Question:
What are the best methods for learning to speak a foreign language as an adult? (Assume for a second that total immersion in that language's environment is not an option.) How useful are such things as:
1) translating texts from that language into your native one 2) translating texts into the foreign language 3) memorizing large lists of vocab words 4) trying to keep a journal in the foreign tongue 5) listening to tapes of native speakers
What works? What doesn't? What are extra factors to consider when you're learning a language through self-study?
Answer:
If you are thinking about trying to study the language on your own, without outside help and without direct contact with natives, methods 3,4 and 5 should work well. Learning a language is, of course, a complicated process, but here are some pointers:
To acquire good pronunciation (and pick up a lot of vocabulary) it is best to listen to as much of authentic speech as possible, preferably in films or TV programs or else on the radio or cassettes. Quantity means quality here. You can practise your own pronunciation by copying the speakers. Later on you can academically study the pronunciation rules.
Many language teachers dislike the idea of students learning lists of vocabulary. I think that this is misunderstanding the purpose of things. By learning by heart, letīs say, a list of 600 of the most common words in the language, for example the most common nouns, verbs and adjectives, you are building a base of knowledge. This of course does not make you a competent speaker on its own, but itīs a good part of it. Learning large lists of vocabulary is usually boring, and often time consuming, but there is an excellent and quick method called the linkword method. Example: the Spanish word for coat is el abrigo. Imagine for ten seconds wearing a coat in AFRICA. The Greek for apple is MEELOH. Imagine for ten seconds a MEAL O' apples. This method of memorizing words is extremely powerful. You can buy books with prepared images of vocabulary and grammar in several European languages, written by Michael M. Gruneberg. Learning lists this way is much quicker and more enjoyable.
Getting a feel for the structure of the language, both spoken and written, is important. A good way of doing this is wathing and listening to TV programs in that language, if possible, and reading articles in the language. In general, experiencing the authentic use of the language is the way to go.
But getting a feel for the language is only the input part of learning. To be able to speak and write, you should, well, speak and write. You could speak to an imaginary person, write to an imaginary person etc. The more you speak, the better you get. Just make sure that you have access to models of speaking and writing, e.g. TV and magazines, and/or commercial language learning materials. Buy a dictionary and a good grammar book.
Learning with all your senses is the most effective method of learning anyting. Listen to the language, see it, speak it, write it, act it out, sing it, yell it, dance it, visualise it, play games with it.
