The 3 Myths About Learning a Foreign Language: Learn German the Best Way

Having studied langugages for nearly 20 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t.  Here are 5 common myths:

Myth 1: It’s impossible to learn a language fast.

Not true at all.  I know many people in adulthood who have picked up a language in amazingly fast time.  And no, they don’t all have IQs of 180!  In fact, most just have a valid reason, such as work advancement.  You just need the right motivation, and you too can learn fast.

For many language learners we have worked with, fluency implies an ease and fluidity of expression in the target language. And you would probably need to add to the mix ease in understanding everything said by others in the target language. Plus everything that you read. Plus perhaps everything you write in the new language too. The list could go on. We would agree that for most mortals it’s not possible to achieve fluency of this kind in a few weeks or months.

You CAN, however, achieve ‘conversational fluency’ in a matter of weeks or months.

Myth 2: It’s much easier to learn a language as a child.

a lot has happened in the last half century, and there’s been a substantial amount of new research that pokes big holes in the ‘critical period’ idea. It has fallen out of favor with psychologists and language specialists alike, which means you can no longer use your adulthood as an excuse not to learn a language. In fact, a number of studies have demonstrated the exact opposite: that when exposure time to a new language is controlled, adults actually learn FASTER than children!

This makes perfect sense. Think about it. Adults have a couple of obvious advantages over children who are learning their first language. Adults know infinitely more about the world; they understand that there are such things as ‘rules’ and ‘conventions’ and that these rules govern the way all languages work.

So don’t let this common myth stop you, whatever your age, from pursuing a new  language.  There are so many reasons TO learn a language–these myths are but a few erroneous reasons not to!

Myth 3: The best way to learn a language is to go to that foreign country and immerse, immerse, immerse…

Immersion is a very fashionable word when it comes to concocting language learning catch-phrases. And for good reason. Surrounding oneself with other native speakers and being forced to communicate in the target language most if not all of the time is a powerful way to learn a second language.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to go to Germany to immerse yourself in German, Italy to immerse yourself in Italian, Korea to immerse yourself in Korean, and so on. This belief just puts another obstacle in your path, and gives you an all-too-tidy excuse not to take your language learning seriously in the meantime.

There are several reasons that undo the foreign country immersion myth. First of all, there are plenty of ways in which you can recreate – or ‘simulate’ – a productive sense of immersion in the language. That’s because you live in a digital culture where all kinds of resources from all kinds of places are available to you on your personal computer.

Secondly, it’s certainly not a BAD idea to immerse, but who has all the time and money to do this?  Moving to another country takes a lot of time and resources, and requires sacrifice like very few other things: you’re giving up time from your family and friends, time from your job, giving up precious savings…

So, you ask, what IS the best way to learn?

In general, the best courses will be able to combine:

1) the power of multimedia technology;
2) a clear and up-to-date method of instruction; and
3) a sense of enjoyment and play…

The best courses will also provide you with a suggested learning path, but at the
same time be flexible enough to allow you to do things your own way. They will
be invaluable in giving you simulated conversational practice when the real thing
is not within earshot.

For my money, Rocket German, by the fantastic Rocket Languages team, is the best, fastest, and most enjoyable way to learn German.  It covers beginner’s to advanced levels and costs far less than a beginner’s course (you can spend over 0 at most universities just to get the basics!), and about a 25% of the price of JUST Rosetta Stone Level 1 (about 0 just for Beginner’s German!!).

It’s a good deal, and one that any serious learner should jump on.

I hope this helps!  Enjoy whatever path you take, and good luck.

5 Points to Think About When Moving a Child From a Public School Into a Home Schooling Environment

If you discover that your child is struggling in a public school and is becoming increasingly downcast as the weeks roll by then home schooling may be an option that you should look at. If so, be prepared for a changeover period after removing the child from the public school system before jumping into ‘full-time’ home schooling.

If your child is in public school at the moment then you will have to start by acquainting yourself with the home schooling laws in your state. Be certain that you can comply with all of your state’s requirements before you take any action. Once you are confident that you can meet all of the state requirements you should contact your child’s school and inform them that you are removing. If you fail to formally remove your child then this may lead to truancy issues at a later date. You must also be prepared for them to question your action and possibly to resist your action.

The manner in which you withdraw your child will depend on where you live however it will frequently involve simply writing a letter to the superintendent of schools. You will have to inform the superintendent that you have decided to school your child at home. You will also have to provide proof that you are complying with your state’s laws and that you are legally allowed to remove your child from school. If you are able to quote part of the law in your letter then this will show that you are acquainted with the law and your rights to home school your child.

Having taken care of the formalities you ought then to consider the following:

1. Your child is not a prisoner of the rules and regulations of the public school system any more and should be given some time come to terms with the change. In view of this, you ought not to rush headlong into full time schooling but ought to allow your child a bit of time to get used to this new lifestyle.

