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http://www.splagkhna.org/language-learning/ Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.1.1 http://www.splagkhna.org/language-learning/#comment-6660 Markus Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:57:40 +0000 http://www.splagkhna.org/language-learning/#comment-6660 I thought that I had some general idea of what it was to learn a language, but then I started learning Japanese. I had expected it to be different, but even now the utter otherness of it continues to surprise me. It really teaches you to be patient. You have to get used to the fact that, even after years of study, you may not yet be able to understand simple conversations. Also, it was the first time in my life that I had to do serious, head-on memorization. There's just no such thing as "naturally absorbing" the writing system. Which is all to say that I have become a bit disinclined to work with the general concept of "learning a language." The way I want to think of it now, learning Italian is a completely different project from learning Japanese, and learning Japanese is probably completely different from learning Hindu. At any rate, good luck with Armenian, let me know how it's going. I thought that I had some general idea of what it was to learn a language, but then I started learning Japanese. I had expected it to be different, but even now the utter otherness of it continues to surprise me. It really teaches you to be patient. You have to get used to the fact that, even after years of study, you may not yet be able to understand simple conversations. Also, it was the first time in my life that I had to do serious, head-on memorization. There’s just no such thing as “naturally absorbing” the writing system. Which is all to say that I have become a bit disinclined to work with the general concept of “learning a language.” The way I want to think of it now, learning Italian is a completely different project from learning Japanese, and learning Japanese is probably completely different from learning Hindu. At any rate, good luck with Armenian, let me know how it’s going.

]]> http://www.splagkhna.org/language-learning/#comment-6673 Zoey Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:40:42 +0000 http://www.splagkhna.org/language-learning/#comment-6673 Similarly, I've often felt that there is no 'trick' to learning languages. True, as adult learners we may need technical guidance, but essentially, I've felt like the acquisition of my second and third languages felt like 'learning by osmosis'. Okay, the processes are slightly different, but when learning your native tongue I certainly never sat down and conjugated irregular verbs parrot fashion yet most people progress to a high level in reasonably short space of time. What suggests that repetitive applied study is the best way to learn a second language? I firmly believe that the most thorough and efficient way to learn a language is immersion and engaging with the language in practical situations wherever possible. Of course Markus, nor am I suggesting that you can naturally pick up the Japanese writing system either! I too wish you luck with the new language Patrick - what made you choose Armenian? Similarly, I’ve often felt that there is no ‘trick’ to learning languages. True, as adult learners we may need technical guidance, but essentially, I’ve felt like the acquisition of my second and third languages felt like ‘learning by osmosis’. Okay, the processes are slightly different, but when learning your native tongue I certainly never sat down and conjugated irregular verbs parrot fashion yet most people progress to a high level in reasonably short space of time. What suggests that repetitive applied study is the best way to learn a second language? I firmly believe that the most thorough and efficient way to learn a language is immersion and engaging with the language in practical situations wherever possible. Of course Markus, nor am I suggesting that you can naturally pick up the Japanese writing system either! I too wish you luck with the new language Patrick - what made you choose Armenian?

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