Have you ever sat or stood near people speaking Spanish and get the sneaking suspicion that they were talking about you? No, you’re not paranoid. In fact, you’re probably right. There is only one defense that will allow you to defend yourself from being the victim of that feeling: learn the language.
Learning a foreign language isn’t as difficult as it’s made out to be. Actually, English and Japanese are ranked as the two most complex languages in the world today, so no matter what language you chose to learn it’s probably simpler than the one you speak currently. In its early years, the human mind is like a blank computer hard drive in respect to language. Programs are loaded quickly and are experimented with at a fantastic rate. Unfortunately, as the machine gets older its capabilities become less and less efficient, warranting the expression “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” I have devised a method of learning a foreign language (Espanol) which I have begun to learn from that requires only a tape recorder, cassette tapes, paper, TV and a DVD player.
Learning to Speak
Step 1: Audio/Translation
The first step to learning any language is to learn how to speak it. Attempting to learn to read a language is about as wise as pissing against the wind: it’s possible, however it tends to be a bit messy. Therefore the first step includes simple conversations and written English translations. If you are unable to make such a recording yourself, the “Living Language” courses provide the same service.
The Review on First Language and Learning English
Language is the most dynamic form of symbolism that cultures possesses. Language is the medium in which people interact and communicate for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and feelings. Language acquisition has been one of the most intriguing aspects of human nature and had been the focus of different disciplines. For the most part, language acquisition had been theorized and conceptualized in ...
There are two reasons for starting this way. The first is that mispronunciation is out of the picture, provided, of course, that the recorded people are speaking correctly, and the second is that the grammar sinks into your mind with practical experience. Proper grammar will come naturally to you when you start learning it through books.
Step 2: Video/Audio
There are two phases of the second step. During the second step its time to plug in the TV and Digital Video Disc (DVD) player. This step makes up for everything that the first step cannot do. In the first step only the proper usage is learned and is done so slowly in order to facilitate learning so that the addle-brained may feel a sense of accomplishment. The second phase focuses on speed and slang, both of which are necessary to function in a society that speaks that particular language. You may have read about the foreigner that didn’t know what tailgating was, that is a prime example on the importance of learning slang.
For the first phase of the second step, rent your favorite movies on DVD and set the spoken language to “Espanol” and add English subtitles. First, watch the movie completely and attempt to pick up a few odd words and their meanings. Repeat this as many times as needed until you have mastered the words that appear in that movie. Keep in mind that by this time you shouldn’t be fluent in the language, but have a fairly large vocabulary.
The second phase of the second step takes away the benefit of being able to go back and listen more carefully to what was said. Basically, you’re being tossed out of the nest. Typically, game shows and soap operas can be found on the Spanish speaking channel and can be a great source of learning the practical applications of the spoken language. When watching and faced with a word that you haven’t learned yet, it is vital that you know the context in which it was used. Figuring out the word without help will definitely last longer than it would by asking somebody what it means or consulting a dictionary.
The Essay on Students Who Speak a Language Other Than English
Students who speak a language other than English at home and who are not proficient in English are known as English learners (ELs). These students constitute nearly one-third of California’s elementary school students and one-quarter of all K–12 students. As might be expected, these students’ incomplete mastery of English adversely affects their academic performance. Given that proficiency in ...
Learning to Read
Step 1: Video/Translation
How to read and write is quite different from learning how to speak. Step one is a play off of step two, phase one: DVD spoken language and subtitles. Set both the spoken language and subtitles to the foreign language. Simply read the subtitles as the words are spoken. It will facilitate the transition of voice to ink. As you watch, it may be useful to keep note of what foreign characters you see in the subtitles and show their pronunciation.
Instead of this, you can buy a Spanish-English dictionary and simply learn the words like you did in elementary school. If it’s possible to get Mexican Spanish workbooks, that would be great as well as long as you’ll be able to pronounce the words.
Step 2: Reading
This is where it gets tough. Get a book written in Spanish (e-bay, other Internet stores, Hastings) and start reading. This is where a Spanish-English Dictionary comes in handy. Whenever you come across a word that you don’t know, the Spanish-English dictionary will be handy with English synonyms and the correct pronunciation. Children’s books are a good way to start, but you should advance as quickly as is comfortable.
There are no more steps, only practice. By this time, you will be fluent enough to defend yourself against Mexican nationalist, illegal immigrants that find that your well being is a threat to theirs. Just remember: speak softly and carry a big stick.
