A Quick Flashcard Tip

Flashcards are an invaluable tool for the language student due to their portability and versatility.  One technique I use to improve my language learning capabilities with flashcards, (and inevitably compact my deck,) is to list related words on a single card.

Allow me to elaborate.  In the English language, we have words known as synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.  This is also true in other languages and can be utilized to learn languages faster.  Take this French flashcard, for example:

“Here and there” are not only two antonyms, but also is a common phrase, thus hitting two birds with one stone.  Try including similar cards in your sets in the future, and you will see improvements in your comprehension.

Language Learning through Newspapers

For students seeking to procure material to enhance their visual learning library, online newspapers serve as a valuable source due to their accessibility, frequently updated content, and variety of vocabulary and grammatical presentations.

• ·         A simple entry on an online search engine provides the best method of finding online materials.  However, if student’s require a list of available electronic newspapers, http://libguides.mit.edu/flnewspapers and http://multilingualbooks.com/online-newspapers.html are excellent starting points.
• ·         A rule of thumb for beginning language students is to scan for familiar subjects or headlines.  For example, it is wasteful for a student to attempt an intensive article on economics.  Such a subject requires knowledge of precise vocabulary not found in the common list of words, and the student will easily become distracted or worse, disinterested.
• ·         On the other hand, if a student is in need of precise vocabulary, such as medical terminology, then he should read articles that address affairs in the medical profession.  This, however, will require that the student purchase a medical dictionary, since common dictionaries usually do not cover such words.
• ·         If a student follows the news in his native tongue, then it is advisable that he utilize topics he has already covered.  World news serves as the best source, since it is easily publicized.
• ·         A student should make a habit of using scratch paper or a notebook to list key article vocabulary.  For instance, if he were reading an article on NATO affairs in French, then he should notate that its translation is OTAN.  That way, he will be able to easily refresh his memory in the event that he forgets.  

How to Apply Immersion Techniques at Home

For some time the immersion method has been considered the most favorable system to learn a foreign language.  Simply put, students set in a culture whose people speak an unnatural tongue are more apt to learn the language far faster and in better quality than a student utilizing books or programs.  However, since the majority of scholars are not blessed with the time or money to travel to another country, the immersion method is reserved only for the lucky few.  However, there are techniques which allow students to apply the immersion method through their daily lives.  Listed below are some:

• The secret of the immersion method is consistent interaction with the language.  Through forced contact, individuals unconsciously adapt as they begin to recognize the patterns between vocabulary, grammar, and context.  To a degree, students can emulate an immersive atmosphere at home by speaking solely in the foreign tongue, (or better yet, a conglomeration of their native language and the foreign one,) but must assiduously apply this technique on a daily basis in order to achieve results.
• If this is too audacious, students can request the assistance of another, with whom they agree to speak solely in the foreign language (or a combination, as mentioned above).  This is excellent since immersion requires interaction, rather than simply speaking to oneself.
• Naturally, the first days will be the most difficult for any student due to their lack of vocabulary.  This problem can be resolved through various means of reference.  For example, students may apply sticky notes throughout their home upon objects they frequently use, and if this proves too time consuming and disorderly, a student may construct a notepad contained a list of the names of these objects.
• Verbs, however, will require a different approach, especially for solitary scholars.  To rectify this, students should make a habit of mentally dictating their actions.  If students are prone to habitually planning out their schedules, they can also utilize the future tense as the list their required tasks and past tense as they reach completion.

In the end, the more a student applies himself, the better odds of him grasping the concepts of a foreign language, no matter the difficulty.  Akin to physical training, mental exercise requires daily effort, and even five minutes of study adds up in a week compared to none.