Language Acquisition vs Language Learning

According to linguists (i.e. scientits who engage in the scientific study of human Language)there is an important distinction between Language acquisition and language learning.

As you may well have noticed, children acquire their mother tongue through interaction with their parents and the environment that sorrounds them. Their need to communicate paves the way for language acquisition to take place. As experts suggest, there is an innate capacity in every human being to acquire language. By the time a child is five years old, s/he can express ideas clearly and almost perfectly from the point of view of language and grammar. Although, parents never sit with children to explain to them the workings of the language, their utterances show a superb command of intricate rules and patterns that would drive an adult crazy if s/he tried to memorize them and use them accurately. This suggests that it is through exposure to the language and meaningful communication that a first language is acquired, without the need of systematic studies of any kind.

When it comes to second language learning in children, you will notice that this happens almost identically to their first language acquisition. And even teachers focus more on the communicative aspect of the language rather than on just rules and patterns for the children to repeat and memorize. In order to acquire language, the learner needs a source of natural communication.

The emphasis is on the text of the communication and not on the form. Young students who are in the process of acquiring a second language get plenty of "on the job" practice. They readily acquire the language to communicate with classmates.

In short, we see this tendency in which second language teachers are quite aware of the importance of communication in young learners and their inability to memorize rules consciously (although they will definitely acquire them through a hands-on approach just as they did with their mother tongue)

Unfortunately, when it comes to adult students, a quick look at the current methodologies and language courses available clearly shows that communication is set aside, neglected or even disregarded. In almost all cases,courses revolve around grammar, patterns, repetitions, drillings and rote memorization without even a human interlocutor to interact with.

The very same courses that promise you language independence and the ability to communicate upon completion of the courses do NOT offer you a single chance to do engage in meaningful conversations. How many times have you bought or read about "the ultimate language course on CD" in which the learner simply has to sit in front of a computer to listen to and repeat words and phrases time and again. That is not communication. That is the way you train a parrot! The animal will definitely learn and repeat a few phrases and amuse you and your friends, but it will never ever be able to communicate effectively.

How could you be expected to communicate if you are never given the chance to speak with a real person? Language without real communication is as useless as Saint Valentine's day without lovers or Children's day without kids.

In some other scenarios, in which there is a teacher, the work done in class is mostly grammatically oriented: tenses, rules, multiple choice exercises and so on and so forth. Is this similar to the way in which a child "acquires a language?" Definitely not. No wonder why so many people fail in acquiring a second language naturally. Simply because whatever they are doing is highly unnatural and devoid of meaning to them. This is the field of language learning.

Language learning as seen today is not communicative. It is the result of direct instruction in the rules of language. And it certainly is not an age-appropriate activity for your young learners_ as it is not for adults either. In language learning, students have conscious knowledge of the new language and can talk about that knowledge.

They can fill in the blanks on a grammar page. Research has shown, however, that knowing grammar rules does not necessarily result in good speaking or writing. A student who has memorized the rules of the language may be able to succeed on a standardized test of English language but may not be able to speak or write correctly.

As teachers, it is our duty to make sure that our students "acquire" rather than "learn the language." What can we do to achieve this higher goal? In our next mini-article we will explore simple effective and highly innovative ways to turn our learning environment into real language acquisition setting.

Reflection (*2)

Read the article thoroughly.

What do you think is more desirable, to acquire a language or to learn a language?

What differences between acquiring and learning a language could you pinpoint?

In your personal experience, do you feel you've been acquiring or learning a language? Or maybe both? Explain your reasons.

Benefits of Learning the English Language

Communication plays a vital role in today's global challenge, be it in business or personal affairs. Among the often used mediums for communication, the English Language serves as a pivotal force in bridging barriers in communication which can make or break international relations and state of affairs. Of the thousand or so business transactions that occur around the world in any given day, English dominates the front lines.

A Senior manager from Canada instructs business partners in the Philippines and Korea. An office manager from the United Kingdom drops a phone call to his contact in Japan, inquiring about his shipment of computer chips. In both examples, English primarily directs a surreptitious existence in the formation of global awareness and progress.

English is definitely a widely spoken Language, brandishing 400,000,000 individuals who speak it as a second Language and 350,000,000 or so claims it as their native tongue. Though the numbers do not necessarily imply the dominance of the English Language or the exact number of users, it does, however depict the significance of English in the mainstream of universal growth.

If you're from the United States, Canada or from any other native English-speaking nation, and you happen to visit an Asian country like Korea or the Philippines, you'll never feel left out as more and more people today try their hardest to attain a command of the English language. Proficient speakers of English, as a second language, can be found everywhere.

Most paradigms have shifted, giving importance to the English language, as it had before. Schools have begun to focus on providing quality English instruction to students in elementary, high school, and even college to prepare their students to be globally competent. Schools in Korea have made it a point to hire native English speakers to properly educate Korean students in English. This task is met with the goal of producing quality English speakers, who can communicate and be equally competitive in the business arena. Among those institutions that stand out in their drive to educate students in the English language; Worknplay (worknplay.co.kr), provides quality ESL training to it's teachers. It strives to provide quality English teachers to schools all over Korea, making students competitive in their academics and understanding of international affairs.

With this in mind, Asian countries should also take the foothold in improving the linguistic skills of their students, primarily the English language. Mastery of various languages will prepare everyone to be globally competitive.

