Squidll’s Post

Blog on Learning a new language: Learning a new language is like embarking on a thrilling adventure, where each step brings you closer to unlocking a treasure trove of culture and communication. My personal journey into the Korean language has been nothing short of exhilarating. It all began with the building blocks: vowels and grammar rules. Korean script, known as Hangul, is a marvel of simplicity and logic. Each character represents a distinct sound, making it remarkably intuitive to learn. As I delved deeper, the intricate grammar structure of Korean unfolded before me. Unlike English, Korean follows a subject-object-verb (SOV) order, and it boasts a rich system of honorifics and politeness levels. Mastering these nuances was key to constructing meaningful sentences and expressing myself accurately. In my quest for knowledge, YouTube emerged as a powerful ally. The platform's vast array of Korean language tutorials provided me with a wealth of resources. From pronunciation guides to grammar explanations, YouTube became my virtual classroom. Its visual and auditory aids enhanced my learning experience, making complex concepts easier to grasp. Now, armed with newfound knowledge, I can proudly say that I can read and write Korean. While my journey is far from over, the progress I've made fills me with a sense of accomplishment. Learning Korean has not only honed my linguistic skills but has also deepened my appreciation for Korean culture and its people. For those contemplating a foray into a new language, I offer this advice: start with the basics, stay consistent, and immerse yourself in the language. Whether through online resources like YouTube or traditional methods, the key is to keep learning and practicing. The rewards of mastering a new language are immense, offering a gateway to new friendships, opportunities, and a broader understanding of the world.

【Enhancing Language Learning: The Four Pillars - Enjoyment, Methods, System, Patience】 In today's rapidly globalizing world, the ability to speak multiple languages is a valuable skill that opens doors to new opportunities and enriches our understanding of different cultures. Learning a new language can be a rewarding journey, but it requires dedication and a strategic approach. In a recent TED talk, we delved into four essential pillars for mastering a foreign language: Enjoyment, Methods, System, and Patience. Enjoyment: The key to successful language learning is finding joy in the process. When we are genuinely interested in a language and its culture, the learning experience becomes more engaging and effective. Whether it's through music, movies, or conversations with native speakers, incorporating elements of fun and passion into our study routine can significantly boost our motivation and retention. Methods: Adopting effective learning methods is crucial for making progress in language acquisition. From vocabulary drills to language exchange programs, exploring different techniques and resources can help us grasp complex grammar rules and improve our fluency. Experimenting with diverse study methods allows us to tailor our approach to our individual learning style and preferences. System: Establishing a structured system for language learning is essential for maintaining consistency and tracking our progress. Setting specific goals, creating a study schedule, and monitoring our performance can help us stay organized and focused on our objectives. By breaking down the learning process into manageable steps, we can steadily advance towards fluency and build a strong foundation in the language. Patience: Language learning is a gradual and ongoing process that requires patience and perseverance. Embracing setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles, is key to overcoming hurdles and advancing in our language proficiency. Cultivating a patient mindset allows us to stay resilient in the face of difficulties and maintain a positive attitude towards our learning journey. By the way, making connections and chatting with me is a great method to learn Chinese! 😁 #LanguageLearning #PersonalDevelopment #CulturalExchange #GlobalCitizenship #pipeline #flange #fittings #stainlesssteelpipe

Discover your gateway to effortless language learning with TUTOROO! Personalized, one-on-one lessons that adapt to your schedule and learning style. Embrace fluency on your terms. https://lnkd.in/gkycCtk2

Effective Language Learning Resources for Australian Children Discover the top language learning tools and methods tailored for Australian children. Perfect your child's bilingual skills with ease.

You've reached the intermediate plateau? Say it ain't so! My newest article breaks down the reasons why language learning starts to slow during the intermediate levels and how you can push through this challenging period. Hopefully these tips reach someone who needs them because they are ones I wish I had known 10 years ago! https://lnkd.in/gdUbHUun

Overconfidence in language learning can hinder growth; Here is how I manage such learners. In one of my recent posts, I have dealt with the significance of self-awareness in language learning. However, the real challenge lies in fostering this self-awareness in learners. In my experience, many undergraduate students exhibit a tendency towards overconfidence in their English abilities. While confidence is certainly beneficial, it can become problematic when it veers into overconfidence. Whenever I engage with a new class, I often begin by assessing their self-perceived proficiency in English. What I've observed is that many students rate themselves highly, when in reality, their skills are only average or even below average. Conversely, those who rate themselves lower often possess above-average proficiency. To address this, I advocate for implementing evaluation tests at the outset of classes. These assessments can help learners accurately gauge their language skills, setting a foundation for future learning. This also allows us to focus our attention on those who are genuinely open to learning and avoid awkward situations where a student may get embarrassed as his/her ignorance gets exposed. Therefore, I recommend initiating classes with an evaluation test to help learners recognize their true language abilities and areas for improvement, setting them up for success in future lessons. If you find my posts valuable, consider resharing and following. If you are interested, you can also sign up for my newsletter from my website link above.

