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based on text by Susan Gass, Ph.D.
Repetition
When learning a foreign language, repetition can seem boring, but it is the key to your success. Studies show that very high numbers of repetition are necessary for you to truly "own" a word. Repetition exercises can be verbal, aural, read or written.
Use Several of Your Senses
You will retain new vocabulary better if you speak the word out
loud as you write it down or read it. Writing characters while you
study can also help with retention.
Mirrors and Acting
Watch yourself in the mirror occasionally as you speak your foreign
language. Practice various postures, and try acting angry, happy,
or sad. Use the language to truly communicate your feelings so that
it has some context.
Make Mistakes
Some students are very nervous in foreign language class. You don't want to say something stupid and make a fool of yourself. However, learning a language almost guarantees that you will make mistakes. You just have to convince yourself that this is OK, and keep trying.
Ear Training
In your native language, you don't have to listen very well. You only actually hear some of the words being said and your brain fills in the rest. You can't do this when you are first learning a language. You have to train yourself to listen and listening to audio tapes can really help. It can take awhile to become accustomed to a native speaker's speech patterns, so don't become frustrated. Start listening in small amounts and build up more time as you go.
Study Strategies
Think about how you learn best, and then put those methods to work. Many people benefit from flash cards, word association, memory tricks, or making up sentences using new vocabulary words. Find a "study buddy" that you can meet with to study and discuss the material you're learning.
Translation
For any modern language, translation is considered a no-no, though occasionally you can't avoid it. Consider the following expression in English: to be in a pickle. If you were to translate this word-for-word into another language, it would be nonsensical. Other languages often say things in other ways and do not mirror English vocabulary or constructions.
Study Frequently
Study often for short periods of time. Four half-hour study periods are usually more effective than a two-hour block. Languages cannot be "crammed" at the last minute. They are learned through frequent practice and review.
Instructor/Tutor Help
Use your instructor's office hours for grammar help or additional listening practice. Go and just speak the language for a few minutes. If you decide to get a tutor, prepare for your tutoring session. Know what you want to work on and why, and study ahead of time.
Continuity
Don't take a semester off from your language instruction! You will forget your language at an alarming rate. If you are planning a break in your language sequence for any reason, speak with an advisor first.
Spring/Summer Courses
If you have trouble learning languages, continuing over the spring/summer
may be helpful. Continuing your language instruction gives you less
time to forget what you just learned. Spring/summer classes are
usually much smaller than during the academic year. Students are
given more chances to speak in class and more individual help. Spring/summer
classes are also more intensive as you are immersed in the language.
On a cautionary note, some students feel overwhelmed by the intensity
so you may want to speak with an advisor to decide whether a spring/summer
term is right for you.
Get Involved
The Language
Resource Center in the Modern Languages Building has international
news shows and additional listening materials, and the Romance Languages
and Literatures department has language
clubs you can join to get more practice with your foreign language
and really come to enjoy it.
Happy Learning!
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