This is a great talk from Chris Lonsdale about learning, and more specifically language learning. He states that any adult can learn a language fluently in 6 months (well, I suppose that depends on the time you dedicate to using it during those 6 months). I totally agree with his point that language is acquired through use and not learnt in a traditional way of memorizing large amounts of vocabulary or knowledge of grammar structures, like in maths or biology. He stresses the importance of the physical aspects of learning and the psychological aspects that hinder learning, such as stress or anxiety. Languages are creative and you need to have fun with them, experiment them, live them. We also need to stress the importance of listening skills and its how we can learn a language almost effortlessly through listening as people absorb language just through experiencing it, being immersed in the language and acquiring meaning through this. It is called comprehensible input and is backed by over two decades of research. He hits this point directly and very eloquently. He uses real life examples to give it context, he makes language visual and stresses the importance of context in learning. It is well worth a watch. Well done Sir!
All language learners have had the sensation of ´wow, I didn´t realise I knew that word´, or of understanding language that we didn´t know that we knew. This is from what is known as comprehensible input. When we listen, we absorb language and it is deffinitely worth testing yourself and trying to listen to things just above our current level as it will force us to progress. Even if we do not understand everything, we will gradually improve. We need to give our students the opportunity to learn this way, we need to stress that it is not about talent or intelligence, it is about time. Comprehensive input is just the way that all language learners want to learn but it requires time and access to opportunities to practise a language. Set up an exchange/intercambio (look at other online communities links or events links on this site). Study abroad (links available on the site). Life is for living, it is the best way to really take the plunge and learn a language well. You never know where the new language might take you.
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[…] to my next point, cosistency. It is really important to practice, little and often is the key (see 13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input for more information). To avoid getting bored you will need to encourage your students to listen […]
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[…] 13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input […]
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[…] when learning a language as it can be done anywhere or anytime. It offers us comprehenisble input (13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input) as it offers lots of repetition and reinforcement of vocabulary and structures that have already […]
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[…] purposes and the benefits of having good listening skills in the language learning process (13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input and 6. Improving listening skills: advice for students and teachers). But what I want to point […]
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[…] 13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input […]
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[…] 13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input […]
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[…] 13. The Importance of Listening: Comprehensible Input […]
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[…] a contrasting opinion related to COMPREHENSIBLE INPUT students should listen to things at their level, they should listen to recordings where they […]
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I agree. Often, language learners spend too much time studying and not enough time interacting with people or the language (as an art form). I am also guilty of that.
Confidence is something that should be pushed as much as learning. However, that confidence is often developed as a direct consequence of interaction.
I completely agree. It is essential to both develop confidence and adopt a positive attitude.
Good luck with your language learning