LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Learning a language can be very interesting and quite uneasy at the same time. A language has been defined as meaning the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country. A language may be native or foreign. Native speakers of a language learn to speak their native language easily because their environment and community influence them a lot. However, a foreign language takes quite a while to learn.

The first thing to understand when learning a foreign language is that you must develop a deep interest for it. It is this interest that becomes the driving force against the challenges that the language may pose as you learn.

The second step is to master the alphabets and pronunciation of the letters. This can be done by making friends with those who are proficient at speaking and writing that language. Pay close attention to the intonation and phonetic speech patterns used in communicating. This may take a while but in the end, the challenge is overcome when you not only listen but also make efforts at speaking.

Another thing to consider is the grammatical aspect of the language. Grammar is the structure by which a language functions. It consists of syntax, word-combination and usages, tenses and parts of speech. It is the core part of the language. It demands time and effort to learn the various forms of words and joining them into sentences. The aim of sentence construction in grammar is such that the speaker makes sense to the listener when employing the correct forms.

The last and final approach is to cover a wide range of vocabulary. This is the secret many non-native speakers of a language have used to excel in various activities ranging from business to family and friendly relationships. Two things are involved: First have good bilingual dictionaries. This will enable you to asses a list of expressions which are regarded as familiar, casual or official. There are also exclamation marks that indicate whether those expressions are slang or pejoratives. The second thing is common – constant exposure to materials such as novels, magazines and newspapers which aid in improving your level of vocabulary in the language. This can be achieved by noting key words or difficult expressions contained in the material and then looking them up in your bilingual dictionary for their meaning.

Although learning a foreign language may take up to about five or eight years in order to mature and be proficient, the rewards are not far-fetched.

First, you are able to network with friends and gain richly from their culture and pattern of living. This depends on your choice of interest because it is not everyone who comes your way that may be worth your association.

Second, you have an opportunity to expand your business relationships and get to understand what is in demand and the prevailing market situation when seeking to advertise your product.

Another benefit is that you become an indispensable asset to any organization that needs your skills to advance its aims and objectives. You become a genius whose language proficiency breaks barriers and produces gainful result. Your employer has no choice but to promote you.

Finally, you can profit in any way. You can take to teaching the language, or become a translator and interpreter in any organization. This requires you to know your onions in that foreign language you have learn. Why not learn one today?

.......By Izuchukwu