Language Challenge Update

Due to moving I was limited in my language learning for about 2 weeks, with my practice being sporadic, but since then I've gradually returned to a regular schedule. Here's what I've been doing the past several days (the weeks before that I won't mention, basically because it was most vocabulary review).

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.

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?

Language Log: The Objectives

Hi everyone! In mid-February I began my language log for this year on Fluent in 3 Months (Fi3M). I have two language goals this time around, so I've decided to give myself plenty of time to work on them. This is partially because 1) learning two languages will make the process slower, and 2) I have work/life commitments as well. 

Here is the breakdown:

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:

Experiments with Hindi

After a few weeks of adjusting to the mid-tropical Pune environment, I revved up my energies to begin learning Hindi. This time, however, I experimented with two theories from well-known polyglots – I joined Tim Ferriss’ article How to Learn But Not Master Any Language In 1 Hour and Benny Lewis’ Fluent in 3 Months. However, I did have one handicap: I intended to continue working on my German. That meant I couldn't spend as much time on Hindi as other languages learners might on this sort of challenge.

4 Tips to Start Speaking Your Second Language

Speaking is often the most difficult aspect of language learning – and it isn't always because of speech anxiety. Simultaneously producing the correct conjugations and declensions (i.e.. case systems) can be frustrating. However, there are ways to improve outside of speaking with a partner.

What Coding and Language Learning Have In Common

Back in the bygone days of Myspace I learned my first foreign language. Eager to express my "individual" pre-teen self, I scurried over to W3schools and learned enough CSS and HTML to code my own layouts. With the rise of Facebook, I gradually shifted platforms, leaving my coding experience behind until college.

As I am now brushing up on my coding skills - and learning a few new tricks, I've noticed it's much easier to figure out than when I was 13. But that has little to do with age, and more about language experience. If you know how to learn another language, you can learn to code, and vice-versa. 

Wort für Wort: Material Review

Cover of the 5th edition. 

After a month of ghosting through Amazon reviews, I purchased Hodder Education's advanced Wort für Wort, fifth edition, by Paul Stocker. Spoiled by free internet resources, I didn't see the point of buying another language book, and being tight on money, I was rather cautious.

A good textbook is a diamond in the rough - and I've experienced poorly packed ones before, often in the classroom. After a certain level, it's easier to pick up new vocabulary from news articles and youtube videos anyway, so why bother? What did I have to gain - especially from using an online store.

There was a lot, apparently.

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.