Internalizing language is a lengthy process that can seem to take forever. But it does not have to be this way. It should all start from a simple base and all it takes is ONE SIMPLE WORD to start building your language.
What us at intercambioidiomasonline suggest is that language learning should be simple. You need to base your language learning on simple processes that hit these 3 key features: consistent (HERE), understandable and relevant. What we propose to language learners is that you begin with one simple word, it can be something as simple as make or do; from this word, you should look to build your vocabulary using a variation of grammar structures and different contexts. As we have mentioned before, it is much easier to learn new vocabulary as part of a short phrase. Especially when it comes from a verb, noun or adjective.
There is a distinct need for repetition and clarity. Varied grammar structures, collocations (HERE), word patterns (HERE) and phrasal verbs (HERE) will help you to reinforce and consolidate language and should be used regularly. As should role play; new vocabulary and phrases can be used with role play and cover the 4 key language learning skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) so that a clear relevant context can be established.
So, language learning needs to be:
Consistent: Recall is an essential part of language learning and you ought to use and recycle language frequently so that is can be transferred to your long term memory. Therefore language learning should be consistent! There is a need for organisation (HERE) to make sure you learn frequently, little and often is the key!
Understandable: Learning something new should be simple and easy to remember. It should not require a large amount of effort or be based on complex theory, for this reason I recommend mnemonics (HERE).
Relevant: When you are studying specific information, you should always keep in mind its relevance (HERE) and ask yourself some important questions. Am I likely to use this word? When will I use it? You ought to dedicate the majority of your time to what you will use with most frequency. What we call in linguistics, HIGH FREQUENCY VOCABULARY.
Learn language structures around a basic word. High frequency words such as:
Find an example of what can be seen in our vocabulary boost series (HERE):
Asimple word such as shop can be used as a noun or a verb, but it forms part of a huge variety of phrases and collocations:
I go to the shop
My sister shops on Saturdays
I am shopping for some trousers
I hate doing the shopping
I go shopping
The shop is closed
What time does the shop close?
I find shopping boring
Window shopping is pointless
I am going to shop till I drop
Can you put the shopping away?
So, on balance, what should be taken from this post is that you ought to simplify language learning and reduce it down to simple high frequency words. From these words you can improve your understanding of collocations, word patterns and phrasal verbs and thus, improve your language skills.
