What Good Language Learners Can Teach Us
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What makes a language learner an effective acquirer of a foreign language? What methods and approaches do they use that enables them to become fluent more quickly than the average language learner? What can we learn from their techniques that we can pass on to other language learners?
They take and create opportunities to use the language
-Many language learners avoid using the language in the early stages for fear of a breakdown in communication. The good language learner, on the other hand, uses the language at every available opportunity. They are forever seeking out opportunities both to use and to hear the language, e.g. chatting with storekeepers (rather than just purchasing the goods they have gone there to buy); asking people at the bus stop how to get to where they want to go (even though they are clear on this already!) instead of just getting on the bus; asking someone in the street to explain some unusual object or event (rather than just passing it by); asking someone on the bus or train to explain something in their Chinese textbook, etc.. All the while, therefore, they are taking and creating opportunities to use the language.
They practice what they have just acquired
-Many language learners practice in class, but few practice enough outside the classroom. The good language learner practices what they have just learnt as soon as possible. For example, while on bus or bicycle, they are going through in their mind what they have recently learnt in class by holding an imaginary conversation with someone. And straight after class, or in the evening, they visit their sympathetic listeners (whether they be neighbors, street vendors, store assistants, etc.) telling them what they have just learnt that day.
They are willing to try anything in order to get their message across
-Many language students, if they don't know the correct word or phrase for what they wish to communicate, simply avoid the subject completely or use English. The good language learner, possessing such a strong desire to communicate, is willing to try out different ways in order to get their message across. For instance, if they don't know the word for 'language school', they might say (in Chinese), "the place where I learn Chinese". They even resort to acting if necessary! They are willing to try almost anything, even to appear foolish if necessary, in order to communicate.
They are willing to live with uncertainty
-The average language learner, when hearing something which they don't understand, often feels embarrassed and may try to change to another topic of conversation. The good language learner doesn't give up so easily! They are able to overcome their initial feelings of uneasiness, and in fact, may even enjoy it -- seeing it as a game to be played! They hazard a guess as to what the meaning might be, trying out their hunches by asking suitable questions which they hope will shed light on the matter. The good language learner uses all the clues which the context of the conversation offers them. And they are content to rest with a general conclusion as to what the meaning might be, knowing that everything will clarify itself later (hopefully!).
They monitor their own speech as well as the speech of others
Many language students are so bound up with getting their message across or trying to understand what the other person is trying to say that they learn little from the communication process. The good language learner, however, is firstly monitoring their own speech -- listening to themselves speak and noting how their speech is being received by their listeners (e.g. facial expressions, etc.). To them, such feedback is very important. Then, secondly, they are monitoring the other person's speech -- noting how they use words and phrases, as well as grammar structures.
