This is just a special post on a specific subject I have on my mind, that I think some of my readers may find helpful in light of some of our recent discussions :)
I have had many people ask me how I have such skill learning languages, and the answer is quite simple really...I don't try nearly as hard as you'd think.
The first step is to gather your learning materials. I would advise against using programmes such as the Rosetta Stone because while it may help you gain a very basic vocabulary, it will not teach you grammar. Another thing that Rosetta Stone will not do is teach you practical phrases that you will need, realistically, in everyday conversation, even in travel. I will get into more details if anyone wants to know more about why Rosetta Stone and similar language programmes do not work, but this is the gyst of it. The best idea is to contact the Ministry of Integration, Language Dept. in a country whose language you are trying to learn and explain to them (these people speak English as part of their jobs, so don't worry about using a translator) what you are trying to learn and for what purposes I.E. "I want to learn enough Spanish to get by on a vacation to Guatemala in December" or "I am trying to learn and teach Italian to my 6 year old daughter, could you send me some resources that might appeal to her interests/education level?" most will be happy to oblige as they are pleased to see others taking an interest in their culture and many of the things they will send you, due to the fact that they are experts in their fields, are totally free, best of all!
Now that you have your learning materials, the second step is to make a commitment to learn every day. Whether you take 10 minutes or 2 hours, learning needs to be consistent.
Thirdly and perhaps most importantly of all, you need to
goof off. This might sound like the silliest advice, but it works. Take your time. Cut your language learning into easy to manage sections (if it has not already been done for you in whatever learning material you are using) I.E. groups of letters, vocabulary lists, grammar lections, ect. and take them one by one, day by day. Each day, focus on only one lesson. Mill everything over in your head slowly, take each thing in until you fully grasp what it means, but the most important thing is that you do not
try too hard to remember anything. By all means, eat, have a record playing in the background, tap your feet, laugh at words in other languages that are reminiscent of swear words in your native language (you'd be surprised how many there are :)))) this is very difficult to wrap your head around doing at first and to let go of the idea of not trying to remember, but I guarantee you that it works. How does it work? Well, when you are enjoying yourself and relaxing, the information is more likely to stay with you than when you are putting stress on your brain. Think of when you are cramming for a test at the last minute, how much of the study session do you retain? Not very much, if anything. This works in precisely the same manner.
Now, when you feel you have thoroughly given a lesson the time and attention it deserves to soak into your brain, move onto the next lesson. If you have been a busy bee and have only had time for a few minutes to spend on it that day, do it again the next day, but don't do it for more than a few days in a row. Then, simply move onto the next lesson and do as you have been-relaxing and enjoying your language learning experience.
When approximately 2 weeks have gone by, go back to the 1st lesson and review. The reason for doing this is that you are moving the items you have learned in this lesson from your short term memory into your long term memory and as you delve into your language practice further, these terms and lessons will resurface naturally over the course and they will then resurface too in your mind - naturally!
This is based loosely on the Goldlist Method, developed by prof. Viktor Huliganov (search on youtube)
I hope this helps you all-enjoy and let me know how you are getting on!
