Tips on Learning a Second Language

Hola, Bonjour, Guten Tag, Sawadee....

I am just not gifted when it comes to learning another language. I can remember random facts about Komodo dragons, I can remember meals I ate at restaurants years ago and I can recite many a song lyrics word for word. But for some reason, I find it hard to contain words in my memory that are not in English. I don't know if it's my fear of being embarrassed about speaking and pronouncing something wrong, or if my brain is just not molded for foreign sounding words and sounds. I really want to be proficient in another language (French) but until I find the dedication to spend an hour every night, I just don't think I will ever become fluent. I wish it was easier. I better get studying.

Here are some tips Lonely Planet put together to help you learn a second language.

1. Throw Pride to the Wind
You won’t learn a language if you have an ego. Learning a language means being embarrassed every day you speak it: sputtering out a request for a bus ticket, mispronouncing an innocent word to mean something naughty, or the very worst – receiving a blank/confused look after delivering what you think is a flawless sentence. Yes, you sound like a two-year-old on laughing gas. Some people may even take you for a lunatic. Who cares? It’s all part of the fun. Embrace it!

2. Immerse yourself
Seriously jump all the way in. Watch TV, listen to the radio, eavesdrop while on public transportation, strike up random conversations with strangers, whatever. It will all help you.

3. Ask for correction
In most cultures it’s rude to correct someone’s speech. You’ll unwittingly keep making the same mistakes unless you straight out ask for people’s help. After they correct you, repeat it back (as many times as possible without scaring people away) to train your ear.

4. Befriend, befriend, befriend
Join clubs, introduce yourself to neighbours, go out to pubs. Having friends who don’t speak your native language are the best (more practice for you!).

5. Be Realistic
Learning a language takes time. A lot of it. It takes decades to master, years to converse without brain frizzle, months to say approximately what you mean, and days to well, get by – if you use LOTS of body language.

Happy Studying,
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