Learning a new language
Discussion
I have to go to Poland with work for several months at some point this year. I'm looking forward to going but would like to learn the language for when I'm there. Other than doing French at school (which I didn't even try to learn so subsequently know nothing) I've never studied a language.
What's the best way to go about it. It'll have to be on my own (no college course etc) so I was thinking something like Rosetta Stone? Anyone got an opinion?
What's the best way to go about it. It'll have to be on my own (no college course etc) so I was thinking something like Rosetta Stone? Anyone got an opinion?
I've been told that it is very difficult to learn a new language on your own but as someone who would like to learn a new one myself (probably Spanish) I would be very interested to hear how you get on with the likes of these "self teach" courses. My advice would be to find a local class and back up what you learn here with an at home course, as you are going to Poland for work I presume that you have colleagues there so why not ask their advice.
Some languages are harder to learn than others and Polish may be one of them, French is the common language taught in schools for a reason as it is widely considered to be the easy to pick up.
Some languages are harder to learn than others and Polish may be one of them, French is the common language taught in schools for a reason as it is widely considered to be the easy to pick up.
ChrisBMW said:
I've been told that it is very difficult to learn a new language on your own
I think this is a key point and I have never had any luck personally with the CD like training courses learning by myself. I did OK learning Japanese as part of an evening class as it forces you to practice before the next class. You also get the regular chat which is a must have. I also benefited from dragging the OH along which in turn gives you someone to practice with.
If evening classes aren't your thing, then perhaps try finding someone for a language exchange. e.g. somewhere like gumtree usually has a section for people who would like to trade English for A.n.other language.
Never tried it but have thought about it (in my case for Mandarin)....
Bob
I´m learning Spanish at the minute and would recommend the following:
If you can get in a class, do so. You´ll learn in a structured way and practice the grammer
use Intercambio (language exchange) where you meet up and speak English for 1 hour and Polish
Watch films in Polish with subtitles in English and then in Polish...
Yes rosetta stone works well, but you need to use the language to learn
If you can get in a class, do so. You´ll learn in a structured way and practice the grammer
use Intercambio (language exchange) where you meet up and speak English for 1 hour and Polish
Watch films in Polish with subtitles in English and then in Polish...
Yes rosetta stone works well, but you need to use the language to learn
My GF is Polish and have been secretly trying to learn, first off its a bloody hard language and I found the pronunciation very hard. I gave Rosetta Stone a go, and to be honest I didn't get on with it at all, they utilize a method called 'Dynamic Immersion' where they attempt to teach you the language as if you were a child learning to speak. So there is no translations it it all picture based.
I've had a brief gap and am now gonna look into the possibility of getting 1 on 1 tutoring.
I've had a brief gap and am now gonna look into the possibility of getting 1 on 1 tutoring.
ChrisBMW said:
I've been told that it is very difficult to learn a new language on your own but as someone who would like to learn a new one myself (probably Spanish) I would be very interested to hear how you get on with the likes of these "self teach" courses.
I'm far from great at learning foreign languages (it was definitely one of my weaknesses when 'forced' to study at school) but I've managed to pick up enough spoken Spanish to get by on holiday via some CD based courses (Linguaphone work for me)...I'm sure I'd have learned a lot quicker (and more accurately) with formal tuition... The hardest part I find from doing audio lessons is that just hearing the words isn't enough for it to sink in (I need to at least have an idea of how the words look!) - often I resort to searching for the spelling on the internet to help it 'set' properly....
But, the fact is that I haven't got the inclination to take a class - the CDs have let me learn something at my own pace that I just wouldn't have acquired any knowledge of otherwise - and it's a starting point to build on: I always come back from a week away feeling far more confident with the lingo!
fat80b said:
ChrisBMW said:
I've been told that it is very difficult to learn a new language on your own
I think this is a key point and I have never had any luck personally with the CD like training courses learning by myself. I did OK learning Japanese as part of an evening class as it forces you to practice before the next class. You also get the regular chat which is a must have. I also benefited from dragging the OH along which in turn gives you someone to practice with.
If evening classes aren't your thing, then perhaps try finding someone for a language exchange. e.g. somewhere like gumtree usually has a section for people who would like to trade English for A.n.other language.
Never tried it but have thought about it (in my case for Mandarin)....
Bob
The only way to learn is to get the basics from a native, then go and learn the vocab yourself.
HTH.
Learning a new language is only the half of it. It's all very well learning thew words, and what order they go in. The hard bit is understanding the feckers in the other country, as they seldom speak as eloquently as either the teacher, or the voice you hear in the lessons. Best thing to do is to learn as much as you can, then just mingle when you get there.
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