Language Learning
In order to grauduate, you are required to have at least 12 credits in the distribution area of Languages. Language training is a part of the Area Studies curriculum at all the Centers where English is not the native language (this disparity is a separate issue; see LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH in section D.8).
But what do you do when you're studying a language that is not supported by the Center's curriculum? Many Centers "cover" areas where more than one language is spoken (between 500 and 1000 in South Asia, to take an extreme example). Here are a few tips for "doing it yourself," if you don't have the benefit of a training course or similar support. Keep in mind, however, that in order to receive academic credit for language learning, you must be evaluated by a teacher or expert in that language, usually by taking a test of some kind.
- Learn how to use "traveler's sign language." This will usually get you by until you start picking up phrases.
- Learn phrases before you start delving into the structure of the language:
- hello
- thank you
- yes and no
- what is that?
- where is ...?
- my name is ....
- toilet
- numbers 1-10
- directions: right, left, straight
- how do you say...?
- etc.
- Listen to the people around you. The way babies learn a language is by listening and imitating. This is also the most effective way for adults to learn a language. You can focus on the words that people use, or the phrases, the grammar, the music and rhythm of the language, the body language, etc.
- Vocabulary:
- Learn a set number of new words every day. You will remember them better if they are words which played an important role in the day's activity.
- Draw pictures of words that you want to associate: "money," "shop," "buy," "how much," etc.
- Learn words in pairs of opposites
- Always say words out loud while you are learning them. This will not only get you used to saying the words (which is always harder than simply recognizing them), but will also reinforce them in your memory. The only possible exceptions are languages which are not spoken languages, like Sumerian or Etruscan or ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and even in these cases, archeologists have developed standard pronunciations, presumably to help memorization and discussion.
- Repetition will reinforce words in your memory. If it isn't going to drive you crazy, try writing a difficult word twenty times, saying it out loud each time.
- Don't go overboard. It might be theoretically possible for you to learn a hundred words a night, but you won't have energy for anything else, and you will forget a larger portion of what you learned.
- Grammar etc.:
- Try to use books written from a native perspective. It is very easy to find books which equate some structure in the new language to a similar-looking structure in English which doesn't really correspond. Get your advisor or field advisor to help you find resources.
- Once you have the basics (i. e. -- how to construct a simple sentence), try to use them as much as possible. Instead of just saying "two" and pointing at the bananas, learn to say "I'd like to buy two bunches of bananas," and then practice saying it.
- Find a friend that you can count on to give you tips in a new language.
- If you are learning a language before actually going to the region where it is spoken, try to find a native speaker to help you anyway. Failing that, many language training books are available with recorded samples, so that you can still practice speaking.
Workshop Discussion Sparks
- Learning languages in a small group gives easy access to speakig practice-- dialogue with each other.
Inspired and Creative
- Learn how to explain Friends World to a stranger in a new language!
- If you love languages, consider learning something about linguistics.
- Exchange language tutoring with native speaker; she teaches you Tlingit (or whatever) and you teach her English (or whatever).
Rigorous Training
AAAAAGGGHHHH!
- Using a new language can be scary. All you can do is talk like a baby at first, and make lots of goofy mistakes. However, bear in mind that most native speakers will already have realized that you are a visitor, and usually will be more patient than you expect them to be when you try to make yourself understood. Often enough, people are delighted when a foreigner takes the trouble to even try to learn their language. Be patient and trust your listeners to meet you halfway.
See Also
Contribute to the Portfolio Resource Guide!!!
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