First, Immersion is necessary.
It's difficult to pick up any spoken language or at any rate to acquire it quickly, unless you set about thinking with that language. The solution is to steep yourself within it.
Second, think as though you were a child!
How children acquire language? By imitation, repetition of speech sounds, and most importantly, by not being timid. Just begin speaking, even if it sounds as though you're blathering. Keep an eye on the expressions of native-born speakers when they enunciate their words; examine how they move their lips. Imitate these aspects and speech sounds precisely as if you were a child. Whether you interpret what they imply precisely or not, sooner or later you'll start using these speech sounds in suitable situations. They'll come along, magically. This is the method for how to learn a language fluently.
Third, employ the following question "How do you say it?"
In addition to general greetings, the single question you want to learn and always have ready is "How do you say that?" Native speakers are your foremost instructors: lay out a regular goal for yourself of having so many discussions, daily discussing with people concerning affairs you're curious about, but may not recognize the words for. Even when you can't complete a discussion, you are on the path to learn a language fluently.
Fourth, write it out
After having discussions, write the things you recall hearing but couldn't originally interpret. Then go back and employ a dictionary. Search their words; assemble the discussion back together in your mind. And then, the next time you have a similar conversation, apply what you acquired.
Fifth, Utilize television, films, music
Watch films, pay heed to music, and browse newspapers and magazines. It's entertaining and improves your enunciation and understanding.
Sixth, gestural clues
Beyond words, keep an eye on native speakers while they speak. Intermixing body language with this new spoken language assists you with more adept communicating. This has particular significance within cultures where language is intimately associated with gestures.
Seventh, be emotive!
Emotional experiences frequently etch effects onto our memory. Utilize awkward / laughable / irritating experiences by associating them with your new language.
Eighth, set out with other people and then go it alone.
If you follow these instructions you should soon find yourself able to learn a language fluently.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Foreign Accent:: It Is a Part Of Your Identity
If you have a foreign accent, you probably have a love/hate relationship with it. On one hand, you know that your accent is a part of who you are and points back to your country of origin, a place you likely have fond memories of. On the other hand, your accent can cause you to stand out, and some people have a difficult time understanding you when you speak if your accent is quite heavy.
As you learn English, you are learning not only vocabulary and grammar, but also the sounds of the language. This is why you spend so much time imitating sounds and speaking the language out loud. A lot of practice makes your pronunciation much more clear, but you can struggle with some sounds. This is because your native tongue does not have some of the sounds the English language has. This is no different than the struggles a native English speaker would have when trying to learn Spanish. As an adult, your mouth has been trained to form certain sounds and not others, and the sounds of your native tongue carry over into your English speech. This is why it is so difficult to completely remove an accent, because it is literally a part of the person that you are.
Your accent is part of who you are. Many people across the world find foreign accents quite beautiful. Some actors and actresses are chosen for major film roles just for their accent or ability to portray an accent. Accents sound romantic and exotic to the listener in many situations. If your accent is thick, it may be difficult for other people to understand you when you speak English. This can lead to other problems.
Your accent makes you unique, but if it is causing trouble for you, you may want to do something about it. The good news is that you do not have to get rid of your accent altogether if you wish to improve your speaking ability.
What you can do to improve your ability to communicate is work on the strength of your accent. You can actually practice aloud that will help you form the sounds that you are struggling with when speaking English.
As you learn English, you are learning not only vocabulary and grammar, but also the sounds of the language. This is why you spend so much time imitating sounds and speaking the language out loud. A lot of practice makes your pronunciation much more clear, but you can struggle with some sounds. This is because your native tongue does not have some of the sounds the English language has. This is no different than the struggles a native English speaker would have when trying to learn Spanish. As an adult, your mouth has been trained to form certain sounds and not others, and the sounds of your native tongue carry over into your English speech. This is why it is so difficult to completely remove an accent, because it is literally a part of the person that you are.
Your accent is part of who you are. Many people across the world find foreign accents quite beautiful. Some actors and actresses are chosen for major film roles just for their accent or ability to portray an accent. Accents sound romantic and exotic to the listener in many situations. If your accent is thick, it may be difficult for other people to understand you when you speak English. This can lead to other problems.
Your accent makes you unique, but if it is causing trouble for you, you may want to do something about it. The good news is that you do not have to get rid of your accent altogether if you wish to improve your speaking ability.
What you can do to improve your ability to communicate is work on the strength of your accent. You can actually practice aloud that will help you form the sounds that you are struggling with when speaking English.
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