There are some studies conducted showing that children from the age of
birth until they reach the age of seven, are at a stage where they could
acquire a second language more easily. However, the latest data collected
by Hakuta, Bialystok and Wiley has shown that older people are as just as capable, and in many cases better at grasping a second language as their
younger counterparts. How can adults learn a language more easily and
faster?
There are many ways of acquiring a second language. These can include:
books, DVDs, dictionaries, online courses
and magazines. These can be bought
easily in bookstores or online. But experts
have agreed that the most important
method is by also submerging ourselves
in the language’s culture.
This is known as “Language Immersion.” However, reading grammar and
vocabulary books are still extremely important to increase our language
fluency.
For all people, it’s found that practice and exposure that you’ll find the
most helpful when learning a new language. For example, if you go abroad
and live in another country, then it would be inevitable that you would
pick up the language. This is because you are exposed to the different
aspects of culture that uses the language, like television, movies, radio,
restaurants, museums, transportation and other public places.
Language immersion will keep learning a second language balanced.
Language is something reflected by the people’s culture. Thus, to
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understand the language it would be best to understand the ideas and
concepts behind it by immersing ourselves in the culture.
Aside from that, it keeps learning interactive and fun. You don’t have to
pour over boring texts for hours and still be unable to retain anything.
Language immersion does not mean that you have to live in Spain to learn
Spanish or go to France and fluently speak French. There are different
ways to immerse ourselves in other cultures without spending too much
money on airfares.
✓ You could start by renting foreign films and listening to different radio programmes using the language of your interest. Use Google
and other search engines to research radio stations from different
countries. There are teachers who will testify that students would
get involved in dramas and they don’t even realize that they are
slowly improving their language skills.
✓ Eating in foreign restaurants would also allow you to get acquainted
with foreign dishes and how they are pronounced.
Learning different languages can be done in ways that you don’t have to
spend too much money or leave the country. But if you feel that travelling
will boost your experience and education, then go ahead. There are many
options to choose from; make sure you pick the most practical.