Tips and tricks for learning languages 

​                                                                                    by Maya Bacioiu

​

They say babies learn languages so easily, like sponges, but that it’s hard for adults!

The great news is that I’m still a kid, but I’ve also heard that adults can learn new languages, they just don’t know how to, they forgot to be babies. So, let’s be like babies!

Did you know that babies know about 50 words by 2 years old and if they know a few verbs or other words, not just nouns, they can start to make sentences? The sentences may sound silly like “Baby ouch!” but others can understand! Then people reply and the baby learns more.

So, don't be afraid to start simple and make mistakes!

Because people forget to be babies, they learn languages in school with memorizing long word lists and verbs and lots of writing. But babies learn by listening and speaking, so do more of that! So, just start using the language!

If you spend a lot of time with a new language, you can make great progress even in a few months! But people don't do enough of that, they just take 1 hour a week of classes where they memorize words and then they get disappointed. So, spend a lot of time doing that, it's better than watching other kids play Minecraft! At least this is what my parents say when I watch something in a foreign language.

I saw signs for “immersion camps” and asked my parents what that meant. It means being like a fish “immersed” in the water of that language. You can immerse yourself by traveling. You can also find people who speak the language (my friends in Seattle are from all over the world!) You can also use an “interactive” program on the computer. Computers are patient teachers. Artificial intelligence means that they can even translate what you say and tell you if you accent is not right.  This means that you can get some computer time that is actually teaching you something!

Good luck on your trip!!!

​

Dos and Don'ts

​

DO: Start by learning top words and phrases (top 100, 300) Say sentences very soon, not just words 

DON'T...start by memorizing long word lists and grammar  

​

DO: Try to put yourself in real situations. Learn to “get by” shopping, or example.

        Talk with yourself even if you don’t have a partner (imagine what you’d say …) 

DON'T... start with a list of colors, animals and songs for kids! 

​

DO: Talk with real people who are native speakers of the language and/or use interactive applications like Duo Lingo.

         Watch for pronunciation: how it sounds, how you move your mouth and how others move theirs 

DON'T...just read, memorize and watch passively! 

​

DO: Use the basic phrases you already know and try to guess others from context, just like a baby learns 

DON'T… be shy or afraid to make mistakes 

​

DO: Repeat daily and find all sorts of way  to get used to the language: music, the internet, foreign movies with caption in English. Then try with caption in the other language. In a couple of years you should learn, like you learned your first language when you were a baby! 

DON'T… expect to learn in a month. If you do, you'll get discouraged, Just set realistic goals and meet them.