As an expat language learner, an EFL teacher and now a language coach I have come to see a few important principles that apply to creating an effective and efficient language learning environment in the beginning stages of the language learning journey. These are particularly true for the expat moving into the host country. No matter what road you take to learn the language, applying these few principles at the beginning will help maximize your learning by creating a rich language environment and the whole process will be less frustrating and more fun. I suppose this meager list reflects more than anything the reading I have done on the subject as well as my own personal learning style and the systems I have created for myself to learn Turkish and Spanish. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but for what they are worth, here are my Six Principles for Beginning Language Learners.
1. Beginning Language Learners Must Control the Input
2. Cultural Learning is Indispensable
3. Touch all Bases Every Day
4. Reading is Indispensable
5. Rest Increases Absorption
6. Language and Culture Learning Never End
Over the next six days I will expand on each of these. Check back or subscribe so you can learn more about each.
1. Beginning Language Learners Must Control the Input
2. Cultural Learning is Indispensable
3. Touch all Bases Every Day
4. Reading is Indispensable
5. Rest Increases Absorption
6. Language and Culture Learning Never End
Over the next six days I will expand on each of these. Check back or subscribe so you can learn more about each.
