The Key To Learning Grammar

Grammar doesn't have to be a stumbling block. But for many of us, it is. It's the antiquated scroll with rules and exceptions rolling out into oblivion. How can we memorize something so long and complex? It isn't as difficult as you may think.

6 Tips On Learning Culture Without Visiting The Country

What should you know, before you travel?

Learning a language is incomplete without culture study. You may get hints from grammar - honorifics, for example - or idioms. But the right words are only the first step towards approaching the wealth of culture packed within a language.
The best part? You don't need to travel to your target country to get started.


So, for the purpose of this post, what is culture? It's really an umbrella term for varied thoughts, actions, histories and other unique identifiers of a certain group of people. A culture can be at a a national level (Germany), regional (Bavarian), social (high-class) and familial (your family vs. mine).

So how can we learn about other cultures, especially at a more intimate level?

Courseless: Minimalist Language Learning

Books by Kuznietsov

About every three months I tend to gauge my language progress, and then I switch up my learning methods appropriately. This may take place sooner, if need be. Typically, I tend to lean on having 1 good workbook, or self-learning textbook. But these books often do not contain everything you need to learn, and furthermore, the internet has a seemingly endless treasure trove of language resources. So how can one remain minimalistic and focused with so many resources available?

Courseless: How To Master Grammar In Any Language

By Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash.

In all of language learning, one word incites fear, disgust and exasperated sighs; one word that causes learners to steer clear of some languages; one word that dominates student study sessions: Grammar. Throughout my experience in the classroom, I've noticed that grammar is the greatest hurdle for students - regardless of language. It's what teachers spend the most time explaining, what self-learners put of learning. It's a stumbling block.

But it doesn't have to be.

Courseless: Getting the Most Out Of Your Dictionary

From Wörterbuch CH

It’s no surprise that the bilingual dictionary continues to be the cornerstone of language learning, in that appears to be an almost limitless resource for aspiring bilinguals and polyglots. Although a somewhat stale resource, a pocket dictionary may include 20,000 words – double the fluency word count. However, it’s often the case that the
student will learn and use the wrong word, despite using the dictionary.

Here are three tips to prevent making awkward mistakes:

Courseless: Rummaging for Materials

So, you want to learn a language? Or maybe you you're returning to an old friend.  Do you want to improve your language for a course next semester?

Regardless of your intent, you come up with a problem: what kind of source to use?

There are a multitude of free and not-so-free courses for the language of your choice. And before you start wading through the mess, it's important to ask some fundamental questions:

What level am I on now? Beginner? Intermediate? A1? B2? The Common European Framework is my preferred reference, but if you prefer another system of evaluation, go for it! Other choices include:

The Interagency Language Roundtable scale (IRL)

The Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi - Chinese only!

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL)

What do I want to learn about? If your goal is travel phrases for a vacation, you will probably need a different book or online course than someone who is interested in advanced grammatical concepts.

Are there methods that appeal to me more than others? Do you prefer reading, writing, listening or speaking? Which of these is most important for you to learn? Does knowing how to speak help you write, or vise versa?  It's worth it to know not only how you want to communicate, but what learning style works best for you.

How much money can I spend? This is true especially if you are a beginner or if you are simply giving the language a test drive. Don't invest hundreds of dollars on a plethora of materials just to try them out. Read reviews, suggestions, and search for free stuff first. I can imagine there is at least one online course for nearly every language.

Do I have anyone to speak with? Looking up native speakers in your area is a great way to expound on anything you learn online. If there is a meet up available and not just tutoring, you can really learn a lot paying with time. My first impulse is to check out Meetup.com. 

How much time can I spend? Do you need a book that is short and sweet? Or do you want that hard leather-bound spell book containing 500,000 new words and grammatical notes with footnotes at the library bookstore? Depending on your level, you'll spend a different amount of time on textbook than a phrase book, but if depending on your level you might want to start on something less time consuming. I'd say the same if you're B1 or B2 - do you want to buy a textbook with listening or do you want to listen to free news casts and read a book?

After all these are answered, there are the common sense methods. If you must buy something, check the reviews first. Be aware that a certain brand may have a great books for Spanish while the German ones are lacking. The only repeated item I buy is a Barron's 500 verb dictionary, although these may also be obsolete with online verb tables. Still, it never hurts to have a physical copy, especially if you are prone to distraction online. I also find it easier to study without the internet and with something that's been edited. 

