Research has shown that your motivation, self-esteem, and stress levels significantly affect your ability to learn. If you are looking to study a new language, ask yourself why you feel it is important to learn it. If you are genuinely motivated and have a real desire to communicate, then the language acquisition process will happen much more readily than if it isn’t a true priority in your life. In terms of self-esteem, it is essential that you believe you can do it! Negative inner-chatter (ie. ‘I’m bad with languages. I’ll never be able to do this.’) will only make it more difficult for a new language to take hold. Similarly, linguistic research has shown what an enormous role stress and anxiety play in learning. It is absolutely crucial that the learning environment is relaxed and secure, where students aren’t afraid of making mistakes. At Xhosa Fundis, we also encourage learners to find a patient, encouraging mother-tongue practise partner in order to integrate the language into daily life outside the classroom. This person will ideally act as a kind of ‘language parent’ who will correct by demonstration and nurture your confidence. Finally, in the early days of language learning, you have to be tolerant of ambiguity! It is more important to listen for overall gist of what is being said than to focus on understanding each and every word. Learning a language is a process – it takes time, practice, humour, and humility. We have morning and evening group courses beginning on June 3rd and 4th. For more details, contact us at [email protected].
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 11:19:51 +0000
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