You’ve probably heard that it’s extremely difficult for adults to learn a second language. You may even have proof: You tried it yourself, and it didn’t work. But maybe that’s because you took the wrong approach.
Stephen Krashen has a better idea. In the 1980s, Krashen, now professor emeritus at the University of Southern California, developed the Comprehensible Input Theory of language acquisition. The word acquisition, as opposed to learning, is key.
Learning is what you did in school: memorizing vocabulary lists and rules of grammar, taking tests, and awkwardly trying to pronounce Me llamo Juan or Comment vas-tu? Acquisition, on the other hand, is picking up a second language in more or less the same way you learned your first: by listening to and engaging with people speaking the language. Your brain does the rest without much conscious effort on your part.
—-Learning Language Like a Baby Could Help Adults Learn a Second Language Easier
This is the approach that Duolingo takes, and I’ve learned a lot. I’m still using it a little bit every day and have also been spending time watching Netflix videos with Spanish subtitles. Some of it is sticking without much effort on my part.
If anyone would like to play with Duolingo, I have a family plan and can add a few members with no cost to them. Their sessions would be completely confidential, just no charge. If you are interested in trying it, please let me know.
September 2, 2024
It’s all Greek to me; or is it Double Dutch?
God bless.
🙂
Since its free I should try it, the last time I tried was several years ago, maybe longer than that. Please add my name.. I now know dia and noche, todays post is Day and Night
I issued an invitation.
That sounds like it might work…
Yes.
…I’m still trying to master English.
😀
It sure is challenging but really worth the effort!
The trick is to make it fun.
I would love to, but I would want to pay my share. I had 4 years of French and was conversational in it. Then I didn’t use it and found I lost the language. It’s in there somewhere, I just cannot find it!
I issued an invitation.
Interesting approach!
20 years ago I’d have loved the opportunity to ‘acquire’ Italian, but in this season I just don’t feel led. Thank you for the generous offer, however.
I was suddenly struck by the “motivational urge”, otherwise I wouldn’t have started.
This is so sweet of you!! You are really sticking with it. I want to know how you are doing, and how you like the rehab place. You never complain, so I am wondering…
Thank you!
I want to want to do this. But, I know I would not follow through enough to actually get someplace. Thanks for the offer, though.
If you change your mind, let me know. 🙂
I think those dogs know when they’re being photographed. Even from behind!
They do know how to pose. 🙂
That makes sense. I can see how that would be a much easier way of learning a new language.
🙂