How to Learn German Interactively
Learning German interactively brings meaningful communication to the language-learning process. Interactive learning practices allow you to develop foreign-language reception facilities, communicate more effectively and improve your ability to understand and respond to the German language. Learning a foreign language interactively, such as German, is possible when the communicative process entails an authentic and meaningful exchange, according to Wilga M. Rivers, a TESOL.org authority on the psychological and linguistic aspects of language acquisition
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Instructions
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Enroll in a German-language class that prioritizes interaction and deduction as the primary teaching approach and uses active, imaginative and innovative teaching practices.
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Attend German-language get-togethers in your community. Interacting with other German language-learners in social settings facilitates authentic conversational practices, such as making small talk.
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Find a German-speaking language partner or hire a German-speaking tutor. You can find people by posting an advertisement at a local university, language school or international community center or through an online classified service. Asking your friends via social media is also an option. Aim to meet the language partner or tutor at least once a week to play games, have discussions or read and talk about German-language articles, texts or cultural artifacts. Use a German dictionary to look up unfamiliar vocabulary during the interaction.
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Become roommates with a German speaker or multiple German speakers residing in your community in student dormitories, shared apartments or international houses and politely request to speak German together.
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Interact with German speakers in online community groups, such as mylanguageexchange.com. Use chats, videos, emails or phone calls to communicate with German speakers who may not reside in your immediate vicinity.
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Travel or move to a German-speaking country or region to interact with native German speakers in natural environments such as shops, stores, cultural events or in home-stays.
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Enroll in school, university or another educational program where the language of instruction is in German. Using German regularly to learn the coursework and interact with fellow students and instructors will significantly enhance fluency in German. This option may be possible only once you are at an intermediate level or higher.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not be afraid to make mistakes; the purpose of interactive learning is to raise the stakes of language practice by putting you into meaningful communicative settings regardless of your level of fluency.
While Germany is an obvious destination for German-language learners, there are also native German speakers in European countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium. In South American, Brazil and Argentina have more than 20 million native German speakers.
Many German nationals and other German speakers learn English and will speak English with a beginner out of decorum or to ensure understanding; be prepared to explain to English-speaking Germans and other German speakers that you would like to learn German and request their help and patience.
Supplement interactive learning with formal, grammar-based writing, speaking, reading and listening exercises in a coursebook in a course or on your own.
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