Six Quick Tricks for Learning a Language

Do you think that you can't learn a new language? Think again. Our brains maintain the capacity to soak up new knowledge of all types far into our advanced years. No matter what your background or past learning experience, you CAN learn to speak another language using these six quick techniques.

There are a multitude of reasons for wanting to speak the lingua franca of another people; travel, business, education, personal pleasure, even family or friends. Indeed it's no small feat to habla español, parlez francaise, or sprechenze Deutcsh, but the prestige, financial gains, personal satisfaction and envy that can accompany this easily nurtured skill can be most rewarding.

But, "Can I really develop good communicative skills in a new tongue?" you may well ask. Yes, you can if you'll use these 10 quick tricks for heightening your language - learning experience and incorporating your new language into your everyday life.

1. Take a short course: A number of language courses are immediately available in most areas at a local community college or university. Courses in the continuing education department tend to be more consumer-oriented, less academic and more focused on the prospective needs of students like you. The internet likewise abounds with foreign language course offerings. You can learn Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or Finnish via multimedia at http://www.caselearning.com. The Definitive Worldwide Guide to Learning the Thai Language and Studying Thai Culture is online at: http://study-thai.com if you're up for the exotic.

2. Mimicking: "Mom, he's mocking me!" Have you ever heard this complaint when one sibling repeated everything the other said? One imitating word - for - word the speech, sounds even actions of the other? It's called mimicking and it's so effective you'll be using this technique to get talking in record time yourself. The procedure is simple, you repeat exactly, word-for-word, everything your model says. That model can be a newscaster, character on a soap opera, documentary narrator or the voice coming from your tape player or radio. Don't worry if it isn't perfect. Just start by trying to get your tongue around the words. You'll acquire speed and ease with practice. You may feel silly at first, but persevere. You'll get there sooner than you think.

3. Reading Aloud: One of the most effective language-learning tricks is to use the counsel found in The Bible itself at Joshua 1: 8, "...and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, ..." and again at Psalms 1:2 stating, "... And in his law he reads in an undertone day and night." Read passages in the target language aloud to yourself. This powerful technique not only develops speaking and pronunciation skills, but contributes to listening comprehension, vocabulary and grammar too.
Almost any reading material in your target language will do as long as it's interesting and fairly short. You wouldn't start an English language learner off by reading "War and Peace" now would you?

4. Watch TV: If you have cable, is there a station broadcast in the language you're interested in? Many metro areas carry programming in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. Even Chinese and Hindi are available in some regions. Check with your cable supplier or programming guides to see what's listed. Programs to watch are the news, soap operas and documentaries. Have a VCR? Tape a couple of programs and play them over and over to accustom yourself to the flow of the language. Many VCR models have slow-motion and stop-action features allowing you to slow down the program to aid your understanding.

5. Listen to Music: In Japan, English students karaoke the Beatles. In Latin America, students mimic Bruce Springsteen. In Africa, the Backstreet Boys rule the airwaves. Lip-syncing popular songs is all the rage for English language learners, so why don't you turn the tables and use it to your advantage. Check at music shops and Bookstores for song CDs and tapes. Ask around for recommendations on where recordings in your target language might be available. Ethnic restaurants and shops are another good source for music or referrals. Lyrics to literally thousands of songs are available online. Songs are frequently available online in many major Languages. Check the local library. The internet will yield hordes of song titles and stations worldwide in dozens of Languages. A good online source for starters is http://www.live365.com which has live global feeds 24 hours a day in multiple Languages.

6. Read: Stop at the library for a grammar Book and some reading material. The grammar book will be an infrequent guide through those rough spots when the target language grammar differs substantially from English. But don't overburden yourself with grammar and rules. A copious variety of entertaining magazines exists in most major languages and unless you're learning Cochimi or Kukapa, you should be able to find something. A newspaper, general interest magazine, the bible, brochures, even comics can help you along. Short articles are best at first. Although you can wade through one or more of those in a matter of minutes, your personal satisfaction at doing so will be boundless. Try http://www.amazon.com for hard-to-find titles.

You can't pick your family; but you can pick your friends and you can pick conversations with native speakers of your target language. In the supermarket, in the mall, in the park, a restaurant or a convenience store - almost anywhere you happen to meet or run into a native speaker of your new lingua franca, don't just stay there mum - say something. People are generally flattered that you're trying to meet them on their own terms or in their own language and are usually more than happy to chat. Surely, you can say "Buenos Tardes" to someone passing down the aisle in the supermarket. It's also great practice for breaking the ice when you finally light out for foreign soil.

These quick tricks in conjunction with a short language course will make your language-learning efforts less painless, more interesting, more pleasurable and much easier. Try to do something each and every day. Just think how green with envy your friends are all going to be - and start packing your bags.

The Important Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

What are the benefits of learning a foreign Language? Whether you are just starting out or if you have been studying a Language for a while, it helps to consider why you are learning a Language.

The reason for considering the benefits of learning a foreign Language is to keep yourself motivated. Especially for adult language learners, it is important to know why you are learning something. What is in it for you? If you can answer this question, then you will be more likely to stay motivated and stay with the language for the long haul.

