This weekend I've been learning all about what makes a terrific language lesson when someone is learning a second language. That's from the book, of course. Now I'd like to hear from those who've done it. What did your language teacher do in a lesson that really helped you learn? Share with me your best memories please.
This weekend I heard a wonderful 'Czechism.' In a discussion about lack of literacy, we would say someone is unlettered. My Czech friend said, "they are unalphabetized." I love it!
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Back in 3rd grade when I was learning English the first lesson and sometime throughout the first year our English teacher would bring a tape-player and lyrics to English songs. We would all sit and sing the song and afterwards talk about the lyrics.
It was songs we already knew from radio (contemporary) and classics like Beatles and rock and roll songs.
Growing up in Canada, I had to learn French for nine years. Sadly, all that I have retained is a weak passive knowledge of the language.
When to Germany, I did not know anything but ja, nein and Gesundheit. After a few months, however, I was able to speak and understand German quite well.
I now believe the best way to learn a foreign language is to jump into the deep end - completely immerse yourself in the culture. Watch tv, listen to the radio, read the newspapers, and do not ever be afraid to make mistakes - they make for great anecdotes later on!
Agreed - immersion is the way to go. But also it has to be a good language/culture 'fit' so you will persevere and really stay dedicated on becoming fluent.
Also as a side note, many other languages would literally say "unalphabetized", so it's not just a czechism.
Thank you Michael, Mariecel and Lizzie for your feedback. I hope to see you again!
One way that helps me to learn Czech (at least I'm trying!) is to think of the spoken language as if it were music. Like a musician in an orchestra, or a singer in a choir, has to listen to those around them in order to be in tune and on pitch, so it is with learning a new language. Listen to the intonations of the words...the stress of the words...and the pitch of the words, and try to match them, just as the musician has to. I have tried this approach, and it is helping me alot! I have so much to learn, but thinking of the Czech language as music helps me to listen harder and try to copy and match the way natives of the language speak Czech!
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