They say learning a foreign language takes 1500 hours. That sounds like a long time. At 2 hours a day, that’s 750 days, or ~2 years. When I was learning Spanish, it took me ~19 months to get there. But what they *don’t* tell you is that each of those 1500 hours gives you the opportunity to consume awesome entertainment, just like you do in English. Imagine: - 45 minutes of podcasts during your commute - 30 minutes of YouTube videos in the evening - 45 minutes of reading a novel before bed How much of that do you already do in your native language? No matter your media preferences, you can always squeeze some time in to consume content in your target language. The only hard part is building a base and getting started. But once you do, you’ll get sucked in and addicted to making incremental progress toward learning your target language by becoming a connoisseur of the language’s best entertainment. Plus, add on the positive feedback loop of progress giving you motivation to make further progress, and the 1500 hours will whiz by. In fact, you might one day become nostalgic (like me) of the time you were learning your target language - you’ll associate it with all the fond memories of novels and TV shows. I always tell people language learning is like a productivity hack. You can invest your time in yourself, while scarcely sacrificing your relaxation time. The only barrier to experiencing this is picking your favorite target language and getting started.

Does online language learning work? To be fair, what works is whatever you put quality effort into. So, a better question would be, “How can we make online language learning work?” Here's what I recommend based on my few months of experience in language tutoring: ⭐ Work with a comfortable schedule Consistency is a major struggle for many language learners. That’s understandable because there are a hundred other things vying for our time and attention. Not to mention that language learning can be tasking, too. That’s why working with a feasible schedule is a no-brainer. You need a learning routine to get the best of language classes. The time you choose should also be when you’re relaxed and in your element. Language classes shouldn’t be like an academic setting with a tense and formal atmosphere. It’s essential that you have fun and keep the learning relatable to make good progress. ⭐ It’s all about practice Languages are not meant to be classroom coursework; they are meant to be spoken. The best way to learn a language is by speaking it. I admit that this is one of the key drawbacks of online learning. Students can attend classes and forget about what they’ve learned until the next session. This is why we provide our learners with resources that help them practice the language on their own. We are also testing community learning, where we bring learners together to chat freely and gain first-hand experience with their language. ⭐ Book a tutor with Prepmewell 😉 Hahaha 😄. You saw that one coming, right? Here’s why I boldly recommend our services: - We only hire tutors with language teaching experience. - We obsess over improving our class quality. - We don’t joke with feedback. - We provide you with learning resources. - We help you track your progress. Building an online solution to a real-time problem involves many hurdles, but I believe it’s 100% doable. We just have to keep learning and iterating.

*The Benefits of Learning a Second Language Early: 8 Advantages* Learning a second language from a young age offers numerous benefits that extend beyond linguistic proficiency. For children, early exposure to a second language can significantly impact cognitive development, academic achievement, and cultural understanding. Here are eight advantages of starting this journey early in life: Enhanced Cognitive Development: Learning a second language from a young age enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and multitasking skills. Improved Academic Performance: Bilingual children often perform better academically, particularly in subjects like reading, math, and vocabulary. Cultural Understanding and Empathy: Early language learning nurtures cultural awareness and empathy by exposing children to different ways of thinking and living. Enhanced Communication Skills: Bilingual children typically have stronger communication skills, including better listening abilities and a broader vocabulary base. Increased Career Opportunities: Being bilingual opens up a wider range of career opportunities later in life, as many employers value language skills in a globalized world. Flexibility in Thinking: Learning a second language early encourages flexibility in thinking and the ability to see situations from multiple perspectives. Delaying Cognitive Decline: Studies suggest that bilingualism may delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's. Personal Growth and Adaptability: Early exposure to a second language promotes personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and languages. At DiYES International School, early language learning is integral to our curriculum, providing students with a rich linguistic and cultural education. By emphasizing the benefits of multilingualism from an early age, DiYES International School prepares students not only for academic success but also for personal and professional growth in an increasingly interconnected world.

I've always been fascinated by how active learning techniques can revolutionize language teaching. From the moment I started integrating these methods into my classes, it has been a transformative experience. One powerful technique is 'peeling the fruit' for comprehension, which I've already written about in detail. There are numerous other active learning strategies, such as think-pair-share, that foster collaboration and deep understanding among students. However, today I want to delve into the +1 routine. This technique has been incredibly effective in my classes for several reasons: Recalling Discussions: The +1 routine helps students remember key points from class discussions. At the end of a lesson, each student adds one new piece of information they learned, reinforcing their understanding and recall. Central Ideas of Texts: When analyzing texts, students can use the +1 routine to identify and discuss the central idea. Each student contributes one insight or piece of evidence supporting the main theme, which encourages deeper analysis and comprehension. Recalling Grammatical Terms: This technique is also useful for grammar lessons. After learning new grammatical terms, students can use the +1 routine to recall and apply these terms in sentences, solidifying their grasp of the concepts. Formative Assessments: I’ve successfully used the +1 routine to conduct formative assessments. By having students share one thing they learned or found challenging, I can gauge their understanding and address any gaps in knowledge. Overall, the +1 routine has been a hit in my classes, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that encourages active participation and reinforces key concepts. #ELT #activelearningtechniques #teaching