I might be repeating what I wrote about in my last post but anyway...
I find a great way to practice the language you are learning is to get a language partner in that language. Here is UL , you can do this through Language Exchange programme which is run by the Languages centre every here.
I basically went to the meeting which was organised, wore a tag to indicate my nationality and then went looking for someone I could potentially have a language exchange with. It was a bit daunting at first but after a few minutes it was easy to find people for the major languages. After meeting a french girl, we chatted for a few minutes and realised we had some common interested and then decided we would do an exchnage together.
We met once a week, for about an hour and generally spoke half of the meeting in french, and the other half in english. It was sometimes hard to think of things to talk about but this is not a big problem. Rather than always meeting in the cantine or at the library , you could go for a walk with your exchange partner, cook them dinner at your house, meet for a drink in the pub or even go to a party together. You can correct each other so it is mutually beneficial system. It is also useful to ask the exhange partner to have a look at your foreign language assignments and essays, and vice-versa. They will be able to correct your errors of expression and grammar. And when you correct their assigments in return, this can be a great insight into the mistakes that are common for students in the two languages.
Meeting these foreign students also gives you an insight into the life of an Erasmus student and their experiences in a country which speaks a language foreign to their own.
Although, some students might think a language exchange is not very appealing , I would say its a great idea. It will only be as fun or as worthwhile as the thought and time you put into it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Hi guys, a bit of a while since my last post but here goes!
Lately, I've been tyring to thinking of other ways that might be effective for language learning in a non-formal, sub-conscious fashion.
I think one of these is meeting foreign students who are native speakers of the language you are studying. It might sound easier said than done, but really there are many ways to do this.
You could do a language exchange and that way you get to know a foreign student. Alternatively, here in University of Limerick you could join the OPC (Outdoor pursuits Club), the International Society where there are many Erasmus students, or even just get to know the Erasmus students in your lectures and tutorials. If you are lucky enough to get on very well with your new friend the he/she may invite you to some Erasmus/international parties. There will normally be alot of certain nationalities, e.g. Spanish, French students, who are generally very friendly. They will be impressed when you come out with a few words of their native tongue and when you tell them you are studying that langauge in University (or elsewhere)! From my own experience, I have found that the student are happy to talk with you and will even correct your mistakes if you ask them. I find this is a great way to practice the language in a fun, social setting such as a house-party as opposed to the clinical, and artificial setting of a classroom. There are generally good-looking girls and guys at these parties, so a bit of eye-candy is no-harm at all and who knows..you may even meet your next girlfriend or boyfriend there!
The conversation can be very varied and interesting...everything and anything can come up! For me meeting foreign student in a social setting is a great way to experiment with the new words, expressions and phrases you have learned. Try out saying something funny or unique and watch the expression on the other persons face to know if you have been undertood or not. The same social expressions that we use are common to the rest of Europe (believe it or not!)--a nod for understanding, a laugh if you succeeded in being funny, or a look a puzzlement if you made no sense! In this way you can get instant feedback ....and the bestting is its for free! This is real langauge in real everyday use. Its rich and authntic. Personally, I relish the oppurtunity to be able to use what I have learned in-a real-life setting like the pub or a house-party.
On top of that, there is also the cultural aspect ..I am lucky enough to live with two french girls sand one spanish girl-whcih makes for an interesting experience. Our house has been host to two french parties and one-french party so far, and I am constantly being invited to other Erasmus/international parties. Here you can sample the culinary delights of another country while speaking and learning the language. You can try some Comté fromage or down a bit of authentic Sangria ...or even dare yourself to some legendary Calimocho!
I have to say also that a few alcholic beverages really do help to loosen your tongue in a foreign language! This is probably a cliché among langauge learners but it really is true. Under the influence of alcohol , one is generally more confident and less worried and apprehensive about making mistakes and sounding like an idiot. You are more likey to enter into conversation and to keep speaking if you are a little merry...although I would like to point out that I am not condoning the drinking of alcohol..that is a personal choice! Please drink responsibly!
