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Viewing How to Overcome the Difficulties of Learning a 2nd LanguageHow to Overcome the Difficulties of Learning a 2nd Language
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By Alice Shown Learning a second language is no longer just for a select few people, but rather for hundreds of millions of people around the world who need a second language in order to get that job, be promoted, or to travel. In Canada, children grow up learning French in school until grade nine, at which time it is up to the students to decide whether or not they will continue. After learning French for all these years, I realized that I had not truly mastered the language nor could I talk with a native speaker in Canada's French-speaking province of Quebec. What I had learnt in school translated into being able to understand hundreds or possibly a thousand words all unrelated to the next. Although I knew all of these words, I was unable to put them together effectively in my head or with a French speaker to either communicate or comprehend what was being said. With all my years of French learning, I was effectively a person who did not know French because I could neither speak it nor understand it because I couldn't translate the French words back into English quickly enough. What started me on the path of improving my French and putting all the pieces of the French language puzzle together was using a variety of speaking related learning activities, which included speaking to my fiancee, who is fully fluent in French. I also used online speaking/listening content where I would listen or speak small sentences at a time. There are lots of online and offline programs, developed just for this type of learning, that focus on listening and putting sentences together rather than the usual memorization and individual words learned in traditional schooling in Canada. The best method I found that improved my French immensely was as simple as talking with other French speakers. Learning a second language doesn't have to be difficult, but can be fun if you talk with somebody you trust who won't criticize your mistakes to the point where you give up. If you don't have access to somebody who speaks the language you want to learn, there are websites offering online speaking practice that you can find with a native speaker of that language. English is probably the easiest language for which you can find qualified people online to help you. There are also other online language tutors who don't teach English if you look hard enough. Remember, learning doesn't have to be boring so take the time to find out what works for you. It's not all about memorization or rote learning. Most languages will reveal themselves to you with a lot of hands on practice without a book in front of you the whole time. About the Author: TalktoCanada.com is an online English language learning company that helps companies of all sizes and individuals around the world to learn English online using voice chat and a webcam with experienced native English tutors. If you would like to learn how live online English lessons can help you or your company, please visit TalktoCanada.com today and find out how you can improve your spoken English. Article Source: A Language Guide - http://www.a-language-guide.com |
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