Learn another language

As you may have gathered from browsing this site, I have a bit of a thing for Italy and spend a large amount of my spare time learning the Italian language.

In this post I'll attempt to explain why I think learning another language is something everyone should try at least once, and some tips from my experience that may help you learn.

Why learn another language?

English may be the second most spoken language in the world, but to say that English (or any language for that matter) is the international language of the world, is just a silly statement. Every country has it's English speakers, but you'll normally only find them in bigger cities and better known destinations. As soon as you leave the cities, the chances of finding these people is less. Then what do you do, when you know only English? Sign language will only get you so far!

"If you speak three languages you're trilingual. If you speak one you're English". It sounds clichéd, but unfortunately the statistics bear this out. About 10% of UK workers speak a second language, while in other EU countries 56% speak two languages and 28% speak three.

I know that in Scottish schools it is mandatory that you learn both German and French for at least two years. What I don't know is the take-up percentage after this - how many continue to learn a language when they are not made to do so? It is deeply disappointing to read that only 10% of UK workers speak a second language compared to our European counterparts of whom 56% can speak two. It's also a massive disadvantage to those who do not or haven't even given it a try.

Learning another language opens up a world of opportunities to you. The ability to speak a second language enables you to learn about other cultures, traditions, meet new people and work abroad - just to name a few!

Learning another language has helped me learn more about my mother tongue than I learned at school. My English might not be the best at times, but is certainly a whole lot better than it was before I studied a second language. I am now more aware of tenses, grammar, prepositions etc.

Research has recently shown that the ability to speak another language can prevent alzheimers developing in older age.

Through speaking another language you can discover new places, make new friends, create opportunities for yourself etc. There is a whole world out there waiting to be explored and try as you might, it's not going to be an easy ride of you can only speak one language!

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.

Ludwig Wittgenstein

Learning Advice/Tips

My first visit to Italy a few years ago was for 5 days. In that short time I was amazed by their way of life, attitude, language. On the way home I told myself I was going to learn Italian. When I got back, I picked up a few books that included audio CD's and started to learn. Below are the stages I have gone through in learning a second language which may be a useful pattern for you to follow if you're thinking about learning.

Books with accompanying audio material is great for starting out - they give you a good basic grounding of how the language works and introduce you slowly to the language. They tend to give you a lot of vocabulary to start you off and later bring in some grammar. From my experience this is a good method. It is often the case that those who want to learn a second language want to learn now. They don't have the patience to learn the stuff that in the future will be the most important. This method helps keep the learner interested from the start without boring them with the more difficult aspects of learning a language which can often scare them off altogether.

I have found that these beginners books with CD's tend to focus on certain phrases, much akin to a pocket phrasebook. As I explained, it gives a good introduction, but don't spend too long learning these phrases as it's more important to learn how they are constructed. This is only my experience though, perhaps you have a better book than the ones I picked out.

After you're done with learning bundles of phrases, you really need to move on and learn how to make your own phrases/sentences/stories or whatever. You can learn how to conjugate verbs, how to use each tense etc. at home with use of learning materials, but it really is better to have someone explain who can answer any questions you have and point out your mistakes. I took private Italian lessons for just over 7 months to cover what I thought were the most important aspects of learning a language. Private tuition is not cheap but it is vital that you know and understand how the language works. Focus on how the language works first and then concentrate on filling your head with vocabulary. You will find this benefits you most in the long run.

Once you've got a good grasp of how the language works it's time to put it into practice. Find out if there are any language classes nearby that are teaching the language you are learning. These classes are often much cheaper than private tuition but may teach the same things you have already learned. The real benefit of these classes though is the opportunity to speak to those who are also learning the same language as you. Try not to speak to them in your mother tongue, only in the language you're all learning. Learn from your mistakes as well as others. You will make mistakes, many of them. Don't be afraid to make mistakes either. The more the better. You will only improve if you make these mistakes and are corrected, otherwise you'll end up using the same phrases and words over and over.

Set aside two or three hours a week to learn in the evening or at the weekend. Learning is most difficult when you have to work all day and have other responsibilities. It's hard to motivate yourself. Make a plan and stick to it.

Make "flash-cards" with the English word on one side and the translation on the other. Keep testing yourself until you get it right. In my flat I've put sticky notes on nearly everything to help me learn, for example - "il tavolo" on the kitchen table!

Using Skype and The Mixxer you can search for a language exchange partner. With some Italian friends, I speak in Italian and they reply in English. It's a good way for both parties to learn.

Speak speak speak! The only way you'll ever be able to speak a language is by using it at every opportunity. Don't be scared to make mistakes. Learn from them!