There are plenty of foreign student out there so make us of them-make friends with one, go to an erasmus pary, speak the language and have fun!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Learn German Vocab by Podcast
Deutsch this time! For beginners a brilliant way to learn German vocabulary in particular is by repeated pronunciation to oneself. If you go to iTunes Ireland store, education, german there's is a podcast (which I can't remember the name) by a German guy (whose name I cant remember either). The great thing about this videocast/videopodcast is that it's free to subscribe to. The author actuallly uses a method which is very effective -audio and visual. He introduces a word with a picture illustrating that noun in the background. He repeats each new word a few times, that way the user begins to associate that word with the picture and vice-versa (this works much like flashcards), and hence the word with its meaning. Towards the end he recaps and reviews all the new words, this time with only the pitcure showing at first so that you have to try to remember the word. The new vocabulary is usually grouped according to a theme e.g the Weather, with words like rain, storm, hail etc.
This is active learning and is a very effective use of audio and video to teach new vocabulary.
Apologies, that I don't have the exact details for this podcast (I can't access iTunes right now), but I will try to put them up as soon as possible!
This is active learning and is a very effective use of audio and video to teach new vocabulary.
Apologies, that I don't have the exact details for this podcast (I can't access iTunes right now), but I will try to put them up as soon as possible!
Watching the News in French..
http://jt.france2.fr/
Another great way to learn and practice a language is by watching the news in that langauge. You should be able to do this online in most major languages. For example the the French tv station France 2 , put its principal new broadcasts online. Each emission is called a JT (journal televisé) and there are 3 per day; one at 8am , one at 13h and one at 20h. Normally the JT last 25-30mins, but usually they are segmented so you can skip ahead to pieces that interest you without having to watch the whole thing. Also the JT is streamed via Window Media player so there is no need to download any large files.
The quality of sound, and video is quite good unless you really enlarge the screen. The language used is very rich is vocabulary and a brilliant way to see current usage of the language. I have found it very accessible and although its not alot I try to watch at least one entire JT once a week. However, it is quite passive learning so you really have to concentrate on what is being said. Theres is a video control that allows you to rewind, forward and pause the video in order to give yourself time to digest what is being said. Overall, I think watching the JT is a good way to immerse yourself in the language and really makes you think in French. I would recommend as a good training in comprehension and attention to improve one's ability to follow French spoken at at normal pace.
Another great way to learn and practice a language is by watching the news in that langauge. You should be able to do this online in most major languages. For example the the French tv station France 2 , put its principal new broadcasts online. Each emission is called a JT (journal televisé) and there are 3 per day; one at 8am , one at 13h and one at 20h. Normally the JT last 25-30mins, but usually they are segmented so you can skip ahead to pieces that interest you without having to watch the whole thing. Also the JT is streamed via Window Media player so there is no need to download any large files.
The quality of sound, and video is quite good unless you really enlarge the screen. The language used is very rich is vocabulary and a brilliant way to see current usage of the language. I have found it very accessible and although its not alot I try to watch at least one entire JT once a week. However, it is quite passive learning so you really have to concentrate on what is being said. Theres is a video control that allows you to rewind, forward and pause the video in order to give yourself time to digest what is being said. Overall, I think watching the JT is a good way to immerse yourself in the language and really makes you think in French. I would recommend as a good training in comprehension and attention to improve one's ability to follow French spoken at at normal pace.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
LEARN FRENCH BY PODCAST
Produced by an Irish company, www.learnfrenchbypodcast.com does exactly what it says on the tin. You can download mp3s/podcats onto your Mp3 player for your own personal use any time or anwhere. Its your choice. The podcase are of a good quality, varied in theme and theres is a steady level of progession. The podcasts are essentiallly lessons in a particular aspect of French. Sometimes they are a converation between native speakers on a particular subject-during and after the conversation the presenter analyses what the speakers said -the language they use, the way they said it and of course the meaning. The learning is enhanced and reinforced by constant repetition.
The easiest way to download the podacastsis to go to the iTunes Ireland store online and search for them under Education, French. In my opinion this is a great resource for 4reasons :
1. Its free! (only the lesson guides require a subscription)
2. Ease of use and accesibility for the user
3. Very good linguistic quality-rich in vocab
4. The only thing required to learn is to listen
The easiest way to download the podacastsis to go to the iTunes Ireland store online and search for them under Education, French. In my opinion this is a great resource for 4reasons :
1. Its free! (only the lesson guides require a subscription)
2. Ease of use and accesibility for the user
3. Very good linguistic quality-rich in vocab
4. The only thing required to learn is to listen
LEARN IT WITH MUSIC!
