Language Learning; Part Four

Chapter 4, Learning a Foreign Language From a Teacher, makes it clear that learning to speak a living language cannot be accomplished solely through the use of books, such as grammars and dictionaries, but must be accomplished through instruction from native speakers. There are several different methods for obtaining such instruction. Beyond initial pointing and mimicry as has already been discussed, one can receive language training from a linguistically trained native speaker who can guide the study, from a private tutor or classroom teacher, or in the case of an aboriginal language, from a native speaker who can use some intermediate language. Careful attention to pronunciation should be given, and students should implore their instructors for correction of pronunciation at all times.

In addition to the formal instruction received from such teachers, it is also most beneficial for the language student to constantly engage in self-motivated exercises that will provide supplemental instruction and quicken the process toward total assimilation. One such exercise would be to personally create or expand drills of illustrative sentences using new words and phrases learned during formal lessons. Another helpful suggestion is to make a collection of useful phrases and review them constantly. Words should never be memorized as isolated items, but in meaningful combinations. Additional suggestions for personal supplementary study attempts include: reading aloud for a tutor and listening to the tutor read (including reading of the Bible), speaking with a tutor in planned conversation, associating with native speakers as much as possible (including living with a local family), writing down all new words during selective listening periods, listening to the radio, attending lectures and public entertainment, and attending church in the native language. Writing the language should also be attempted but only after learning to express oneself orally. Lastly, it should be noted that unused skills are readily lost, and therefore, all attempts to keep up with the language must be made.