If you want my take - if I'm not enrolled in a class, I will try to find a free online course. Typically, I also purchase a reasonably priced dictionary, verb book, and sometimes a grammar reference if it isn't included in the dictionary. Often a basic grammar guide is enough, as I like to create a grammar "cheat sheet" with my own notes and color coordination.

When I began learning German, I used Deutche Welle's online course, and I continue watching their programs because it's very clear and easy to listen to.

With Russian, I used borrowed a textbook from my friend who finished first year Russian. We use Live From Russia, but I prefer Golosa (Голоса).

I started Arabic at my university, and even when I was away, I continued with Al-Kitaab. After we finish the series, I plan on practicing through a book on Arab stories, which includes a listening portion.

There's so many texts and online resources it's impossible to list them here. But finding the right material is a rewarding process, and even if you fail to find the right book at first, you'll still have found out more about your learning style.

Courseless: Immersion through Integration

How I use Habit RPG for Language Immersion

Popular language-learning software like Rosetta Stone market their immersion technique to draw in the casual learner. Immersion is the reason people study abroad. But what about when you want to practice at home? What's the best way to immerse yourself in the target language?

The good news it's there's a plethora of paths to integrating language practice into your daily routine. Besides searching for local language clubs and pen pals, you can use anything you normally enjoy (or even things you may dislike!) to learn a language.

• Language Labels - This is a more passive technique. As I'm moving into a new dorm in a few weeks, I've started compiling a slideshow with images of every times - clothes, kitchenware, etc. Each slide features one item, and the word in my target language. If the gender or plurals aren't intuitive, I add them as well. Afterward, you can print them out using the 6-slides a page option. I'm planning to cut them out and stick them around my room (and if my roommates let me, the apartment...).

• Cooking - I've partially completed this technique. In Germany, I turned my grocery list into a vocabulary list. Because I was living in the country, I got a lot of practice with food. But if you're learning a language like Chinese or Arabic, you can always visit a specialty shop and read the labels there! The only thing I need to work on with this technique is using the verbs while I cook, Which is why summarizing a recipe you can use during the cooking process might help a lot!

Cards in the slideshow, and as a print out.

• Gaming - So, this one is exciting. I've used to Sims 3 in particular. It's more of a special treat I give myself, but it's all in Russian, so I get some practice anyway. When I play, I try to write down 10 words I don't know, and translate them after. Since the Sims 3 is real-life simulation, there's a lot of useful tidbits there! I've also used Civ IV for German, and I enjoy that as well.
  
  Another game that's worth mentioning is Habit RPG. A really good friend of mine sent me this article, which discusses how students have been using it to practice Japanese. Since I'm learning three languages, I've dividing the functions. Arabic is for the habitual, more elementary vocabulary: no soda, go to sleep early, etc. Russian has my daily tasks, which are also less complicated. German gets a nice seat at the To-Do list, which includes appointments, writing projects, and so forth - mostly because I have a larger vocabulary in this area. Rewards go to all three, and I try to give Russian and Arabic a bit more room here.
  
  I've also heard of Japanese learners using Minecraft, and that there's a ton of Russians on Dota 2. But I haven't really looked further into these topics.

• Reading, Writing and Film - All of these things are great ways to incorporate what you've learned. I feel like Film and TV are most used, partially because you can be somewhat passive. I enjoy reading a lot, especially because I can go at my own pace. Reading can also give you a sense of freedom, because the topics are endless.

Sims 3 по-русски!

My favorite resource is having a movie with subtitles in your target language, because then you can write down what you can't hear as well. Writing can also be fun, but it does feel a lot more like work. I usually write small snippets of fiction, but I've tried poetry too. It's a great way to exercise your creativity while reviewing some vocabulary.

The great thing about these options are that they are free, or relatively cheap - especially compared to traveling abroad or buying high-end flashcard software. And at the end of the day, rainy-day language activities may be just what you need start enjoying the language!

Courseless: Holidays and Language Breaks

When I took Spanish in high school, I rarely studied during the semester, let alone during Christmas or Summer break. Maybe the week before classes resumed, I may scramble for my list of verb conjugations and important vocabulary words, but that was it. It wasn't enough to learn the language, or even relearn it.

