Learning a Foreign Language - 3 Keys to Success

An aptitude for languages is a wonderful gift because it makes it so much easier to acquire a skill that enhances the enjoyment of foreign holidays and culture, and that opens up job opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.  However, the majority of English people are not blessed with such a gift and for them the learning process requires greater effort and more help.  Whatever your level of aptitude, there are three essential keys to successful learning.

The first key to success in learning a foreign language, as in any subject, is motivation and commitment.  It is part of the teacher’s role to make the learning experience enjoyable so that you want to learn but it is preferable if you are or become self-motivated and prepared to make sacrifices of time in order to develop and expand your language skills. 

The second key is the “little and often” principle.  Of course, total immersion in the target language by living in a country where it is spoken is the quickest method of learning, and exchange trips are a tremendous help, provided the learner is constantly forced to hear and speak the target language throughout the stay abroad, but for many this experience may not be available.  Regular learning then becomes important because it is essential constantly to reinforce and consolidate what has been learnt (through revision and self-testing) while at the same time adding more knowledge at the pace most suited to the individual learner.  The Internet provides excellent and enjoyable learning resources and opportunities at all levels, from the games and exercises to practise basic grammar and vocabulary, such as those at languagesonline.co.uk to the more advanced news bulletins available from foreign TV stations.  The biggest mistake made by school pupils is to think they can learn everything they need during the period immediately before their examination.  Language learning involves building brick upon brick and, unless the foundation is solid, the new bricks will not stand firm either.

The third key is to recognise the importance of grammar, which sadly is all too often neglected in language teaching today.  If you have a sound grasp of basic grammar, you can quickly extend your range of communication by adding new vocabulary, but if your grammar is non-existent or weak, you will not only be unable to make good use of any new vocabulary you learn but may well misunderstand what you hear or read.  It’s like having clothes but nowhere to hang them.  Good grammar is not simply picked up by hearing and repetition; it requires directed study and is learnt most successfully through skilful and sympathetic teaching.