First, consider the social benefits of learning a foreign language. For me people, the chance to meet new people, to make new friends, and the pursuit of love are big motivating factors in life. These same motivators are often powerful reasons for learning a foreign language. Learning a language will help you meet lots of new and exciting people. Your friendships with these people will encourage you to develop your language skills far beyond the casual learner.

Next, consider all the financial benefits of learning a foreign language. There are many ways that learning a foreign language can help you make more money. Learning a foreign language can lead to special recognition and promotions at work. It can increase sales, open up new business opportunities, and enable better service to your customers. Or it can lead to new job opportunities where you are paid to travel around the world.

Finally, consider the many travel, cultural, and other life changing experiences that you can have. For many people, these are the primary benefits of learning a second language. Just knowing a few words and phrases in another language will unlock doors and open people's hearts to you. It is amazing how much people light up when they realize you are making the effort to learn their language. In many parts of the world, especially in smaller more rural locations, people are genuinely enchanted with someone who is trying to learn their language. This often leads to all sorts of cultural exchanges, invitations to experience the local culture as few other travelers are able to experience, and memories of travel adventures that will last a lifetime.

Learning Sign Language Free Online - How to Learn Sign Language For Free

Learning Sign Language for free online can be a challenge. Being able to learn it isn't something that you could easily just setup a Language exchange like with most other Languages. No, with this Language you need a comprehensive and interactive program that can help you understand the gestures (signs) used to represent the words in English. Language learning programs that allow you to learn signed language interactively via your computer.

Sign language originated in the 17th century in Madrid, Spain and was created as a reduction of letters and art for teaching mute people to speak. It is a language that is conveyed through visually transmitted sign patterns by the body to communicated the expressions and thoughts of the speak. It is commonly used in by deaf people, or by people that have someone they know are deaf so that they can interpret and communicate on behalf of them.

Do you have a deaf friend or family member and want to communicate with them? Do you currently work with deaf people, or would you like to enhance your career prospects with another great skill? Do you want to become a Sign Language interpreter? If so, then why not try to begin learning it for free online with specific language learning programs.

To accelerate you learning sign language, why not try the method which is more interesting and effective than standard text Books, which can only display static signs. Language learning software, which turns your computer into virtual teacher of of the language allows you to learn the language naturally.

Learning sign language free online with software programs available online is the fastest and proven way to learn signed language. This is because of the interaction it allows, using moving signs, audio lessons, picture and text courses to get you communicating and understanding sign language faster and more effective than ever before, so you can be communicating to people in need within days.

Learning a New Language

There are a variety of ways to learn a new Language. Some people prefer to learn the grammatical aspects of the Language. Others prefer concentrating on the conversational aspects. Others prefer to learn by concentrating or focusing on vocabulary. Whatever your preference might be, becoming fluent will likely require a combination of all these.

The grammatical aspect is likely one of the most difficult to master for most people. They might remember the taxing and tedious sentence diagrams from elementary school English or the tedious exercises identifying adverbs, gerunds, or adjectives. Whatever the case may be, verb conjugation in particular is extremely important to mastering a new language. Those who find it beneficial point to the fact that grammar provides clear rules to follow, at least in most cases. These rules provide a decipher or code necessary to interpret, understand, and conjugate foreign words correctly.

Focusing on conversational skills is probably one of the most popular exercises for people to follow. The reason for this lies in the fact that it provides the most practical skills. When people are traveling abroad a phraseBook, translator, or the conversational skills they have learned become the most important elements in their communication. Grammar of course is important when looking for effective communication beyond the minimal requirements of a trip abroad. Grammar insures that every word can be understood and that an individual can properly express present and future tense scenarios.

Other individuals focus on building vocabulary as the core of the language study. The idea is that since vocabulary forms the core, this should be the focus for any student. The idea here is that the gaps of grammar and conversation can be filled in naturally, the same way that a child pieces together bits and pieces of vocabulary to make themselves understood. Slowly but surely, a child connects their vocabulary with proper grammar typically learned by absorption from interaction of with speakers who are proficient.

A variety of language programs are available. Many of them seek to focus on a particular element as illustrated above, while others focus on providing a complete experience. They do so by providing sections and exercises focusing on grammar and sentence structure, conversational dialogues, and vocabulary exercises.

Learning German As a Second Language

If you have thought about picking up a second Language, you are on the right track. There are many reasons to do this. Because of the many people that come into the United States there is a big call for translators. There are areas of the U. S. where there are large German communities.

The health field often needs people who can speak other Languages. Learning German is easier than ever with all of the different options that you have to learn. There are online courses, tapes, courses that you can buy, or even Books that you can read.

You need to choose what the best is way for you to learn to speak German. Learning German can be made easier if you know what type of a learner you are. Do you do better with visual learning, vocal learning, or would you be better in a classroom? Look at what classes you did best at in school, and think about how you learned in them.

Some people need hands on learning. Some people comprehend better by reading and reciting information. Others do better by listening and repeating. German can be an easy Language to learn for many people. Learning German is a good idea if you plan to visit Germany. It is a beautiful language when spoken properly.

If you want to work for the government in a homeland security position, it is often required to know certain languages. Police departments like to have translators available in case they have to deal with someone that speaks a foreign language. If you are in the military, and will be stationed in Germany, that would be a good reason to learn to speak German. You will want to know the language to communicate in everyday life.

It's surprising to know that German is a much more wider spoken language than you may think as several countries and regions in the world have German as their primary language.

