Why Learning from Locals is Better
Looking to learn a new language to better communicate with your peers, colleagues, business associates, family members or friends? Immersion and online learning are two ideal ways to learn a language. Here’s why it’s better this way.
Start Young
Childhood is the ideal time to develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages and perspectives on a global basis. In fact, recent research on brain development says we are hard wired to produce all sounds but if we don’t learn to make certain sounds, we quickly lose that ability, according to the University of Minnesota. The best time to learn a language is before the age of 12.
Immersion Learning
By sending your child to an immersion learning school, attending one yourself, or even living in your country of choice, gives you no choice to back off and get lazy from the language. There’s no putting off studying, there’s no getting away from the language. It’s there, being spoken, day and night. You can sink or swim – and most people swim. Both kids and adults are challenged in their reading, writing and verbal skills on a daily basis. Learning from locals allows you to get a better understanding of local dialect and sayings, as well.
With immersion learning, people can closely mimic the native pronunciation and intonation of the new language while developing literacy skills that transfer seamlessly between languages. Young children are like sponges and can take in the nuances of a new language very quickly. Even older learners, who have an internalized knowledge of native language grammar, can apply that skill to learning a new language. Doesn’t matter what age you are, though, immersion programs utilize second-language learning as a springboard for conceptualizing the general ed curriculum.
Online Learning
E-learning is gaining in popularity as technology advancements push boundaries every year. Multi-media features of online learning programs go beyond the textbook to include innovative and visual ways of learning, such as videos, audio, chat and message boards, social media, interactive grammar correction tools, automation, phone, instant messaging, and webcams. Not only can online learning boost student retention rates, it can correct mistakes before they become bad habits.
Online programs allow for repetition of the material, which studies show helps the most when it comes to learning and retaining a new language. Traditional classrooms don’t afford much opportunity for constant repetition without interrupting the whole class and teacher. Students in online learning environments can go at their own pace so they are engaged during all phases of the process from the comfort of their own homes. Just dedicate some time to log in to your program and spend the time with your teacher or program. With a program like BRIC, you’ll spend quality time with your language teacher as you progress through your lessons. So, while you’re not in an actual classroom, you get the attention and lesson plan necessary to learn the language. You can do it from the comfort of your home, from a local coffee shop, or on the train as you travel to and from work. It’s just recommended that you use a laptop or desktop – so that you can get the full visual of your teacher and the lesson screen. These mobile language solutions are ideal for those constantly on the go who don’t want to be tied down to a computer or classroom.
Check out BRIC Language Systems to witness first-hand how easy and convenient it is to learn a new language on your terms.