures and
expressions used by native speakers.
NHake 2014
When speaking, try to think in the Spanish and speak
spontaneously rather than translating everything. If you find you
need a word that you don’t know, rather than saying it in English
or looking it up in the dictionary, try describing the word. With a
little practice, this skill will become easier.