How to learn Second language ?

How to learn a Second language?

It is a  major concern of many people in the world. They join many classes to improve their second language. But after spending a lot of money and precious time, they barely speak a little. They make silly mistakes even in normal day to day conversations. And eventually, they regret and decide to Quit.

Well, if you are one of those, then I am damn sure you will find this blog helpful and productive. So without further ado, let's get started.

Back in 1975, research done by linguistic " Stephen Krashen" over language acquisition where he first mentioned the word " Comprehensible input".

Comprehensible input means an input that is easy to understand and brain-friendly. According to Krashen, no one on the planet has learned to speak a language ever without comprehensible input. To be more specific, you can't learn to speak a language until you understand the input. He further added that input should be fun and entertaining.

We all go through these four processes while learning a language.

1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Speaking


Let's throw the light on these four components of language acquisitions. I am gonna break it down for you so that you could understand it as clear as Crystal.

1. LISTENING

It is the first step to language acquisition. It has a major role in language learning, it is also known as a natural method. Before I go deep in that I have a question.


"How do we learn our native language as a kid ?"

Ans- We first listen because at that time we have no knowledge of grammar, structure, reading, and writing, etc. Our parents make every effort possible to convey the message to us by gestures and body language etc.

For instance

They move their hand up and speak " stand up". When we don't get the input they show the demo by standing up and so on...

When we listen to one input over and over and over again, we start observing carefully and once we are done with observation. We start imitating and interacting slowly, initially we don't speak correctly and we even don't pronounce well. But bit by bit we rectify the mistake our own. And soon we become fluent in the language.

Also, see;-

Use of " Not to speak of"
Use of "Had better"

Let's conclude the points of LISTENING.

1. Observe
2. Imitate
2. Interact
3. Practice

Now, the question is

WHAT TO LISTEN?

Listen to something that is according to your level. Don't go beyond your level. Starting with some visual will be a better idea. Because visuals are easy to understand and entertaining as well.

1. Watch CARTOONS

As I said before, the input should be entertaining. Cartoons are fun and entertaining and also brain-friendly, and these days easily available on youtube. If you still find it difficult, you could watch cartoons with subtitles. Binge watch it.

2. Be all ears to your LANGUAGE TEACHER

We should always be all ears to our language teachers because they speak according to our level. They make use of gestures and different sorts of body language as well as examples to explain the things to us. So it becomes vitally important to listen to our language teacher carefully.

3. Listen to  Easy PODCAST

The podcast is nothing but the audio that doesn't contain any visual image. There is plenty of podcasts available on the internet. You could download and listen to it over and over again until it settles in your brain. Make use of a dictionary if you find any difficult words. Then again start listening to it.

Note:- Make sure you pick up easy stuff that you could understand up to 80% - 85%. You gotta make some research to choose your stuff. Once you choose such stuff then keep repeating it over and over again.

2. READING

It also plays an important role in language learning. According to Stephen Krashen, it has multi-benefits such as

1. It beefs up our vocabulary

Initially, learners fall short of vocabularies and they are unable to express their opinion when it comes to. Here is the good news, if you are a reader or you read on the regular basis you will acquire an enormous amount of vocabulary and the best things is, you will find it along with the use as well as the verb forms.

3. Reading improves your grammar.

When we read regularly we improve our grammar as well. You will be stunned to listen to this " If you read daily and make it your habit, you don't need to learn grammar and structures". While reading you come across many structures, in fact, every structure of grammar.

4. It improves your spelling mistakes

When reading becomes your regular habit you improve your spelling mistakes because most of them you get to read the same word again and again.

WHAT TO READ?

Many students are not able to figure out what to read. According to Stephen Krashen
Read anything that interests you, entertains you. Krashen calls it compelling input, it means you are so involved in reading that you forget about your mistake and enjoy reading too much. It is also known as free volunteer reading. Make reading compulsory every day and see the dramatic result in your language learning. Again choose the material that is easy and brain-friendly. If you can understand up to 70%.That will do.

1. Comic Books will a nice idea to start with

Comic books are easy, fun and entertaining. Because it has lots of visual images that make it more interesting. It is easily available to read.

2. Story Books

There are plenty of storybooks are available in the market. You could choose anyone that interest you. For example, if you like love stories then buy a love storybook.


Note:-  Make sure you read anything that is your level and make use of a dictionary in case you don't know the meaning of some words. Repeat the same story at least thrice. Once you start getting 100% out of that story. Then it's time to grab another one.

3. SPEAKING

It is people's favorite because they think that if they speak more and more they will acquire the language soon. Unfortunately, it is not true...Here is why
According to Mr. Krashen " SPEAKING is a result of LISTENING and READING". It means the more you listen and read the more you acquire the language. Once you are full of listening and reading, you will automatically start speaking.

I am gonna share some tips for speaking obsessed people. Here we go

1. Get into the habit of speaking the second language.

We tend to talk in our native language most of the time, but if you wanna learn the second language then you must speak daily used sentences in the second language. Start with very simple sentences and make it your habit.

2. Join an institute

You could join any institute where you find the environment of the second language. You could stay in touch with many of your friends and your teacher as well. And there will be someone to correct you once you make mistakes.