They say that children learn languages the best. But that doesn’t mean that adults can't learn. We asked some of the polyglots in TED’s Open Translation Project to tell us their secrets. They told us seven basic principles to learning a language.
- Get real. Start with a simple goal that is possible. German translator Judith Matz suggests: “Learn 50 words of a language and start to use them — and then slowly start learning grammar.”
. - Make language-learning a lifestyle change. Elisabeth Buffard, in 27 years teaching English believes consistency is what separates the successful students. Find a language habit that you can maintain even when you’re tired, sick or madly in love.
. - Play house with the language. Invite a foreign language into your daily life and your brain will know it something useful and important. “Use every opportunity to get exposed to the new language,” says Russian translator Olga Dmitrochenkova. Label every object in your house in the language, read kids’ books in the language, watch videos with subtitles, or tell an imaginary foreign friend about your day.
. - Let technology help you. Dmitrochenkova has a great idea: “A funny thing like resetting the language on your phone can help you learn new words,” she says. Also, changing the language on your browser. Or you can look for more structured learning opportunities online. Dutch translator Els De Keyser recommends Duolinguo for its friendly approach to grammar, and Anki for memorizing vocabulary with its “intelligent” flashcards.
. - Think about language-learning as a way to new experiences. To Spanish translator Sebastián Betti, learning a language is about focusing on the experiences that the new language gives you, from “visiting Disney World, attending air shows, enjoying poetry and folk-rock festivals, to learning about photo-essay techniques.” In other words, he thinks of fun things that he wanted to do, and makes them into a language-learning opportunity. Many of our translators gave this advice. Italian and French translator Anna Minoli learned English by watching original versions of her favorite movies, while Croatian translator Ivan Stamenković discovered he could speak English in fifth grade, after years of watching the Cartoon Network without subtitles. So the next time you need a vegetarian carrot cake recipe, find one in the language you’re trying to learn.
. - Make new friends. Interacting in the new language is key — it will teach you to naturally express your thoughts, instead of mentally translating each sentence first. Find native speakers near you. Or search for foreign penpals or set up a language tandem online, where two volunteers help one another practice their languages.
. - Do not worry about making mistakes. One of the most typical barriers is fear of mistakes. But native speakers are like loving parents : any attempt to communicate in their language is evidence that you are a talented genius. They’ll appreciate your effort and help you. Nervous about holding a conversation with someone? Try testing your language skills with a younger person. “I was excited when I was chatting with an Italian baby and realized we had the same level of Italian,” remembers German translator Judith Matz. And be patient. The more you speak, the closer you’ll get to the dream of “native fluency.” And to talking to people your own age.
Adapted from www.tedblog.com
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