This is the fun side of language learning! If you find music you like in a language you are studying, then thats definitely an incentive to improve your level. And listening to music you like the sound of is a great way to improve and develop an interest in the language. Many songs are very rich in terms of verbs and vocabulary. A really good way I have found to take advantage of this is to listen to a song a few times, try to extract as much meaning as possible, then google the lyrics and work out what you could'nt understand. I find it a great learning method as its fun to listen to the song and try to translate it simultaneously in your head. Its like a jigsaw-puzzle in language learning,and because the learning is in a pleasurable context your retention will be much greater and longer. Good artists to start off with might be Bénabar or Renaud, whose lyrics are slow are usaully easy to follow. A good song in particular to try out this approach might be a great song by Francis Cabrel "Octobre" . You could find these other songs by looking up french music on Youtube or by checking out the French playlists on music listening sites like www.deezer.com
FRENCH MUSIC
www.deezer.com
Some of you may have already heard about it, but "Deezer" is a brillaint website I came across while I was in France at New Years. Basically its like Youtube but just for music, and the sound quality is excellent. In France, you can play virtually any song you like, its almost like a dj and will learn what type of music you like depending on what you select. It doesn't work as well over here (in Ireland alot of songs are unvavailable to play) yet . You can play all the current top chart music. Its already a big success across Europe
Anyway, my point is this site is a great way to listen to new FOREIGN MUSIC which is a good idea for all us Language Learners! e.g if you select "BEST NEW FRENCH" playlist it will play lots of french songs that are popular at the moment. If you create a profile on the site, you can then create playlists to which you can save new songs as you come across them. You'll then have them to play whenever you want! A very good way to enjoy yourself while learning French,and any other langauge. Good for auditory learners.
Some of you may have already heard about it, but "Deezer" is a brillaint website I came across while I was in France at New Years. Basically its like Youtube but just for music, and the sound quality is excellent. In France, you can play virtually any song you like, its almost like a dj and will learn what type of music you like depending on what you select. It doesn't work as well over here (in Ireland alot of songs are unvavailable to play) yet . You can play all the current top chart music. Its already a big success across Europe
Anyway, my point is this site is a great way to listen to new FOREIGN MUSIC which is a good idea for all us Language Learners! e.g if you select "BEST NEW FRENCH" playlist it will play lots of french songs that are popular at the moment. If you create a profile on the site, you can then create playlists to which you can save new songs as you come across them. You'll then have them to play whenever you want! A very good way to enjoy yourself while learning French,and any other langauge. Good for auditory learners.
Amoureux du Francais?
http://blogues.cyberpresse.ca/amoureuxdufrancais/
Here's a Canadian site on the French language by a writer from the famous French Canadian newspaper "La Presse". The site is basically a loving dedication to the uniqueness, beauty and difficulty of the French language. The blog treats verious issues on current usage of the langauge, why some things are the way they are. It very well written and if you are interested in this subject then the site will keep you attention. It focuses in on specific subjects ,for example sexisim in the french language, and explores this very thouroughly. Although the layout of the blog is very simple and perhaps a bit bland, it is very easy to naviagate. On the other hand, because the blog is linked to a parent site, there are alot of unecessary links on some parts of the pages. This tends to be a little confusing and distracts from the blog itself.
Unfortunately, the blog has now finished but you can still find lots of material going as far back as 2005. This is a good site if your interest in the french language is not just at the superficial langauge learning level.
Here's a Canadian site on the French language by a writer from the famous French Canadian newspaper "La Presse". The site is basically a loving dedication to the uniqueness, beauty and difficulty of the French language. The blog treats verious issues on current usage of the langauge, why some things are the way they are. It very well written and if you are interested in this subject then the site will keep you attention. It focuses in on specific subjects ,for example sexisim in the french language, and explores this very thouroughly. Although the layout of the blog is very simple and perhaps a bit bland, it is very easy to naviagate. On the other hand, because the blog is linked to a parent site, there are alot of unecessary links on some parts of the pages. This tends to be a little confusing and distracts from the blog itself.