Switzerland is one are of Europe that has a large German-speaking population, as many residents of the major cities such as Geneva and Berne for example are host to substantial native Swiss German-speaking populations.

Whatever your reasons, you can learn German. Check out the different programs available and choose the one that best suits you, learning a foreign language can be both rewarding and fun, giving you a very useful addition to your armoury.

Five Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language

To attempt to do something new, many times we need to understand the benefits as well as the advantages of doing it. When it comes to learning a foreign Language how quickly we develop our learning skills can directly relate back to how we feel about the benefits we will receive. In this article we want to take a look at a few advantages of learning a foreign Language and the benefits of doing it.

1. Depending where you are in your career you may be looking for business advantages in the foreign language that you are trying to learn. If your job requires you to travel overseas then there may be specific languages that you need to learn depending on where you travel.

For example, if you are traveling to Europe, you may need to know the French language. If your business travels take you to Mexico or south, learning Spanish may be important to you. There are many benefits that can be obtained from being able to speak a foreign language in the career that you have.

2. Only one out of 12 people in this world speak the English language, yet, over half of all Internet visitors speak English. For this reason there are many benefits of learning a foreign language if you wish to communicate online.

3. If you are into Internet e-commerce you may need to translate your website into multiple languages. If you do e-mail marketing, and you know that one out of two visitors speak English, you need to become fluid at writing grammatically correct email messages.

4. To realize the advantages of learning a foreign language, you may have to take language courses. This could involve immersing yourself in the language, and culture you are trying to learn. Language lessons are available online for any language that you are willing to learn.

5. If you like to travel there are many benefits to learning a foreign language. Being able to speak more than one language can come in handy when you are in an airport, ordering at a restaurant, asking for directions, or even ordering room service at a hotel in the country are visiting.

This is five different advantages of learning a foreign language. You may be able to come up with a list of your own that features different benefits to you personally. You never know when you may need a foreign language to help you out, and you will be glad that you took the time to learn it.

Language Learning - An Ongoing Process

Language learning is an ongoing process that never seems to end.  Even in your first Language, doesn't it seem like you're always discovering new ways of communicating that make your interactions better and more enriching?

We never stop learning.  For longtime English speakers, like me, for instance, there are always new words to pick up, old skills to remember and familiar concepts to see in a new light.  The more we learn, in fact, the deeper the pool of learning that seems to lay before us.

Even if you've already gained a decent amount of facility in a second Language, we always recommend keeping your old materials for it.  That's because, if you want to get better, you'll always need to continually learn, whether by taking new advanced courses or refreshing on old lessons.

A comprehensive Language learning software is one of the best materials you can use to aid in the process.  Filled with lessons and exercises for students of all levels, they offer potential use, regardless of what point you are in with your current development.

Fluency

If language facility is an ongoing process, when do we become fluent?  There are varying levels of fluency.  Just because you are fluent in a language, it doesn't mean you can stop learning.  Native French speakers are probably fluent by the time they're eight or nine.  Yet, that doesn't mean their skills in the vernacular can't further mature, does it?

It is better to enhance yourself more in learning a language.

Communicative Strategies in a Second Language Learning

The communicative approach does not emphasize error correction; rather it emphasizes fluency and meaning or in more concrete terms, getting the meaning across. In the communicative approach, learners are introduced to a variety of conversational contexts, yet the target Language speakers are limited. There is also a limited time frame of classroom learning in these contexts yet second Language learners are not always encouraged to place emphasis on accuracy right away in the beginning.

What comes to mind therefore, are the five proposals for classroom learning according to Lightbrown and Spada. This article will focus on the two more talked about ones that have implications for learning and teaching. The ideal classroom learning situation evolves around both accuracy and meaning. The proposals of 'say what you mean and mean what you say,' which is based on an interactionist's view in that a negotiation of meaning and modified input, are the basic components of teaching methodology where the learners are encouraged to pursue clarification and confirmation questions in order to negotiate meaning. There is no emphasis on accuracy or form. The 'Just Listen' proposal does not encourage performance as it relies solely on comprehensible input through listening and reading skills. The proposal is idea for the silent learners who learns and communicates via the material within himself or herself. The criticism behind the proposals of 'Just Listen' and 'Say What You Mean' state that comprehensible levels of input and meaningful interaction are not enough to bring the learner to high levels of accuracy of second language learning.

The Behaviorist proposal however works differently in that it is based solely on accuracy and form with litle or no negotiation of meaning; therefore, it is redundant to conclude that the behaviorist proposal is successful for creating a balance between fluency and accuracy. Its teaching methodology rests on preventing errors before they become fossilized thus learners are encouraged to repeat and repeat with little emphasis on meaning.

The final proposal of 'Teach what is teachable' places a high emphasis on the learner learning the structures according to his or her internal syllabus and the order of second language acquisition. Within the frameworks of classroom proposals for teaching are the elements of content based words behind a communicative oriented input where the learner has to decode language but does not have to break the language. (code breaking) One of the main assumptions behind negotiation of meaning within the communicative approach is that learners should reach high levels of intelligibility and that they are capable of being understood in various contexts. In decoding, the main aim is on fluency and not on accuracy. Learners do not have to produce; the focus is on making use of content words, background knowledge in order to negotiate meaning. In code breaking on the other hand, the emphasis is on production where a learner is encouraged to use the forms correctly.

