LEARNING A LANGUAGE MORE EFFECTIVELY

It is not true that only some people can learn languages. All of us have competence to do it, as our first language verifies. Neither it is true that we will speak a language perfectly well just in a month. The ways to learn a first or a second language are quite different. However, it is easier if the languages are grammatically similar. If we have the ability to speak one language, why we find a foreign language so difficult that we think it is impossible to learn it? We must be aware that it is not true.

Differences between the processes

We learn our first language since we are very young. The process starts by making sounds with nonsense. Then we say our first word, and isolated words that progressively become understandable sentences. It is a long process but we are not conscious of it. However, when we start to learn a foreign language we must be realistic and realise it will take time and effort. The ads or commercials which promise that you will learn a language only within a month or without studying are completely false.

Requirements to learn a foreign language

There are four requirements to learn a foreign language: memory, motivation, producing output and getting input.

First of all there is memory. Everybody has memory. The people who say “I cannot learn a second language because I have a bad memory” are completely wrong. If they can speak their native language, they will be able to speak a second language, a third or a fourth because they are human beings and human beings have the ability to speak languages. However, they will learn the second language in a different way. 

In the second place, learners should want to learn the language. Motivation is a very important point to get better in our development in learning a language. In fact, everything will be easier if we have a positive attitude and we don’t resist and resign. 

It is true that the more languages you know the easier is to learn another more. If you speak Catalan it is easier to speak Spanish than German. That is because of the similarity between the syntactical structures and between the form and meaning of words. So, it is an advantage, in terms of difficulty, to learn a language which has lot in common with your native language.

Thirdly and fourthly, there are producing output and getting input are two important aspects in the learning process. Output consists in writing and speaking, while input contains listening and reading. You can enjoy yourselves at the same time you learn a language. If you like sports, you should read the sport news in English or look for British recipes if you like cooking. If you are a fanatic of detective series, watch them in the original version!

In conclusion, a good attitude is essential in order to learn a language. Do not think you cannot, you always know more than you think. Do not want to learn fast. Be patient and go step by step. Spend time on doing tasks in English and you will have your reward. Do it through the hobbies you have, enjoy learning! Finally, the most important aim of a language is to communicate, don’t forget it!