Language Learning; Part Two

Chapter two, Principles of Language Learning, exposes the deficiencies of traditional methods for teaching languages as well as explains the best procedure by which to tackle learning a foreign tongue. Unfortunately, when adults desire to learn to speak a foreign language, they are usually taught a backwards method that begins with reading and writing the language which is then followed by conversation practice in a classroom. The comparison is made to a man who attempts to learn to swim by reading a book rather than getting in the water. Instead, the best procedure for learning to speak a foreign language is the same way a child learns to speak his mother tongue: first by listening, then speaking, and lastly, reading and writing.

Students learning a foreign language would do well to expose themselves to native speakers of that language as much as possible in order to develop an ear for the sounds, intonations, and gestures being used. It is pointed out that one of the most common errors in language learning is the failure to practice hearing. But only after learning to sit and listen can one do well with speaking. Mimicry of the sounds should also be attempted from the very first day. This involves acute and constant observation, “throwing oneself into the language,” and continual practice. Just as with learning to swim or play the piano, constant practice in mimicry is absolutely essential in attempting to speak a foreign language. Without it, one cannot hope to achieve fluency.

Automatic ability to speak in a foreign tongue is the ultimate goal and comes by three processes: drill and repetition, thinking in the foreign language, and continued opportunities to use it. To learn to speak, one must speak! A missionary who wishes to reach people with the Gospel will find that learning to speak, first through listening and then through conversation, will pave the way for effective evangelistic efforts in the future.