Bryan Murphy's Blog - Posts Tagged "labguage-learning"
Murphy's Laws
2 May 2013
HOW NOT TO LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
In Ten Easy Steps
Postscript
First, to re-capitulate: the Ten Steps.
Failing completely to learn a foreign language need not be an impossible task, especially for adults. Close adherence to the following ten precepts will give anyone a good chance of succeeding in failing:
*** 1. Opt to stay mono-lingual
*** 2. Choose a hard language to learn
*** 3. Grow as old as you can before you start to learn it
*** 4. Minimise your motivation
*** 5. Develop avoidance strategies
*** 6. Limit input
*** 7. Avoid instruction
*** 8. Develop coping strategies
*** 9. Do not persevere
*** 10. Get the hell out
Now, the Postscript.
I almost succeeded in following these precepts and failing totally to learn Thai, but fell at the first and last hurdles, as well as brushing most of the others.
It was number 10 that flattened me.
After 2 grisly months in Bangkok, I retired, found myself an island, and started to have a good time.
Some language-learning ensued.
A month later, unfortunately, I had to return to England, for family reasons. Nevertheless, I hope some day to go back to Thailand, overturn as many of these precepts as I can, and achieve, at least, basic communicative competence in Thai.
Meanwhile, I'm off to Sofia to have another crack at Bulgarian.
HOW NOT TO LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
In Ten Easy Steps
Postscript
First, to re-capitulate: the Ten Steps.
Failing completely to learn a foreign language need not be an impossible task, especially for adults. Close adherence to the following ten precepts will give anyone a good chance of succeeding in failing:
*** 1. Opt to stay mono-lingual
*** 2. Choose a hard language to learn
*** 3. Grow as old as you can before you start to learn it
*** 4. Minimise your motivation
*** 5. Develop avoidance strategies
*** 6. Limit input
*** 7. Avoid instruction
*** 8. Develop coping strategies
*** 9. Do not persevere
*** 10. Get the hell out
Now, the Postscript.
I almost succeeded in following these precepts and failing totally to learn Thai, but fell at the first and last hurdles, as well as brushing most of the others.
It was number 10 that flattened me.
After 2 grisly months in Bangkok, I retired, found myself an island, and started to have a good time.
Some language-learning ensued.
A month later, unfortunately, I had to return to England, for family reasons. Nevertheless, I hope some day to go back to Thailand, overturn as many of these precepts as I can, and achieve, at least, basic communicative competence in Thai.
Meanwhile, I'm off to Sofia to have another crack at Bulgarian.
