First of all, welcome to our first post! today we will talk about the best language learning method to learn any language.
I believe that using one’s mother tongue is key to master any foreign language. Therefore, you can use it as a base and not in a literal sense, word by word. However, many people think that translation is not the best method for language learning. Don’t worry! I understand, there are a hundred of reasons to think so, but there are many more to not think that.
Ok, your friends and teachers will tell you it’s bullshit. Well, the correct way of using translations will surely speed up your learning process. That being said, I introduce you to an italian guy, a world-renowned polyglot and language coach who has taught himself over 13 languages through a translation method. Who to believe?
As a learner myself, I do not follow conventional methods when it comes to learning a new language, that does not mean they are bad, it just means they do not work for me. In short, the best language learning method is what works for you!
Are you a very diligent person? Maybe a grammar freak? Addicted to games? Series? Let’s not stick to those details, just go for it! Forget what others think about learning grammar, about this or that method, people are different with different habits and interests.
In this article, we hope to motivate you and make you think out of your comfort zone. Good news is, in every situation there’s something that will suit your needs and be totally adaptable to your language learning journey.
So, finding what works for you
Many people love music, this is a great opportunity for you to use in your favor. You can:
– Translate songs from your target language into your native language, learn new words as you listen to them, practice pronunciation and exercise the muscles of your mouth while singing! Not to mention that practicing the muscles of your mouth is essential to improve your pronunciation.
– Translate songs from your native language into your target language! This is something very few people do, which is the inverse of the traditional method mentioned above, forcing you to learn words you already know unconsciously, once you’ll certainly do that with songs you probably like.
– Watch series and movies in your target language with subtitles, then subtitled in your native language, and then without subtitles! (This is good especially for those who like to watch the same series dozens of times, you weirdos…)
NOTE: Keep in mind to always write down the words you don’t know to look them up later. Don’t freak out, not all of them, specifically the ones you don’t come across so often. Trust your instincts! You will know what words will require this process.
As you can see, this is something that can be replicated over and over again with music, movies, books, even talking to yourself if you do not have a language partner. Done is better than perfect!
However, if that’s your case, your can find a language partner for FREE clicking on “members” in the menu!
This translation method done with books is even more interesting. The following example is for learning purpose, this would obviously take longer than just reading the book as you usually would. Simple steps:
– Get 2 books/eBooks (in your native and target language)
– Read the book simultaneously comparing the pages and lines, as you learn new words in a context that you can understand, once you also have it in your mother tongue.
– Take note of the difficult words to review later. Just chill, your instincts will come into play again, just enjoy the process!
How many words could you learn doing that with one given book in two languages? I bet you got new insights that will be applied to your learning methodology 🙂
What do you think about a Part ll? We would love to hear you! Leave your comment in the comment section below.
Cheers!
