Ways to Learn a New Language
In the past, the best way to learn a new language was by living in another country. Although it is still the preferred method to become fluent in a language, new technology makes it possible for others to learn languages without leaving their homes. Camps and classes enable students to interact with others and build their conversation skills while learning more about the unique culture and customs of other countries.
Other People Are Reading
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Books
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Start by checking out the language materials available from your local library. Barron's Publishing and Berlitz are two well-known language book publishers. They both publish a variety of study materials in many different languages for all ages.
Barron's "At a Glance" series enables users to quickly learn key phrases they will need when traveling abroad for work or business. Berlitz's "Self Teacher" series emphasizes learning vocabulary words first, then building basic sentences around those words.
Compact Discs
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The disadvantage of book-only learning is that students cannot hear how letters and words are pronounced in the foreign language. Audio compact discs can solve this problem.
Berlitz and Barron's also offer book/compact disc kits in many different languages.
Barron's "Fast and Fun Way" series includes a compact disc and an accompanying workbook filled with puzzles, maps, humorous illustrations and pull-out vocabulary cards. Workbook exercises are reinforced through the oral exercises on the CD.
Berlitz's "Rush Hour" series uses music to reinforce language skills. It is designed to be used while commuting to a job or working out in a gym.
Simon and Schuster's Pimsleur Language Program is an audio-only method for learning languages. It has no workbooks or other printed materials. Instead, students listen to a series of audio lessons in 30 minute segments. Each lesson builds upon vocabulary and grammar learned in the previous lesson, while adding new elements to keep the subject interesting.
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DVDs
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DVD programs combine still photos, films and audio tracks to teach a foreign language. Students learn by seeing a picture of a common vocabulary word, hearing the word and then orally repeating it. This category includes everything from Brainy Baby's Bilingual Baby series, which is designed for children under five years, to Rosetta Stone, an intensive program used by the U.S. State Department's employees to learn a language before going abroad for work assignments.
Websites
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Many university language departments have websites with language tutorials. For example, Utah State University has two free introductory Chinese language lessons online. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has online courses in Japanese, German, Spanish and Chinese.
Companies and cultural organizations may also offer online language courses. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has interactive courses in Chinese, Japanese and five European languages. The Alliance Francaise's "Click on French" program can qualify students to earn a French language diploma.
Classes and Camps
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Many cultural organizations, community education programs, community colleges and universities offer classroom instruction in foreign languages. Classroom learning offers a major advantage; students learn by hearing, speaking and interacting in a live setting. Some courses include field trips to local museums and restaurants where students can practice their conversational skills and learn about the culture of their chosen language.
Another way to learn a language is by attending a language camp. Concordia Language Camps offers one to four week camps in 15 different languages ranging from Arabic to Swedish. These intensive immersion camps, which are held each summer in northern Minnesota, are conducted entirely in the foreign language and include games, songs, crafts, sports and even meals from the host country.
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