2. Take some time to get to know each other again. You might think that you know your child however you might be surprised to find that you do not know him at all. You may discover that there are parts of your child’s character that you did not know were there and he may also learn a few new things about you as well.

3. Do not be shocked if your child does one or two things that he has grown used to doing at school. Some new home school children will put their hand up when they have a question or when they have to use the restroom. It may take some time to do but those habits will disappear eventually.

4. Try to hang on to some of the better habits that he has learned at school. If, for instance, your child is in the habit of having spelling tests on a set day of the week then add this into your home schooling plan. If you let him stop doing everything he did in public school then you may end up with more problems than you are solving.

5. Take the time to enjoy home schooling with your child. Choosing to home school is of course above all for the student however it should also be a pleasure for you as well. Do not take yourself too seriously and cut yourself some slack and have fun. Perhaps most important of all do not forget just why you elected to home school and enjoy the independence that home schooling affords.

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10 Things you Didn?t Know About North West Science and Technology

North West Science and Technology has led to many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, such as Britain’s first aeroplane, the birth of the first test tube baby, splitting the atom, and the world’s first computer. Science and Technology is continuing to develop rapidly in this region, and many global brands, ranging from medical research to military aircraft have significant research and design facilities in the North West. Over 25% of the region’s £106 billion economy comes from Science and Technology companies.

1. North West universities play a key role in Science and Technology, and have a combined turnover of over £1.2 billion, almost 1% of the region’s total economy. Leading companies, including those in the Aerospace Business, automotive supply and manufacturing companies, nuclear energy and medical research are closely linked to North West universities. More than 50,000 North West students graduate every year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. Over 69,000 science students are trained every year.

2. The Aerospace Business in the North West has a turnover of £6 billion, and is responsible for producing military and commercial aircraft and components which are used both in the UK and exported worldwide. Extensive R&D programmes ensure that the latest technologies are available to create the most advanced planes in the world. Countries all over the world rely on the North West Aerospace Business for their military and commercial aircraft requirements

3. The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in the North West, and sales of chemicals contribute over £10 billion to the economy, equating to approximately 20% of the UK chemistry industry. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that as part of the Technology Programme, one of the 19 new Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to share knowledge and research between businesses, academic institutions such as universities, and trade associations.

4. The North West and Cumbria in particular, is widely acknowledged as the centre of the UK Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The research and development work done in this region has led the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear energy is part of a viable solution to meeting the energy needs of the UK.

5. There are over 50 research institutes, many of them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D departments. The North West is home to the Research and Development departments of several of the worlds leading companies, and business R&D investment in this region is greater than in any other part of the world except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 companies by R&D spending have significant facilities in the North West. Pharmaceutical development, including the largest cancer drug research centre in the UK, Aerospace Businesses, manufacturers of consumer products, as well as the Chemistry Industry and Nuclear Energy are well represented in the North West.

6. The North West’s seven science parks are home to many knowledge-based companies in diverse industries ranging from providing education to Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong links to universities as well as research institutes and centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad, help to ensure that Science and Technology in the North West is second to none.

7. Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology sites have been set up throughout the North West, and Manchester is aiming to become one of the UK’s first six Science Cities by 2015.

Manchester Science Park is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include specialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital media.

The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading companies in diverse industries ranging from healthcare research to business support services. The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the best-resourced science facilities in the UK.

Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in the UK, and contains computer games, website design and software companies as well as solicitors specialising in intellectual property and technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home to the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is set to become the leading biopaharmaceutical design centre in Europe, and helps to create and develop new medicines

West Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven, has over 60 companies on site, ranging from ecology to engineering, many of which are involved in the Nuclear Energy Industry.

A Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for development this year, and will be located close to the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new project will combine the renowned academic knowledge and resources of the University with local businesses know-how and the Lancaster Environment Centre.

8. With Manchester recently voted the most creative city in the UK, and Liverpool’s reputation as one of the leading cities for computer game design, the North West is at the forefront of new technologies as well as traditional Science and Technology. The use of ICT in education, website design and internet technologies, TV and film production, as well as other media industries, is all flourishing in the region, thanks to Science and Technology.

9. As well as looking to the future, the region’s scientific history is preserved through museums such as the World Museum in Liverpool, Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on activities, demonstrations and different media show how Science and Technology has changed our lives, from mechanising everyday tasks to revolutionising manufacturing methods.

10. As well as the outstanding Science and Technology facilities, the North West is a popular business location thanks to its fantastic infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international airports, and a great motorway system, the North West is closer than you may think. In addition, the North West has many Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of living is high.

There has never been a better time to see how North West Science and Technology can help you.

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