Language
Learning
Language
learning, like most other acquired knowledge and skills, requires one very
basic element: a desire to learn the subject material. Without a genuine
interest in any area you decide to study, you will never learn quite as
much as you feel you should, no matter how much time and money you put
into your studies.
One of
the hardest things to do is to learn something that is of very little interest
or practical use to you. We can all appreciate being a young student, especially
in Junior and Senior high school, and how resistant we were to everything
we were told we had to learn. We always found excuses to dislike teachers
or the material because we really didn't care about the subjects being
forced upon us.
Not much
changes as we grow older, except perhaps we begin seeing the more practical
side to learning something we really have no interest in doing.
Most people
even resist learning the basic fundamentals of their own language. The
biggest reason is that when we think of learning the tedious details of
specific grammatical points and hard to remember writing rules we feel
they are of little benefit to our health and well-being. Thus, learning
such specifics is of little motivational interest.
If you must choose
a language to study
If you
are going to study language at any level, there are two things to keep
in mind. First, choose a language related to a culture that truly interests
you. Second, if you must absolutely study a language because it is a requirement
for your job or other responsibilities, then the best thing to do is approach
that language through one of your true interests (hopefully your job is
one of them).
In each
case, focus on some positive aspect of the target language or culture,
and use that as your doorway into that language.
If you
don't like grammar, don't focus on grammar. But if you do like learning
lots of new vocabulary, then start with a picture dictionary and work your
way up. If your interest is cooking, then I suggest you start learning
new recipes in the target language. If you like working with machines,
begin by looking at manuals.
Whatever
the reason, begin learning about the things you are already familiar with.
This familiarity will help you understand the key concepts behind new words
and terminology.
Pacific-Trades
Language Learning: Tertulia Style
In Spanish, the word
Tertulia refers to a gathering of friends and colleagues that meet in a
coffee house in order to discuss art, literature, philosophy and the socio-political
climate of the times, amongst other things. In English, we would refer
to it as coffee hour.
Whether you need to
study Business English, Open Conversation or need help with your grammar,
we feel you should be relaxed and enjoy your lessons. Language learning
should be a Tertulia, for no where but in the real world, amongst friends
and colleagues, does language become more alive and meaningful.
If in the Tokyo or Chiba
area, and looking for private or small group lessons, contact Pacific-Trades
at eigo@pacific-trades.org.
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Pacific-Trades:
Pacific-Trades
1-3-5 Mimomi, Chiba
Fax. 0474746897
info@pacific-trades.org
