Talk About Languages and Language Learning

What Is the Secret of Learning a Foreign Language?

(by Raoul Beyderov)

 

Oh how many people there are out there who wish they could speak a foreign language! On the other hand, there are many who have successfully mastered this challenge. What's the secret?

Well, first of all, as with almost everything in life: if we want to be good at something, our motivation has to be clear. Why do we want to achieve something? - But is that not a secondary consideration? No, it isn't. Why? Because only what we are motivated about we will be able to excel in.

Why is that so? Well, it's a bit like somebody who wants to run a car on nothing but promises, 'Yes, you will get your gas, no problem, just you wait and see! The time will come and we'll stop by a gas station, and I will ...' - Empty promises. Nothing else.

With language learning, or any other kind of learning it's very similar. If you're not motivated to learn, you'll simply have 'no gas, no fuel' to propel you to successful mastery of what you want to learn.

Okay, now we're talking! You're all excited now! You're telling me: I want that 'gas,' i want that motivation, I want to succeed in learning that language! How can I do it?

Remember when your parents or your teachers told you 'No pain, no gain'? Yes, I know, it sounds old-fashioned..., but not all old-fashioned things are necessarily wrong. So it is with this one. If you want that 'gas,' that fuel to drive you forward in your endeavors, you'll have to sit down first and figure out something about that new language, something in that culture that goes with it, something in the people that speak it, something about the country they live in that intrigues you! Find that 'gas'! Be an explorer! Be a prospector in your own interest!

But what could that be, you're asking? Well, actually it could be anything: it could be that you like the food in the country where the language is spoken, it could be that you like the way that people dress there, it could be that you like the way they gesticulate, or don't gesticulate, it could be the movies that they produce, it could be their way of dealing with children, it could be many, many different things. There's always something to be found! Just do it! Find something that will motivate you, preferably for a long time, maybe even for the rest of your life!In that case learning a new language will be a discovery trip with no end of excitement and pleasure, more than you'd ever have thought possible!

So, let's say it's the food of that country that you like. Let's say it's French you want to learn. And what country could be a better example for good food than France! Now, when you sit down the next time with your friends to enjoy a nice evening together, why don't you surprise them with some French food, buy some cheese maybe, some French bread, a bottle of smooth red Bordeaux. How about that? Does that make your mouth water?

Good, very good! - Because all your senses should be part of the new learning experience! Now you'll probably say, 'Well, that's all fair enough, I've had a nice evening with my friends and we've had the most delicious French meal, but that doesn't make me a French language expert, does it?' - Oh yes, it does! - Why? Because what you have done there is motivating yourself, bonding with the new language. Now you can look for the words that you have encountered that evening with your friends. Look for the words for French bread, red wine, table, spoon, fork, menu, tablecloth, the words for 'chatting with one's friends, sipping a tasty wine, feeling comfortable, being at ease, having an exciting conversation, renewing old friendships, etc. etc.

And why couldn't I have looked those words and phrases up without all that hoo-ha about eating with your friends and so on? you may wonder. Well, human beings are funny creatures, they need to have a reason for doing something and for sticking to it. By creating a motivation for yourself and for learning that new language you're doing yourself the greatest favor. More so than any language teacher could ever do! He can support you, he can even try to motivate you, but who's the one that has to take the actual steps? It's you! No one else can do that for you.

After you've mastered these first steps, the rest will fall into place naturally. Granted, continual motivation is a must, but it'll be easier as you progress, and it'll be really worth it, because once you're motivated, you won't let go, you'll go on and on until you've reached your goal. Is that not worth all the effort? Yes it is!

 

(©R. Beyderov, 2009)