Extremely useful foreign language learning tips for two 10-speaking twins.
Matthew and Michael Youlden are twins famous for their ability to speak 10 languages fluently. Currently, the couple is living in Berlin, Germany and to find the answer to the question "Do you really need to go to another country to learn the language of that country?", The two brothers decided intend to learn Turkish right at home in a week.
What can happen in just 7 days? If you spend that time to reach your goal, how big is your desire? These questions were found by Matthew and Michael Youlden and in the section below, let's see what these two guys have interesting secrets to be able to learn a new language in just a short week.
1. Understand why it is necessary to learn that language
Lesson learned: Define a clear goal from the beginning and then, map out a specific path to achieving that goal.
The two brothers set a goal to learn a new language within a week to challenge themselves, but then they wondered what language to choose.
Turkey itself has shown itself to be an obvious choice: there are more than 300,000 Turkish speakers working in the Berlin capital and the areas around them are Kreuzberg and Neukölln also filled with signs as well as shops show that owners are from this country.
Clearly with such reasons, there is even more motivation for the brothers to learn Turkish: to communicate with neighbors and to be more integrated with the environment in which they live.
2. Let that language appear everywhere
Lesson learned: From the beginning, let that language become a part of your life. In this way, you will absorb knowledge in a passive way and still be able to continue doing everyday tasks.
The first step in the two boys' new language learning process is to redecorate the entire room with notes in Turkish. At the same time, all activities in the home are also "foreignized" by notes expressed in this language, from making coffee to turning off lights.
As a result, learning new languages has become much more comfortable and natural.
3. Find your classmates
Lesson learned: Finding a friend with the same goal increases learning motivation. Whether it is competition or a sense of shared responsibility, that friend's presence will push the pressure to prevent you from giving up halfway.
Along with Mathew and Michael, there are other twins studying together. Since their appearance, the two brothers have felt more responsible, at the same time dividing daily work as well as choosing different topics for 4 people to discuss.
At this time, each pair of twins is a source of knowledge for the remaining twins. Whenever you speak complex sentences in Turkish, naturally two other people will wonder "how can you say that?", "Can you say it again?"
Weekends, instead of speaking in German, 4 people will talk together in Turkish. At the same time, they also set out situations to increase reflexes like asking tea, coffee, going to the kitchen or simply saying how if you want to ask when you will leave the house the next day .
4. Break down the goals
Lesson learned: It is very important to achieve small achievements in the process of reaching the ultimate goal. These small achievements are small challenges, such as using new languages to communicate in everyday life will force you to constantly cultivate vocabulary to overcome those obstacles. The more small results will make you more motivated to get bigger results.
Throughout the week, Matthew and Michael both had a series of small challenges. On the first day, they visited a Turkish friend and were surprised to be praised for knowing how to use a few basic words correctly. They then learned the names of fruits and numbers from 1 to 1 billion to be more confident when going to the indigenous market of Kreuzberg. In addition, they carefully recorded the name of the road and the possible ways of troubleshooting when traveling.
5. Immerse yourself in language
Lesson learned: Find ways to apply what you have learned to life. Surround yourself with food, music and movies so you can use the new language more naturally. At the same time, this way makes you feel more excited and motivated to learn new languages.
Matthew and Michael were interested in the different types of Turkish snacks. Just like the kids who often glanced at how many cereal packages were put in their briefcases before going to school, the two brothers were attracted to the nutrition information and special promotions listed on the bag. packaging. They have become a topic for the two to discuss vigorously and it is impossible to realize that they are learning a foreign language when they see them in such circumstances.
6. Compare with other languages
Lesson learned: The more you immerse yourself in the learning process, the more information you will remember. Find interest by comparing the language you have mastered the language you are learning.
One of the common phrases that Matthew and Michael often use is "ah, that's a bit like in ." (ah, is this a bit like .). They continually use their knowledge to support Turkish learning. As a result, they feel closer, more receptive to knowledge and reinforce what they have learned before.
Learning a new language is also a way to better understand your mother tongue.
7. Variety of learning methods
Lesson learned: Try new things and different resources to create more interest in language learning. Diversity is "spice" of life.
In addition to immersing themselves in books and computers, the brothers often listen to Turkish radio or post articles about Turkish football on the web.
In fact, there is no absolute right rule for learning a foreign language, nor is there any tool or teacher able to help you speak fluently a language other than yourself. Language includes 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. A lot of people come to class every week to do homework, talk to teachers but then there is almost no direct interaction with native speakers or native speakers. Therefore, effectiveness is often very limited.
Try to add new things every day to diversify your learning styles. You can listen to an emotional song, read an article with opposite political views, write a story for children or talk to yourself every day in a new language .