These proposals when connected to a language monitor model provide important implications for teaching a second language. In the monitor model, a learner who does not monitor his/her speech, shows developing level of competence whereas a learner who monitors his/her speech according to the target forms will eventually reach higher levels of second language accuracy.

7 Language Learning Tips

Learning a foreign Language can be a daunting task. But when we break it down, it's really a numbers game. How much time you are putting into it and how many words do you know? In most cases, you will require a few hundred hours of study time and overall 2000-3000 words of active vocabulary to be conversational with any hope of one day being actually fluent.
Once you learn it to that point, it pretty much becomes self-sustaining, if you maintain it and continue to use it.

This sounds like too difficult a task for someone who casually says "hey i'd like to learn spanish!" but the reality is, you can learn to speak a Language at a daily conversation level much more quickly if you apply a few additional techniques to
supplement your Language method or class. You can be functional with a lot fewer words and you can significantly reduce the number of hours necessary to learn the foundation of the Language.

Flashcards Pound for pound the single best and most efficient use of your time when learning a language. Ten
seconds of free time becomes a quick quiz - whip card number one out of your pocket "what is the spanish word for ... food? comida? flip the card over ... correct!" Two minutes is a major review session. Look at it this way - if you spent ten seconds on one word, for two minutes - that's twelve words in two minutes. Twelve words a day for five days a week is 3000 words in one year. All the words you need to be conversational in just two minutes a day. That doesn't account for grammar and pronunciation, but still - one year to learn all the vocabulary you need. Don't say you don't have time to learn a language. Remember this the next time you are on line at the bank or the grocery store, doctors office, waiting at a red light etc.

Read Once you have some basic understanding of the language, get some reading material. Here's the important part - something you are interested in. If you're into gardening then get a magazine or print out an online article on gardening in your target language. You'll be learning vocabulary and phrases that really interest you, and that will help you pick it up that much quicker.

Audio If your language method doesn't have an audio component then get one. If it does then get another one
anyway. Hearing the language is the most important aspect of learning if you intend to speak it. Give yourself opportunities
to use it during otherwise non-productive times like while driving or just relaxing.

Internet Radio Following the above advice, give yourself more (and free!) opportunities to hear your new language. Radio can expose you to new vocabulary and fresh content daily. Don't overdo it with your one audio cd. Mix up your audio with other sources, and constantly changing ones like music and internet news broadcasts from other countries. The more sources you have to hear from, the better.

Daily Contact This is probably the cardinal rule when it comes to learning languages. You must expose yourself to the language every day if possible. Studying ten minutes a day is better than cramming for an hour once or twice a week. Frequent review, even if only a few minutes, is essential. This is true for maintaining a language after you have learned it too. Long periods off are deadly.

Penpals Use the power of the internet to hook up with other people around the world who speak the language you are learning. They can help you immeasurably. You can help them with English and they can help you with your target language. There are plenty of free sites and forums to find people who will be happy to work with you.

Study With Others Studying and practicing with other people can give you instant feedback and interactivity that
you just can't get from a Book or even audio or software. Even if you only know very little, you will absorb it quicker and with more enjoyment than just studying alone. Ultimately, that's the purpose of learning a foreign language anyway - to
communicate with other people.

So, try applying some different techniques to your language learning regimen. You will probably find that you can add a few
techniques without requiring any more time from your already overtaxed schedule. You may find that you can actually use
less time studying as you streamline your learning process. Learn to learn more effectively and remember to keep your eye
on the goal whether you put a number on it or not.

Learning Spanish Language Should Be Fun

Learning to speak Spanish can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. You gain the satisfaction of mastering a Language other than your own. You can then converse with Spanish speaking friends or acquaintances. You can shop confidently in Spanish speaking countries and gain much more enjoyment from traveling in a country where Spanish is the normal Language. If you become really fluent in the Language then it could be of considerable advantage to you when dealing with business colleagues who come from a Spanish speaking background.

On the other hand you might find trying to learn to speak Spanish is an overwhelming chore. You become bogged down in the grammar, the pronunciation and the apparent complexity of the Language; the boring lessons.

The amount of satisfaction you experience in learning a language other than your own depends in a large measure on the language course you use and its structure. Some courses are formal in structure with emphasis on learning endless verbs and grammar. Some may teach formal Spanish, which could be useful in an academic arena, but not of great practical use in day to day situations. In fact you may find yourself being laughed at if you use formal Spanish in an every-day situation.

You would also want to achieve your goal of learning to speak Spanish without spending endless months studying. The time spent on the course should give you a feeling of having achieved your aim and if possible, experienced some light relief in the process. Of course you may find that once you have gained some fluency in the language that you would like to study the language more seriously, so it would be helpful if the course also had the capacity to take you through to a higher level.

You need a course in keeping with your requirements. More than likely you would just like to hold a conversation with your friends or others you have met casually. You probably don't wish to speak at length on some profound subject, but rather be able to converse at a level which would be sufficient for every-day conversation. If you are traveling abroad maybe you only need a basic understanding of the language, sufficient to enable you to ask "where is the bathroom?" or "When does the train leave for Barcelona?"

The course you choose should also provide audio instruction so you are able to correct your pronunciation. This is vital to the success of learning Spanish and of course makes the understanding of the language that much easier.

