I keep hearing people actually defending not learning a language besides English. This is a common American trait. The only decent argument I have heard so far in favor of Americans not learning foreign languages went thus : the Dutch (for example) need to learn several languages in order to survive. But at what cost? They are not learning math and science and computers to the degree that Americans are. In that way we maintain our competitive edge.
Is that argument valid? As I look at statistics from around the world, it seems that America is in poor shape on the education front. It falls far behind European and Asian competitors. Granted, American universities are the best in the world overall, but even that is now vulnerable. Americas obsession with halting illegal immigration (which isn't working), is actually taking a terrible toll on legal immigration, particularly on students who want to go to an American university. Attendance at top non-American universities is rising at record rates. The brain drain to the US may be slowing.
The decline of the US education system actually increases the need for us to learn other languages, in order to compete more effectively in the global market. I recently read an article on a similar subject which referred to an environment of 'anti-intellectualism in America.' That is the problem.
Since when is it cool to be stupid?
Showing posts with label language learning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label language learning. Show all posts
Monday, September 01, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Veteran Language Learners and Published Language Methods
When it comes to using a published language learning method, it makes a very big difference whether you are experienced at studying languages or not. A veteran language learner will use those methods in very different ways than a beginner does. Or maybe I should say that a beginner expects a lot more from it than the veteran does.
Most published methods (software, audio courses, etc) are generally made for the beginner. They are designed to lead along beginners by the hand, spoon-feeding them their new language in small effortless doses.
This is great if you are a beginner. But the veteran has already finely honed the skill set required for language learning and can advance quicker than most published methods allow.
Few published methods include much material for intermediate and advanced learners. More experienced language learners seek out those methods that do, or use a lower level program which they know will give them the right foundation to build upon.
But they will also use other sources to learn from. Using their preferred methods as a base, they will smartly fill in the gaps with grammar books, listening to a lot of audio and extensive reading after the initial steps into the language.
Methods have their place, but complete reliance on them is a no-no for the veteran language learner.
What can we learn from this?
Don't rely on one just method. Look beyond it and use complementary materials to study and learn from. Listen to a lot of real-life audio and read a lot. It's not hard to find material and it's free. Don't expect one language method to do everything, and don't expect to sit back and do nothing. You still have to work at it.
Most published methods (software, audio courses, etc) are generally made for the beginner. They are designed to lead along beginners by the hand, spoon-feeding them their new language in small effortless doses.
This is great if you are a beginner. But the veteran has already finely honed the skill set required for language learning and can advance quicker than most published methods allow.
Few published methods include much material for intermediate and advanced learners. More experienced language learners seek out those methods that do, or use a lower level program which they know will give them the right foundation to build upon.
But they will also use other sources to learn from. Using their preferred methods as a base, they will smartly fill in the gaps with grammar books, listening to a lot of audio and extensive reading after the initial steps into the language.
Methods have their place, but complete reliance on them is a no-no for the veteran language learner.
What can we learn from this?
Don't rely on one just method. Look beyond it and use complementary materials to study and learn from. Listen to a lot of real-life audio and read a lot. It's not hard to find material and it's free. Don't expect one language method to do everything, and don't expect to sit back and do nothing. You still have to work at it.
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