For those of you who are not familiar with the word 'stickler', it means a pedantic person who wants things to be right. For example, you could say, "He is a stickler for punctuality."
The 'stickler' is very useful, perhaps even essential, when it comes to langauge learning. So, what is a 'stickler' and how might they help you to learn a language?
Well, one of the best ways of learning a language is just to get on with using it. You can compose sentences, expressing whatever is on your mind in your foreign language. You could even compose a whole article or talk. And then send that text or speech to someone who knows the language, preferably a native speaker, and who is willing to correct your mistakes. This is your 'stickler'.
What happens next is that your 'stickler' corrects what you are saying. If there are mistakes, they can point them out. If there are oddities, they can tell you how to say it differently. Often slightly longer explanations will be required to explain the bigger picture as to why the sentence needs to be the way it is. And, at the end of a couple of minutes, you have a sentence you know is correct.
As time goes on, you can be more adventurous, trying out new pronouns and tenses, new topics and levels of sophistication.
You can do this using WhatsApp or Facebook or in person. The main thing is for the other person to be up for being your 'stickler'. If they haven't got the time or aren't really able to tell you what the right answer is, they are probably not the right person. But if they do enjoy the interaction and can help you iron out your mistakes, then you are onto a winner.
I have my sticklers for Spanish, Dutch, Welsh, Kyrgyz, Russian and also other languages. You know who you are - let me express my appreciation to you once again. I love interacting with them and they are helping me to learn their languages. My total language count is 13.5 - the 0.5 is kanji/hanzi (i.e. Chinese characters in Chinese and Japanese). I have also helped people with English and other languages in a similar way - often on a reciprocal basis.
The main benefit of this method is that it combines self-learning (which is essential if you want to learn a language) and outside input. And it can be a great way to build friendships and explore cultures.
Let me know your feedback and experience with this!
I should add that,while I have been practising this for many years, the idea was first suggested to me by the LAMP method of language learning popularised by the Brewsters and the actual term is borrowed from a TED talk which you can watch here.
If you are interested in language learning, follow this blog.
My name is Russell Phillips. I offer online video language tuition for English and Russian - and also German, Italian and French.
My rate is GBP 9 (nine pounds sterling) per block of 15 minutes (a typical lesson might be 45 minutes), payable in advance.
Contact me via www.facebook.com/russelljamesphillips or on email at regnavit[at]gmail.com
The 'stickler' is very useful, perhaps even essential, when it comes to langauge learning. So, what is a 'stickler' and how might they help you to learn a language?
Well, one of the best ways of learning a language is just to get on with using it. You can compose sentences, expressing whatever is on your mind in your foreign language. You could even compose a whole article or talk. And then send that text or speech to someone who knows the language, preferably a native speaker, and who is willing to correct your mistakes. This is your 'stickler'.What happens next is that your 'stickler' corrects what you are saying. If there are mistakes, they can point them out. If there are oddities, they can tell you how to say it differently. Often slightly longer explanations will be required to explain the bigger picture as to why the sentence needs to be the way it is. And, at the end of a couple of minutes, you have a sentence you know is correct.
As time goes on, you can be more adventurous, trying out new pronouns and tenses, new topics and levels of sophistication.
You can do this using WhatsApp or Facebook or in person. The main thing is for the other person to be up for being your 'stickler'. If they haven't got the time or aren't really able to tell you what the right answer is, they are probably not the right person. But if they do enjoy the interaction and can help you iron out your mistakes, then you are onto a winner.
I have my sticklers for Spanish, Dutch, Welsh, Kyrgyz, Russian and also other languages. You know who you are - let me express my appreciation to you once again. I love interacting with them and they are helping me to learn their languages. My total language count is 13.5 - the 0.5 is kanji/hanzi (i.e. Chinese characters in Chinese and Japanese). I have also helped people with English and other languages in a similar way - often on a reciprocal basis.
The main benefit of this method is that it combines self-learning (which is essential if you want to learn a language) and outside input. And it can be a great way to build friendships and explore cultures.
Let me know your feedback and experience with this!
I should add that,while I have been practising this for many years, the idea was first suggested to me by the LAMP method of language learning popularised by the Brewsters and the actual term is borrowed from a TED talk which you can watch here.
If you are interested in language learning, follow this blog.
My name is Russell Phillips. I offer online video language tuition for English and Russian - and also German, Italian and French.
My rate is GBP 9 (nine pounds sterling) per block of 15 minutes (a typical lesson might be 45 minutes), payable in advance.
Contact me via www.facebook.com/russelljamesphillips or on email at regnavit[at]gmail.com
Comments
Post a Comment