Learning a Foreign Language - 5 Steps

Believe it or not, learning a foreign Language doesn't have to be hard. In fact, if you know how to do it, it can be pretty easy for you. Usually you'll find that there are many different techniques that can be used together to learn a Language quickly and easily. If you're wondering how you can learn a new language as easily as possible, here are a few great tips and techniques that can help you to quickly learn the language of your choice.

1. Practice with Someone Who Knows the Language

Practicing with someone who knows the language already is a great idea if you want to learn a new language quickly. Whether it is a friend or someone that you work with, their knowledge can help you in many ways. Take the time to talk with them on a regular basis so you can practice your skills and learn more about speaking the language from them.

2. Research the Language

Researching the language is an important tip as well. Find out all you can about the inflection used in the language, where it has its origins, learn the culture of the people, and anything else that you think may help you learn. Often a bit of research can go a long way.

3. Remember it Takes Time

When it comes to learning a foreign language, you need to realize that it is going to take you some time to do so. Don't expect it to happen over night. Whether you are learning from tapes, going with great software like Rocket Languages or Tell Me More, or working through some workBooks, it's going to take some time to really learn the language.

4. Enhance Your Vocabulary

Make sure that you take the time to enhance your vocabulary as well when you are working on a new language. After all, your vocabulary is going to be the base for speaking the language. If you don't expand your vocabulary, you'll have a hard time really learning the language.

5. Learn Online

Learning online is a great option available. There are foreign language software programs that you can use online and online based programs as well. These programs are some of the most flexible programs out there that will help you to learn quickly. If you have the internet, this is a wonderful option.

Using these techniques when learning a foreign language is important if you want to be able to learn quickly. Employ these tips and techniques and you'll find that you'll be able to pick up the language quickly and you'll learn it well.

Learn to Speak Spanish with Spanish Language Learning Software

They say that those who are the most competitive in the job market speak a second Language, and so many people are clambering to learn how to speak Spanish because they think it will be the easiest new Language to learn. After all, in some places of the United States there are just as many people that speak Spanish as those that speak English and it is important to learn the languages that you are going to need the most.

Spanish language learning software can help you learn the difficult language that is Spanish. Between verb tenses, vocabulary, and reading and word recognition there are so many different ways to go about learning Spanish with the help of Spanish language learning software that the options are virtually endless.

No matter what your strong points are or what your weak points are when it comes to learning, there are programs out there that can help. As a matter of fact, there are even Spanish languages learning software programs out there for younger children whose parents want to teach them to learn how to speak the Spanish language. Many of these programs are not designed simple enough for children and other child Spanish language learning software programs are designed too simple for children of a certain language, so you want to try out the Spanish language learning software that is best for you.

They say that English is the hardest language to learn, so be thankful that it is not English language learning software you are looking into. It is important to know that Spanish language is not learned only by Spanish language learning software or fancy classes or even fancy Books. What matters the most is how you put your Spanish words to use in the practical world. If you never have any reason to use the language, your Spanish that you have learned so far will probably not last very long at all, and there is no use having a language in your head that you do not plan on putting to use.

You can purchase Spanish language learning software from just about any Book store or cultural store. If you attend a college or school, the school library or Book store should have a plethora of Spanish language learning software available for lending or for purchase, so sort through that and see what kinds of software programs you might be able to put to use in your Spanish learning endeavors.

Nobody ever said that learning Spanish would be easy and finding the right Spanish language learning program is no easier. It is important to take your time and find the right product that can really help you learn, or you will just be wasting your money and your time. Learning the Spanish language is something to be commended, but it won't be easy.

Why Learning the English Language Is Important

The English Language is a difficult Language to learn if it is not your native language. However, it is certainly a language that you should consider becoming proficient at if you want to get ahead in the world of today. To be able to make a splash in the business world, it pays to have a thorough understanding of the English language. If you are wondering why you need to make this a part of your personal and professional arsenal, but are uncertain of where it fits in, read on:

Corporate Growth

Many organizations are outsourcing basic functions of their business to overseas locations. Some of these jobs pay quite well and the more proficient you are with the English language, the better chance you will have of communicating. The better communication that you can establish, the more possibilities you will have within one of these major established companies.

Individual Growth

Say you run your own business. What if you want to expand your reach to a global marketplace instead of staying local? The English language is your key to being able to do this, because most every country has some influence within it - at least enough to communicate well in the language and avoid having to learn several different languages for minimal growth. In order to expand your horizons to multiple countries at once, establishing a good grasp of the English language is essential.

Building Relationships

Beyond work relationships, English also helps you to establish personal relationships and maintain them far beyond direct contact. With social media and greater educational travel programs now available, it is easier to establish meaningful relationships that last a lifetime. But language can often create communication barriers, and learning English is the quickest and most reliable way to make sure you keep these potentially enriching relationships together.

Writing and Speaking Better

Simply expanding your horizons through the learning of another language is yet another great benefit. The more that you immerse yourself with, the better chances you will have of writing and speaking better. You can also enjoy higher quality entertainment, such as Books and movies, in their original languages so not to impede with the enjoyment of the presentation.

Learning the English language is not something that you can do overnight. It takes a lot of time and effort to get it right, and who you learn it from is very important. A poor teacher can put you on the path to disaster, and it can take quite some time to undo the damage. Choose wisely, and you can open up a whole new world of prosperity.

