Basics in Language Learning Dr Rob Waring Sanyo

Basics in Language Learning Dr. Rob Waring Sanyo Lectures, May 2017

Question time • What is the best way to learn a language? • Which is more important grammar or vocabulary? • Can you learn a language by studying it?

Language is a MEANING system There are – grammatical systems – vocabulary systems – discourse systems Language is social Language is functional – there are reasons you use it Language is interactive – so learners must interact Language has cultural meanings Learners need to learn more that just the four skills

About the language you are learning • If the foreign language is similar to yours you will learn it more quickly • Differences between two languages can prevent learning • Some parts of the language are harder to learn than others • Not all words or grammar are equally useful • We need to build fluency, speed, automaticity • Very few words can be translated perfectly 1 -1

How to learn • Language acquisition is a developmental process • People learning a language build up their own language systems • You need to meet lots of comprehensible input • It will take time – there is no quick solution • Only studying the ‘pieces of language’ is not enough • Studying is not the same as learning • Knowing a language is different from knowing about a language • Knowing about a language may help you learn it • Natives are not always the best model for language learning

There is no best way to learn • All methods work, but some are better than others. • Don’t only use one method • Productive skills (speaking and writing) are harder than receptive skills (listening and reading) • Knowing the topic you are reading helps you understand • Gestures and body-language are very useful • You need to meet language in a variety of social settings • Mistakes are normal • Mistakes are GOOD – they are part of the learning process

Use your brain well • • Use your memory intelligently It is normal to forget Repeat, practice, recycle Memorization is great – – but limited to learning ‘pieces of language’ but practice should be systematic • You cannot rely on memorization alone

Beginners vs advanced learners • Language learners seem to hit plateaus • Easy to learn the basics, it takes longer to be advanced • Knowledge of a language may lie dormant, but be reactivated

The Psychology of Learning • People are born to learn languages • Everyone can learn a second language • Mindsets and attitude are important – Fixed mindset – Growth mindset • • • If you believe you will be successful, you will probably be Make conscious effort Focus your attention (mindfulness “shisa kanko”) Learner attitudes affect motivation Fear of making mistakes can make learning harder

Motivation is important More motivation leads to more learning time Motivation must be seen to lead to success If you expect to succeed, you will be more likely to succeed Don’t be over-confident Worry and anxiety interfere with your language learning Too much correction or criticism can slow your learning The more positive you feel about the speakers of a language, the more motivation you will have to learn it • If you want to communicate with speakers of a language, you will be more motivated to learn it • If you need to use a language, you will be more motivated to learn it • •

Make it about you • People have learning styles – – Communicative vs. ‘study’ learners Group vs. solo learners • The more meaningful exposure, the more you learn • Some learners take on a different persona when speaking another language • Some learners resist sounding and acting differently • Some learners have a higher tolerance for ambiguity than others • Learners who use learning strategies effectively are more successful • Learning in your preferred learning style increases motivation and effectiveness

Translation has limits • • Learning by translation has limits Learners need to understand in the second language Translation is useful – to a point Translation is not structured – Learning should build on what you learnt before • Translation is limited to learning bits of language, not the system

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Why can't many learners read, listen, speak and write well? They haven't met the words and grammar enough times to feel comfortable using them They CANNOT speak until they feel comfortable using their knowledge They haven't developed a 'sense' of language yet Their language knowledge is often abstract, separated, discrete and very fragile so they forget This knowledge can't be turned into use easily There's too much work on “the pieces-of-language” and not enough comprehensible, meaningful, connected discourse

The Cycle of Learning Notice something Add to our knowledge Get more input (feedback) Try it out