Learning How To Speak Another Language
"The knowledge of the world is only to be acquired in the world, and not in a closet." - Lord Chesterfield
There are so many good reasons for learning how to speak a foreign language:
And many more.
Your personal reason for learning how to speak a new language is the most important. Once you start learning a new language, that personal reason is what will keep you learning.
Finding the easiest and fastest ways to learn how to speak a foreign language
I speak from experience, six years of German in public high schools and college, and I still couldn't hold a reasonable conversation in German.
The first goal for many of us is developing conversational language skills. Yes it's "normal" to memorize pages of words, but that is not how people learn to talk. Even memorizing random phrases and sentences does not let you order lunch from a lunch menu."knowledge which is acquired under compulsion obtains no hold on the mind" - Plato
What we need is a way to start with basic language skills. We need to be able to hold a conversation, meet new friends, and ask directions. We don't need to spend years gaining the building blocks of a language before we can communicate in it.
Why should you learn to speak a new language?
Because you want to!
I have a friend who speaks seven languages fluently.
English wasn't one of them. I met him in California where he was working to gain fluency in my language.
For most people the second language is the most difficult. Once you have mastered one foreign language, each new one should come easier.
What's the story?
Learn your language of choice; learn words, grammar, construction - real communications.
The reason is yours - how can I help?
I'm the rector of Bastiat Free University. Our courses are in business, theology, liberty, and social sciences; but we don't have a language department.
As I was writing about Renaissance education I realized a glaring problem. The best way to learn about classic literature is to visit the country of origin, and read texts in the original language.
BFU does not have such a program, The new Netcohort Institute may eventually have one. But right now, what is a student to do?
I went looking for a language collection that is down loadable, affordable, and enjoyable. Of course it had to work well and come with a money back guarantee. Also of interest is that BFU will receive some royalties if you do not return the product.
Do what is best for you.
I can help you find these courses, you can tell me right here how well they worked - for you. If you return them for credit, let me know that also.
Together we will accomplish our goals. You learn how to speak a new language, Incoming BFU students can monitor your responses. I can decide if these programs are really as good as I've been told.
For you the risk is that you may want to return the programs for a refund. The best result is that you develop first a basic conversational ability in your chosen language - and then become fluent.
No chance of loss - a great opportunity for gain. Learning how to speak a new language - isn't that what you want?
Explain in the guest book your decision, then come back and tell all of us about your results.
What are my choices in languages?
Look to see if what you want is listed here.
There are local variations in all languages, you will be learning necessary language skills, apply them where you will. With use you will adjust to regional differences.
- learn to Speak Spanish
- The ability to speak Spanish will open new opportunities in may parts of the world.
- Learn to Speak French
- French culture is admired in much of the world, you will find many places besides France where you can use your new language skills.
- Learn To Speak German
- Traveling in Europe, doing business in Germany, or heading to Munich for Oktoberfest; German is a good language to know.
- Learn to Speak Italian
- Rome, the city states of the Renaissance, a beautiful country with a rich history; waiting for you to explore.
- Learn to Speak Mandarin Chinese
- This is the Chinese dialect spoken to communicate between other dialects. Always useful in travel, Chinese is an important business language as well.
- Learn to Speak Japanese
- Business, travel, and a great place to teach English as a second language. Japanese is well worth knowing.
- Learn American Sign Language
- BFU students may be interested, so might you. A valuable second language that will increase your personal value - and may allow you to help others.
- Real Latin American Spanish - Fast And Easy
- This is a different program than the above, but it still has that money back guarantee. I have less feedback to recommend this one, but it may suit your needs particularly well. Let everyone know how it works - for you.
Time To Travel!
Rome, Italy is a good place to start your travels.
Rome will get you to the Orbitz travel site. Adjust the itinerary to your personal most desired destination and see if you can leave immediately. Make your own choices.
Your reactions are solicited.
Really.
Was this site useful.
Did you sign up for a course?
Would you like more information before your language learning journey begins?
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poutine
Learning a new language is one of the best thing one can do to enjoy more out of life. Posted September 22, 2008 |
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MsMorrison
Great lens! You are right, we need to learn as many language as we can! Posted July 17, 2008 |
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LaraineRose
I found this lens very interesting. I am currently teaching ASL and wanted to compare the one offered here with mine. Very similar. I am sure that if a person really wanted to learn, this would be a good course to buy. Posted June 05, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Welcome to All Things Travel! Posted May 28, 2008 |
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