I realized that breaks can be detrimental when I started again with German. You might be able to make it two weeks without loosing too much, but even then you'll need time and dedication just to recall what you last studied, let alone what you studied at the beginning of your course.

No one is saying you need to bind yourself to a chair and force the language down your throat. I've been there - it doesn't help. Instead, I found it's better to spend 10-30 minutes a day reviewing, especially if your goal is just to keep up with a college or high school course. And you can do this multiple ways:

One is to simply take your textbook and reread grammar and vocabulary. But I don't have to tell you that this route is the most boring one you can take.

Screenshot from memrise.com 

For vocabulary, I tend to use Memrise, a flashcard program. You can create your own set or use someone else's. You might even find your textbook! This free program also encourages you to make interesting and fun memes for words as a memory exercise. If you get a word wrong in spelling or multiple choice, you'll get to see it again along with your meme. In addition, this program uses a spaced repetition model to help you retain what you've been over. Basically, after a certain amount of time, words that you've already mastered are readmitted into your study stack, giving you a chance to brush up.

I've gotten really addicted to this program over the past few months. There are some study sets for movies. For example, I used this set for the first 10 minutes of the German film Goodbye, Lenin!, and after finishing my study-set, I could watch the opening scene without subtitles! You can also download an app on your phone, so you can practice just about anywhere.

Another great way is simply to write, whether it be a diary, a short story, or just information about your family and friends. Of course this depends on your level, but I find that writing not only helps me practice vocabulary, but also grammar - without having to reread all the rules!  Also, because you are writing things relevant or interesting to you, the vocabulary will stick better. And of course, if you have someone you can speak with, you should do that too!

I also like to do small things related to what we've learned. Sometimes I'll take a topic that we've discussed - let's say, the weather, and I'll google weather report videos. One video may be two to three minutes, and I may watch a few of these. That will be my review for the day. The more you use the words in context, the better they will stick. Listening practice also gives you an idea of the natural flow of the language. When I was recovering from jet-lag, I used this form from Saudi Arabia. It has English underneath the Arabic, but it let me practice reading and writing basic information.

No matter what method you use to study, whether it's what I've suggested or not, the main idea is to study for a short amount of time everyday during extended holidays. A few days off are never bad, but as scholarships and finishing general education requirements are important to all students, 30 minutes a day reviewing language material is better than trying to cram it all in the last few days of the break.

Courseless: Another Way to Learn

I was shocked by the German university system. Maybe it was just my institution in particular, but the set up was completely unfamiliar. American-styled syllabi were unheard of, none of my classes submitted attendance sheets, and homework was a purely recreational activity. The language classes faired only slightly better, but only my optional Russian course had a lecturer that corrected homework. So what does that mean for learning? Specifically, language learning.

The central university library in Marburg

Well, you can say goodbye to the excuse: "I can't learn a language". Really, you can say that for anything at this point.

Now, there are values to the German system. One in particular, is that it encourages self-motivation and self-studying. Without it, you might as well fail. When I taught myself up to intermediate German, I had imagined it was a big achievement, but the fact is, whole nations of people work this way within their university system. In Germany, with minimal materials - slides, handouts and notes from the professor or lecturer. And whatever else you can dig up, in my case.

Of course, with language there are four components: reading, listening, writing and speaking. The last two are what give people the most trouble, and it's useful to have help. But do you really need a course? What if you can't afford one? Or it doesn't fit in your hectic schedule of work, family, friends, perhaps more school (second job, etc)?

You don't necessarily need books....
even if they look amazing.......

With language, it's more than easy to find resources that allow to work around your daily routine. There's a plethora of language-exchange websites, local language meet-ups, digital flashcards, free online courses, and only vocabulary and grammar references. Deciding what to use is more difficult than learning!

Although sometimes, you don't have to chose. You can combine, mix and match, find out what works. If you want to do something, and I mean really want to, there isn't really an excuse as long as the net is open and free. 

This brings me to the root of the matter: my first project here, at the Fable Hotel, is to try out different methods for language learning and post the results! They may not follow the originals correctly, and of course, language learning is different for everyone - but another review doesn't hurt.