Inspiration And Tips For Second Language Learners

Every time I see my little niece, who is now four years old, switching between Italian and Dutch as if it were the most natural thing, I can`t help but feel jealous. At the age of three she was already able to translate words from one language to the other, and now she enjoys making comparisons. Being blessed with parents from different backgrounds, Italian mother and Dutch father, she has acquired mastery over two languages completely effortlessly.

Effortlessly. An adverb that only applies to first language learning.

We all know that second language learning, which happens when you are taught another language at school, is a completely different story. There are several theories about the distinction between first language acquisition and second language learning, but I think it can all be summed up this way: something in your first language will sound correct or incorrect instinctively. It takes a long time to acquire the same ability to spontaneously feel another language, and also a lot of effort, read: endless grammar exercises, answering questions about a text you don`t understand a word of, answering questions about recorded jibber jabber, repeating sounds that make your cheeks sore, etc...

Is it worth it? Absolutely.

I could tell you that languages improve your employability. Yes, you all know that. Your teacher has probably already told you that having a second (or a third) language on your CV makes you more attractive to employers. Probably you also know that studying different languages improves your linguistic understanding, which means you are more aware of how a language works and how to manipulate its structures. That inevitably translates in better marks in English, and it is not a myth: I have taught foreign languages for years, and this has applied to every single student I have met. You might have also heard that learning a second language improves your verbal and logical reasoning, and gives you better communication skills.

This is all awesome.

However, when I was fourteen and I decided to study three languages in high school, I hardly thought about my employability. Probably because I didn`t even know what employability means. What drove me to that decision was the thought of all the people I could meet, and the fabulous adventures I could live around the world. And it worked! At the age of 16 I was already visiting my pen pals in Germany (back in those days when we actually used pen and paper to keep in touch), experiencing a completely different lifestyle and gaining some great new friends. I discovered that behind a language there is a culture, with all that it entails: people, books, movies, history, art, fashion, music, politics, places, food, and so many more things. This is the gift you receive when you learn and then master another language: a completely new world that you would have missed out on if you hadn`t learnt that language. The more languages you know, the more worlds you can unlock, the more personal and professional experiences become available to you.

So, if you are in the process of studying a second language, remember: it will allow you to dream bigger and bigger. Once the world is really your oyster, there is nothing you cannot achieve. However, if you are struggling with the day-to-day learning, and sometimes the only thing you dream about is to set fire to your French ( or German, or Italian...) book, then please know it is absolutely normal, and please read on. As a second language learner and then teacher, I know that the key to success is very basic: practice. Thankfully, when learning a second language, practising can be a lot of fun. Here are some tips for you.

- Ask you teacher to set up a pen pal program. You would be learning, practising and having fun at the same time, whilst getting to know someone you could be friends with for the rest of your life. If it is not possible to do that at school, there are some websites, such as www.languageexchance.com, that offer similar services. Always check with your parents before subscribing.

- Read! If you are not interested in literature and poetry (even though you don`t know what you are missing out on!) there are thousands of alternatives. Comic books, for example. Did you know that Italy, France and Belgium produce amazing graphic novels? In their original language they are much more interesting and witty. If you want, you can also go online and have a look at magazines and blogs in the language you are studying, I am sure you can find any topic that suits your interests. Your reading skills will improve a lot, and you`ll learn tons of new words.

- Watch some movies in their original language. With the aid of subtitles, you will enjoy the movie and at the same time refine your listening skills.

- Listen to music. Maybe you could ask your pen pal about some bands you should check out. Or you could simply have a look at some music charts online. Once you find the artist of your choice, download the lyrics of some of the songs. You can learn them and then sing along, or simply translate them. It will do wonders for you listening, speaking, and reading skills, while widening your vocabulary.

- Practice speaking with a friend who is also learning the same language. At times, it is better than practising with a native speaker, because you will not be as afraid of making mistakes. Also, it is fun because you can talk about anything with your friend, and no one will understand you. Well, be extra careful when you are in multicultural London! :)

- Do something creative. Write a diary, or a blog, or a song in your new language. Don`t worry too much about the format: just let your creativity be expressed through your second language. This is how you will acquire that "instinctive feeling" I was talking about in the first paragraph.

- Know your grammar. I know, it can be boring at times. I will write another post about fun ways to learn and practise your grammar. In the meantime, think about it this way: it is a bit like rules in sports. The best players know them very well. If you know your grammar rules, you can play with your second language so well, that it will almost feel like your first language. And you`ll also make your English teacher very happy.

Finally, the most important tip: have fun. Learning another language should be an exhilarating journey. Also, have fun with your mistakes, those hilariously inappropriate things you end up saying once you gain enough fluency. They will make you laugh for years. And remember that mistakes are always a benign presence: they are there to show you that you are learning.