Why Learning About the Culture Is Important in Foreign Language Learning

Many people think that learning a foreign Language consists of grammar and pronunciation. However, in order to truly become proficient with the Language, you must know and understand the culture. Discussed below are some of the reasons why learning about culture is important in foreign Language learning.

First and foremost, Language is culture. In order to speak the language conversationally, you must understand the cultural associations attached to different words and phrases. This allows you to be able to think in that language, rather than simply translate what is being said to you. When you can actually think in a language, you will likely be able to converse easily in that language.

When teachers include instruction about the culture in their foreign language courses, students' proficiency improves greatly. Rather than simply regurgitating sentences and phrases back to the teacher, they become immersed in the language. They understand why a certain phrase is being used during conversation.

Teaching students a language without teaching the culture behind it leaves students lacking the social aspect of conversing in the language. Without knowing why you use a certain phrase in a social setting as opposed to a formal setting can cause some serious faux pas when conversing with locals. It is often said that language is the soul of a country. The everyday language of a country is laced with some of the culture of that country. This is why to become truly proficient in conversational speaking of a specific language, you must know about the culture of the country it comes from

Benefit of Learning English As a Second Language Online

If you are moving to an English-speaking country or are going to be a foreign exchange student, you will need to acquire extensive English speaking and writing skills in order to communicate effectively. Learning English as a second Language (ESL) can be easy with an online course program that lets you complete activities and exercises at your own pace, practice pronunciation and take part in in-depth learning tutorials that improve your skills. Here are some of the primary benefits of learning English as a second Language online:

1. Flexible learning format. When you choose to learn English as a second Language online, you can take advantage of a flexible learning format and ongoing class schedules. These allow you to work at your own pace and work through the activities and quizzes on your own schedule. Some online class formats do have a set schedule with lectures and presentations, but the majority are 'open form' classes where you can download materials and work through them on your own time.

2. Easy access to tutorials and reference materials. When you register for an English as a second language online program, you will be given access to a large library of tutorials and reference materials to supplement your education. These resources may include lesson plans, printable worksheets, PowerPoint presentations or even online videos.

3. Advanced pronunciation tutorials. While most online tutorials are designed with audio files that are embedded into the lesson plan, an English as a second language online course structure may have step by step tutorials that will help you improve your pronunciation. This goes beyond a simple audio file of a single word, and may include complete conversation and sentence pronunciation tutorials so that you can speak English just like a native speaker.

4. Reading comprehension activities. In addition to basic vocabulary building and grammar activities, an English as a second language online course program will include reading comprehension activities that allow you to understand new meanings, expressions and vocabulary words in different contexts. This is important when learning the English language because it exposes you to different uses of common words and phrases.

5. Essay writing skill development. Even though you will be completing your activities and lessons in an online environment, you can also submit essays for review and communicate directly with a native English-speaking teacher. This will give you a chance to practice your word and grammar usage and get immediate feedback on your work.

6. Video conferencing opportunities. Some online courses are offered through colleges and universities equipped with video conferencing software. This allows you to learn English as a second language with direct communication with an instructor or other students.

There are many benefits of learning English as a second language online, and with today's innovative online learning platforms, you won't be compromising the quality of your learning because of the reduced 'face-time' with an instructor. Some online courses are designed with video presentations, interactive tutorials and allow you to communicate directly with the teacher or other students so that you can learn as much as possible at a rapid rate.

Language Learning - How Long Will it Take Me to Get Fluent?

It is very important to have the right expectation when you start to learn a Language. How long it will take you to become fluent depends on a few factors:

Factor 1: What do you define as fluent?

"Fluent" means different things to different people. Do you want to sound indistinguishable from a native speaker? That is a feat that not everyone can achieve, and if you are to achieve it, it probably means you will have to move to the country where the Language is spoken and immerse yourself for years.

But if you want to be able to have a well-flowing conversation with a native speaker, that will be possible in a much shorter time. You can learn up to 80% of a language relatively quickly, but the closer to 100% fluency you want to get, the more effort you have to put in.

So how long does it take you to get to 80%? It depends on the other factors below.

Factor 2: Which languages do you already speak, and which language do you want to learn?

If you are Japanese and want to learn Mandarin, you have the advantage that much of the Chinese characters ("Hanzi") are very similar to the Japanese ones ("Kanji").

If you already speak French, it is much easier to learn languages related to French, such as Spanish, Italian, Romanian and Portuguese. In the Netherlands, there are special Dutch classes and learning methods for people from Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. A German friend of mine picked up near-native sounding Dutch while playing with Dutch friends on the street.

Conversely, if you are a Westerner wanting to learn Chinese, it will take you much longer because of the totally different structure of the language and the lack of recognizable words. It is possible to learn the language, but it will take you at least double the time of learning a related language.

Factor 3: How much time and effort can you bring to the table?

Being realistic when you start out learning a language helps to avoid later quitting in disappointment. A major factor in learning languages is how much time you are willing and able to put into it. In mathematics, there may be wonderkids who can simply "get" complex equations almost instantly, but learning a language is hard work, even for the most gifted language learners.

Do not just count how much time you can spend sitting in a classroom, also think about how much time you can spend revising between classes. Are you in an environment where you HAVE TO speak the language? Do you have roommates whom you can only converse with in the language you are learning? Do you watch movies or try to read Books in the language you are learning? All of these things count towards your time spent learning and really help you to speed up the learning process.

