Most of us are aware of the need, so we will not dwell in detail on all the arguments for learning a foreign language, well known to all for a long time. It is clear that this is a chance to find a better job, go to study abroad, work in global corporations and the like. It is clear that this is a completely different standard of living, better. And here’s how to motivate yourself and make learning a language more effective, told us Olena Ivanenko, Content writer, interpretor in the field of IT and digital – marketing
About «how» and «why»
Let’s start with the «theoretical» – what is our goal, our «why?». I propose to rename it to a kind of «personal internal driver». After all, it is quite obvious that for any complex thought process we have something to control. Without goals, it is difficult to cope in the long run. Obviously, motivation is a personal thing and everyone has their own. Although, in my opinion, there is one universal motive – it’s to enjoy the process. What else can be considered «universal internal drivers»? For example, the fact that we literally have to benefit from training and inspiration. When it comes to «how exactly?». You should start with an analysis of personal learning methods, i.e. personal comfort in the process of learning the language. For example, some people find it convenient to study in large classrooms, others – in small groups of two or three students, and someone can only learn the language alone with the teacher. The indicator should always be a feeling of comfort, the absence of internal tensions, barriers and, of course, the results. The pace, rhythm and format of training should also be comfortable for you.
About learning words
It doesn’t make sense to learn new words without understanding the context. After all, this is how our linguistic memory is arranged – we are able to better remember new information in fragments, so-called clusters. This means that it is more useful to learn new vocabulary in individual elements of the text and within one or a similar topic. The main thing is not chaotic! The next step should be improvisation. Even with a small vocabulary from the beginning, you can start combining words into sentences – then into topics, stories, etc. For example, you study the topic «Food and Drinks». How can one properly «cluster» vocabulary? For example, create a restaurant menu, look for recipes for your favorite dishes, come up with your own recipe, using as many words from a new topic. For the best effect, find any video or audio material on your chosen topic to hear how the new vocabulary is used in different contexts. Music lovers have a significant advantage in this sense: memorizing songs and poems is a useful tool for learning a foreign language. After all, it is a rhythmic language that trains our linguistic memory and helps us feel more relaxed.
About comfort
If we combine the terms «comfort» and «learning», it is impossible to ignore the Bulgarian teacher and scientist Georgiy Lozanov, who in the 1960s developed a method of suggestopedia to accelerate the study of foreign languages. The scientist is also called the «Father of accelerated learning». As a doctor and specialist in psychology and neurology, Georgiy Lozanov came to the conclusion that new material is absorbed much better when students feel comfortable, free, without nervous and muscular tensions. During the classes, the Bulgarian teacher turned on classical music in the background, for example, works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Arcangelo Corelli, Giuseppe Tartini and other prominent composers. The music was always played in a slow rhythm, which gave the most relaxing effect and had a positive effect on the state of the nervous system in students, slowing the heart rate. By the way, the training of dubbing interpreters often begins with the fact that they are trained in proper breathing techniques to replenish the internal stress, which can significantly impair the quality of training.
About associations
Remember how we emotionally perceived any new information as children? Everything seemed real, alive, the colors became brighter in our imagination, and the food – the taste. Not surprisingly, modern parents prefer to teach their children a foreign language from an early age, because the period up to six or seven years is considered a sensitive period of speech development: there are no barriers to communication, better sense of language and sound perception. However, the development of associative thinking will not prevent adults. Let’s say you study the topic «Professions». It’s great to imagine yourself in these professions: where and with whom you will work, what you will do. Train new vocabulary! If this is the theme «Colors» – imagine their appearance; «Dishes» – feel the taste; «Flowers» – remember the smell. There are many examples, and it does not require a lot of effort, and over time can even become a pleasant practice.
About handwriting
With such a rapid transfer of everything to the online format, it is still extremely important to leave something on paper. No wonder new ideas are written on stickers, and plans are implemented in our notebooks. Why so? Writing by hand, we connect tactile sensations. Each of our touches creates new neural connections, which means we train our memory every time. No keyboard will ever replace the mechanism of our memory through tactile sensations. Inscriptions on paper allow you to better understand and see the connections. This facilitates the analysis of information, improves concentration, helps to better structure the material. Handwriting stimulates the same areas of the brain as meditation. Not surprisingly, the technique of «Correspondence» is actively used by psychologists and psychotherapists in working with patients.
These simple and at the same time important ideas can change our attitude to learning a new language and gain a sense of freedom, satisfaction from the implementation of plans and dreams. The main thing is to practice!
