The secret of how to learn a language…
The secret of how to learn a language…
The secret is that there is no secret, no magic method, no easy way.
Sorry. It’s like any other skill – lots of hard work is involved to get to a good level. You have to master the grammar, get your mouth round the pron (pronunciation), learn lots of words (ideally in context and in “chunks”).
There’s lots of pain and you have to be prepared to be bored, frustrated, puzzled, desperate and you will often want to give up! But don’t – just watch and listen to someone who speaks another language fluently and see what pride there is and what fun they have. That could be you, really!
The first time you manage to use the language when travelling, even if it’s just to do the most banal thing, you will be delighted.
As you learn more and more and your ability to understand when native speakers talk to you improves, you will find there is a snowball effect, where suddenly you understand things you didn’t think you knew and use words you hadn’t even heard of!!
The Language Academy, based in Winchester but expanding to other parts of the UK, including SW London, will help you on your journey with lessons in the language. You will never learn a language by listening to someone talk about it in English. You have to get stuck in, be prepared to make mistakes and laugh at them/yourself!
Whether it’s French, Spanish, Italian… (more languages to follow), check out our locations and pick a time and day that suit you!
Chris Polatch, FRSA, MIL, Director, Steady Course Ltd
