Today I was reviewing some old articles and came across one I believe to be an important one for all language learners. It was written by Lonna J. Dickerson of the Institute for Cross Cultural Training at Wheaton College and is entitled, Basic Assumptions for Language Learners and Culture Learners. Dickerson lists and expands on the different assumptions, but I wanted to just share the nine headings with you today as food for thought. You can follow the link above to access the complete article.
- You have the innate capacity to learn another language and culture.
- Language learning and culture learning should be tightly integrated.
- Your learning program should accommodate as many of your unique learning characteristics as possible.
- Your learning program should accommodate as many of your unique situational variables as possible.
- Language and culture learners should make use of the widest possible range of available learning resources.
- No formal language learning curriculum (language school or tutoring arrangement) can meet all of your individual needs.
- Language and culture learning should be a lifelong pursuit.
- Learner training promotes more successful learning.
- Effective language learning requires self-direction.