Factor 4: Are you passionate about the language? Are you good at learning languages?

In my life, I have taken classes in English, German, French, Spanish, Ancient Greek, Latin and Mandarin, and in each of these classes, I have seen some fellow learners pick up the language faster than others. It is a matter of how our brain works. Some people are simply better at reproducing sounds and seeing patterns in languages. It also helps if you have learnt other languages before, even if they are not related to the language you are learning. The 3rd language you learn will be easier than your 2nd language.

Conclusion

How fast you will become fluent in a certain language depends on a number of factors, such as:

What you define as being fluent;
How related the language is to your native language;
How much time and effort you can put into learning the language, and
Your passion and aptitude for learning languages.

You might have hoped to get a number from me as an answer to this question. To give a very broad estimate, I would say 80% fluency can be achieved in a matter of months if you dedicate yourself to it full-time (a few hours every day). If you only have a few hours every week, it will take you 1-2 years to hit the 80% mark.

Myths Of Language Learning

By breaking down communication barriers, the Language learning industry has indeed changed the lives of people significantly. Careers advanced, relationships improved, and businesses doubled their revenues through the help of this growing business. Sadly, however, there are still those who think that learning a new Language can be done in other ways. Language learning got enshrouded by myths because many people believe that in this fast-paced world everything can be acquired without exerting much effort. Learning a new language may be a gratifying experience, but it takes time and dedication. Listed below are some of the common notions misguided people have on language learning.

Myth 1: Language learning is quick and easy.

Those who believe that they can learn Spanish or French in two to eight weeks are about to get the biggest disappointment of their lives. No school or university has met a student who can learn something that would normally take years to master. Language learning is not also an easy task, as what many perceive it to be. It requires a great amount of discipline, time and effort. The only time learning a new language becomes easy is when one visits a different country and learns a few foreign key words or phrases just so he can find his way around the city.

Myth 2: Going to foreign countries is the best way to learn a foreign language.

If one is in a foreign country, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she will automatically become an expert of the country's language. Individuals who are forced to speak a foreign country's language will often end up saying incorrect sentences that eventually becomes a galling habit. And when the habit becomes full blown, it becomes almost impossible to correct. Institutions and universities specializing in language learning is still the best place to develop a foreign tongue.

Myth 3: Kids learn languages more easily.

This is a popular belief commonly affirmed by linguists because of the belief that children begin learning a language at birth. The problem, however, happens when the child enters puberty (about 12 years old). A study done recently suggests that one's first language must be acquired by that age, because after puberty, neurological changes in the brain make it impossible to fully learn a language.

Myth 4: Pronunciation is not important.

Many fail to correct their pronunciation either because their professors didn't consider it important or they just assume that their pronunciation is already good enough. A long-time resident in the US who suddenly migrates to England will be surprised to find out that most British will not understand a word he'll utter simply because the way English is pronounced in both countries are different. Genuine language learning considers the importance of proper accent and pronunciation in making conversations smoother and more pleasant. Furthermore, if one takes time to learn a foreign country's natural way of speaking, he or she will look more secure and learned, becoming more easily accepted by others.

Anxiety in a Second Language Learning

There are three types of anxiety in Language learning. Anxiety is an affective factor and like most affective factors such as tiredness, boredom and emotional disorders, anxiety can have an adverse effect on second Language learning.

One type of anxiety is trait anxiety as Rod Ellis refers to as 'the disposition to be anxious' (1994). This is a general characteristic within a person's general personality. The second type of anxiety is known as 'state anxiety,' which is based on a learner's reaction to a specific learning situation like taking an exam or reciting an oral presentation. This is anxiety based on a specific learning situation. The third type is situation - specific anxiety which is based on the general orientation of anxiety resting on certain learning contexts in which a learner does not perceive himself or herself fit or linguistically capable for acquiring proficiency in speaking and/or reading contexts. Anxiety can have either a debilitating effect (increasing anxiety on learning) or a facilitation (easing anxiety on learning). Ellis relates to anxiety as result due to the following factors:

1. Learners competitive natures

2. Teachers' questions are threatening

3. Lack of a relaxed second language environment

Some learners tend to switch off when confronted with a potentially threatening learning context. Conversely, the switch off strategy can be employed by good learners who find the material of the language classes boring, not sufficiently challenging, etc. by using the switch off strategy, anxious learners

1. By trying to find a gap in the teaching methodology and learning opportunities and therefore, want to close that gap but are too anxious and therefore cannot close the gap.

2. By switching off, they can either make their learning more enjoyable and opportunist or switch off completely because of the perceived threat.

In addition, learners pursue the switch-off strategy in order to analyze a specific language learning task, function, element. Usually such learners are dependent on the learning process and often let their emotions interfere in the learning process. The degree of anxiety can also be intensified by a few factors, that often are overlooked:

1. age - varies between adults and children and the learning context at hand.

2. Motivated - How motivated is the learner to study the second language

3. Self-image. Does the learner have enough self-confidence?

Because anxious learners are generally tied up by the emotional element(s), they often do not have enough self-awareness to regulate their learning and cannot switch back to a specific learning context. They are also unable to remember the contents of the previous lesson.

Rod Ellis. (1994) Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.