Learning a Language: Going Back in Time
Ok. So I don't mean going back in time to the Roman period. But I do wish I could go back in time and be a kid again. Why? My 10 year old nephew speaks English. But he speaks Spanish, French, and Hebrew as well.
Now given my nephew is likely a genius, but children do acquire languages much easier than adults.
Why? After all, adults are the ones that are supposed to be disciplined enough to set aside time to study and learn a new language. Indeed in the United States millions of dollars are spent yearly by eager adults wanting to learn a new language.
But the truth of the matter is that like weight loss or exercise, millions of dollars spent do not translate into a real accomplishment.
Now its not entirely our fault. Adults simply don’t learn the way children do, because….they aren’t children! The mystery of how children acquire languages gives them a definite advantage. So what is the answer?
Well, for all the talk about the perfect method: Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur, Bertlitz, Eurotalk and more, there simply isn’t a “perfect method.”
They key I believe is to determine what your goals are and what learning method suits you best. Do you prefer to read or listen? Do you even have time to listen? Do you prefer to use a computer and interact with a program? Do you just want to learn how to communicate but aren’t concerned about reading?
Answer these questions and you will be on the right track.