LANGUAGE LEARNING

Read the article “Learning a language - 10 things you need to know” by Holly Young

WARM UP
Below is ‘hello’ in ten different languages. Match the languages to the correct version of
hello. (Disclaimer: translations taken from Google Translate).

Italian C German E Korean J French I Russian A

Polish F Chinese D Vietnamese G Spanish H Greek B

a) Привет b) Χαίρετε c) Ciao d) 你好 e) Hallo

f) dzień dobry g) 여보세요 h) Hola i) Bonjour j) xin chào

WHY LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE?

Below are the most common reasons for learning a language. Discuss each point, then
put them into order of importance.

1. Connect with people 4. Learn and understand different cultures

2. Career development 5. Improve travel experience
3. Brain exercise 6. Boost self-confidence

Task - Do you know any other reasons for a person to learn a language?

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5 TIPS FOR LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE
Read the article below. Match the headings from the box to the correct paragraphs.

Make Realistic, Specific Goals Beware of Fluency Read for Pleasure

Go to where the Language is Spoken Ignore the Myth of Age

How to learn a new language big language learning myth is that it’s harder
as an adult. Adults and children may learn in
Are you thinking about learning a foreign different ways but that shouldn’t stop you
language? Well, from ignoring your age to from committing to learning another
avoiding the F-word, our multilingual experts language. Languages are simultaneously
share their tips. organic and systematic. As children we learn
Tip 1 - Make Realistic, Specific Goals languages organically and instinctively, as
adults we can learn them systematically.
The first piece of advice our experts gave was
to ask yourself: what do you want to achieve Tip 4 - Beware of Fluency
and by when? They believe that language
Many of the experts were cautious of the
learning is best when broken down into
F-word. They argue not only is it difficult to
manageable goals that are achievable over a
define what fluency is, but as a goal it is so
few months, as this is far more motivating and
much bigger than it deserves to be. Language
realistic. You might be feeling optimistic when
learning never stops because it’s culture
you start but aiming to be fluent is not the
learning, personal growth and endless
best idea. Experts recommend that students
improvement. Many believe that aiming for
make their goals specific.
fluency is the wrong approach.

Tip 2 - Read for Pleasure 5 - Go to where the Language is Spoken

For many of our experts, reading was not only It may not be an option for everyone but many
great for making progress, but one of the think that if you are serious about learning the
most rewarding aspects of the learning language, and if you want to get maximum
experience. They believe that reading for pleasure from what you have learned, you
pleasure exposes you to all sorts of need to go to where that language is spoken.
vocabulary that you won’t find in day-to-day Travel and living abroad expands on
life, and normalises otherwise complicated everything that a student learns in the
grammatical structures. The first book you classroom. Books and verb charts may be the
ever finish in a foreign language is a easiest way to learn the language at home,
monumental achievement that you’ll but learning from the people and experiencing
remember for a long time. their culture will be far more enjoyable.

Tip 3 - Ignore the Myth of Age

from the guardian.com, Learning a language. Link: Article
You are a monolingual adult: is it too late to
learn a language? Our experts argue that a

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Article Questions:

● Describe your language learning goals.

● Have you ever read a book in English?
● When did you start learning English? Do you agree that there is no age limit?
● How would you describe fluency?
● Have you lived in an English speaking country? Or are you planning to move to one?

DIFFERENT WAYS TO LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE

Complete the sentences below using the words from the box. Then decide if you agree
with the statements that have been created. Explain your answer.

flashcards subtitles absorb language exchange proficient

1. The best way to improve your speaking skills is to organise a Language exchange
2. I use flashcards to learn new vocabulary, they are the best way to learn.
3. You need to study for many hours per day to become proficient in any language.
4. To learn a language while watching films you need to turn the subtitles off.
5. Listening to music is great as you are able to naturally absorb the language.

GOOD TIPS OR BAD TIPS?

Do you think the points below are good tips or bad tips? Discuss and explain.

1. Learn vocabulary in context. 4. Have ‘perfect’ grammar before speaking.

2. Just watch films. 5. Memorise words lists.
3. Speak as much as possible. 6. Accept that you will make mistakes.

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DISCUSSION
Read and discuss the questions.

1. As computers translate more quickly and accurately, learning a foreign language is a

waste of time. Do you agree?
2. Scientists predict that all people will choose to talk the same global language in the
future. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
3. Is it possible to learn a language without studying grammar?
4. Have you had any particularly poor language learning experiences?
5. If you could go back in time to when you started learning English, what advice
would you give yourself?

SEE YOU LATER!

Below is ‘goodbye’ in ten different languages. Match the languages to the correct
version of goodbye. (Disclaimer: translations taken from Google Translate).

Italian F German I Korean J French D Russian G

Polish C Chinese H Vietnamese A Spanish E Greek B

a) Tạm biệt b) αντιο σας c) do widzenia d) Au revoir e) adiós

f) addio g) Прощай h) 再見 i) Auf Wiedersehen j) 안녕

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HOMEWORK
Watch the video “The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain” by TED-Ed.

LANGUAGE LEARNING VOCABULARY

Use the words from the box to complete the sentences. Then write answers for the
questions.

polyglot cognitive acquire handicap plasticity

1. A polyglot is someone who has a high level of proficiency in several languages.

2. People can acquire a language in various forms, at different stages of life.

3. Children learn languages more easily because of the plasticity of their brains.

4. Experts agree that there are many cognitive benefits to language learning.

5. Before the 1960s, bilingualism was considered a handicap as it slowed a child’s

development.

Questions

● Can anyone become a polyglot? Or do you need natural talent?

● What are the cognitive benefits associated with language learning?
● Do you think you will acquire another language after English?
● Are there any handicaps associated with bilingualism?
● Can adults replicate the plasticity children have when learning?

DEBATE
Write an argument agreeing or disagreeing with the following statement. (250 words)

“Schools should focus on teaching children a second language because there are many
benefits. All children should be bilingual.”

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