Welcome to the Second Language Learning Blog
Did you realise that there are more speakers of English as a Second Language (ESL) in the world than speakers of English as a first or native language? People born in a non-English speaking country soon learn that they need English to function successfully in the modern world. And when we English speakers travel, we’ll usually find somebody with enough English to help us buy a meal, or a ticket to a museum, or direct us to our hotel.
But we often come away from such encounters feeling we’ve missed out on something. Did our inability to speak the language leave us feeling unsure as to whether we’d been taken down? If only we’d been able to speak the other language, would we have got more from the experience? Would we have felt less vulnerable if we didn’t need to depend so completely on the good will and honesty of strangers?
All of these reactions strike a chord with anyone who has travelled in a non-English speaking country. And most of us have been on the verge of learning a second language from time to time only to be brought back to reality by memories of our school-based experiences of second language learning, which were both unsuccessful and painful. And we then rationalise that because we speak English we don’t really need another language.
This is a pity since we are missing out on a whole range of benefits that come with successful second language learning. These might be grouped under some or all of the following headings:
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Social benefits of second language learning
It is more likely that we will be accepted in a foreign culture if we are able to speak its language.
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Cultural benefits of second language learning
Language and culture are interrelated. It is inevitable when we learn a second language that we’ll gain insights into the culture in which that language is embedded.
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Intellectual benefits of second language learning
Recent research has shown that the brain benefits in a range of ways by the learning of a second or subsequent language.
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Economic benefits of second language learning
As it is realised that people who speak second languages have definite benefits over monolinguals, businesses and government bodies dealing with foreign economies have become more willing to pay for these additional skills.
But if only second language learning wasn’t such a difficult process!
Well, the truth is, it’s not as difficult as a lot of people (mainly English speakers!) imagine. In fact, it is possible by following a few simple principles to learn a second language both quickly and efficiently and have fun doing it.
How to learn a second language
In this blog, I will discuss a range of factors that influence second language learning and use these factors to show you how you can become a more successful second language learner.
Among these factors I’ll cover:
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The settings in which second language learning takes place, such as:
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Living in settings (both real and virtual) where the language is used
An absolutely essential prerequisite for second language learning is constant exposure to real-world language in use. This is best achieved in-country, but with advances in computer technology, virtual settings can be accessed on the internet as well.
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Attending formal second language learning classes
Most language learners (especially adult ones) will benefit from the guidance of a good teacher
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A combination of these two
We will explore how you can organise for yourself enjoyable and effective combinations of these two factors, in ways that won’t cripple your budget.
2. Psychological factors that influence second language learning, such as:
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The way the mind processes a second language
We now have considerable insights into how the mind goes about processing second language input. This knowledge will help you to learn from the new language you come in contact with in real-world settings and in classrooms.
From studies of how good language learners go about learning a second language, we now have a range of tried and true second language learning strategies which you can use to transform yourself into a successful second language learner
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How attitudes and motivation can help you to learn a second language
Just as all forms of learning respond to good attitudes and strong motivation, so your second language learning will be affected by these factors. I will show you ways in which you can maintain effective attitudes which will energise your motivation.
By tapping into all these factors this blog will reveal how you can make second language learning a pleasant and effective process so that you will learn the language of your choice and share in the many benefits that accrue from learning a second language.