Unfortunately, the blog has now finished but you can still find lots of material going as far back as 2005. This is a good site if your interest in the french language is not just at the superficial langauge learning level.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
VICE-VERSA
For anyone interested in translation (French/English or English/French) this is a good blog to start off with. The author of the blog is a professional translator herself, and the blog part of her website has interested and varied topics..but all to do with translation. The site is available in both french and English, so if you are having trouble understanding the french you can easily switch into the English version. This a good way to persevere- if you are finding french text difficult to understand you can flick back and forth between the English and french language versions. The blog posts are of good quality are are interesting, but there are only a few. However, if you move into the rest of the site with the link there is plenty of other material on translation and the career of translation.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
COMIC FUN!
http://www.blogsbd.fr/
This site offers a colourful selection of "Bandes Dessinées". Its very well put together and there are endless possibilities to entertain yourself and have a laugh, all the while learning french almost subconciously. Bandes Dessinés are basically like comics in French and are a real fun and funny way to make learning French more amusing than boring. If you are interested in a particular BD then you can follow the series. BD's are also a good way to pick up some slang in French , or just to have an idea what people are saying on the street as opposed to textbook french. That way you can vary you command of the language.
The site is good and very uselful because it brings a wide variety of Bandes Dessinées before you and its a good way to get ino BD's. They site layout and colour is good, overall well presented.
There is a Best of section, english bd's section and even a link on Twitter so you can comment on BD and themes. There is also the possibility to post your own blogs if you're adventurous enough! Plenty of oppurtunity for fun and learning here.
This site offers a colourful selection of "Bandes Dessinées". Its very well put together and there are endless possibilities to entertain yourself and have a laugh, all the while learning french almost subconciously. Bandes Dessinés are basically like comics in French and are a real fun and funny way to make learning French more amusing than boring. If you are interested in a particular BD then you can follow the series. BD's are also a good way to pick up some slang in French , or just to have an idea what people are saying on the street as opposed to textbook french. That way you can vary you command of the language.
The site is good and very uselful because it brings a wide variety of Bandes Dessinées before you and its a good way to get ino BD's. They site layout and colour is good, overall well presented.
There is a Best of section, english bd's section and even a link on Twitter so you can comment on BD and themes. There is also the possibility to post your own blogs if you're adventurous enough! Plenty of oppurtunity for fun and learning here.
Strange Title!
http://champignac.hautetfort.com/
I just came across this blog on the French language and all things French. It's a really interesting blog full of random posts on French culture and Francophillia. There are plenty of good links to others sites also. The subjects covered are very miscellaneous and diverse so there is probably something to interest everyone. This means it is also a great way to learn new and interesting vocabulary.
However, while the content on the site is good and very interesting, the layout is slightly unclear and a bit hard to follow.It can be confusing flicking between the different part ,and its unclear which links are links to external sites and which are on the site itself. Also, apart from the pictures in some of the posts, the white background tends to bore after a while. Your attenttion wanes quite quickly. With a bit more colour and a bit of imagination, this could easily be corrected.
Still, all in all, this is a blog which deserves a look now and again.
This site came number 64 in the Top 100 Language Blogs of 2009!
I just came across this blog on the French language and all things French. It's a really interesting blog full of random posts on French culture and Francophillia. There are plenty of good links to others sites also. The subjects covered are very miscellaneous and diverse so there is probably something to interest everyone. This means it is also a great way to learn new and interesting vocabulary.
However, while the content on the site is good and very interesting, the layout is slightly unclear and a bit hard to follow.It can be confusing flicking between the different part ,and its unclear which links are links to external sites and which are on the site itself. Also, apart from the pictures in some of the posts, the white background tends to bore after a while. Your attenttion wanes quite quickly. With a bit more colour and a bit of imagination, this could easily be corrected.
Still, all in all, this is a blog which deserves a look now and again.
This site came number 64 in the Top 100 Language Blogs of 2009!
Welcome!
Bienvenue! Bienvenido! Wilkommen!
Hello and Welcome to my brand new blog on Language Learning! Stay tuned and watch this space!
Hello and Welcome to my brand new blog on Language Learning! Stay tuned and watch this space!
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