Studying and learning foreign languages is no longer about having a better traveling experience. Before it pays to learn to speak the local or native language of a country you will be visiting to avoid any embarrassing and even sometimes insulting situations. Learning foreign languages is not just about getting the right directions, it is about making connections with people that have different languages, culture and history.
Some people think that learning how to speak English would be enough, but actually the CIA World Fact Book cited that only 5.6 % of the global population speak English. The rest of the world speaks differently. Speaking English can no longer suffice the increasing demand for global communications and understanding.
Research showed that learning another language would actually boost the knowledge of your own language. This would mean an increase in literacy, vocabulary, and better comprehension. There are studies showing that high school students who learned a different language have relatively better scores in their college entrance exams that those who do not study a second language.
Learning a foreign language also gives an opportunity for an individual to broaden his educational horizons. There are many educational opportunities abroad than we can explore. It would not only help us transcend cultural boundaries, but it will also help us understand subjects and concepts associated with the language.
Whenever we are learning a different language, it is part of being knowledgeable in it to also understand the underlying cultural values and structures of the people. In addition to that, most literary, music and other artistic milestones are not written in English. To fully appreciate and understand a literary work, it needs to be read and understood on its original form.
Language becomes a window where we could see and understand the context of a country’s culture. This is important, especially if your have some business deals with foreigners. You would need to understand their culture, so you could build trust, cooperate and compromise with them.
Another good reason for you to start learning foreign language will be the career opportunities for a multilingual professional. Here are some fields where speaking anther language could give you a head start:
• Social services – work as a social worker, criminology and law enforcement, school counsellor, drug abuse counsellor, occupational health care, income maintenance counsellor.
• Business and Finance – work as an accountant, administration, economist
• Communications – work as reporter, journalist, publisher, editor
• Education – work as a teacher whether it is in elementary, secondary or college level
• Government- work as a translator or interpreter especially for diplomatic foreign services
Learning a foreign language became a great advantage in looking for a career in this period of globalization. In business transactions, we cannot avoid the need of communicating in the language of the foreign business partners. Learning about foreign languages would help you promote your business in other countries effectively. If you want to build long and solid business ties and relationships in other countries, then you would need to be familiar with their language.
In this era of globalization, countries and people are forging closer connections. Learning foreign languages would help you build a global understanding. But learning how to speak in a foreign language should not be just to brag about it. Learning and mastering a foreign language should manifest when we start thinking in it and embracing the culture and history that comes with it.
# Understanding Sign Language
How do deaf people communicate? Through sign language, of course, which is a language that uses signs or patterns that can be recognized visually. Messages are conveyed not only through hands, but also with the use of other body parts like arms or body and facial expressions. When learning or understanding sign language, facial expressions complement or negate the conversation. It could add additional meaning to the conversation.
Most of us think that just because a person is deaf, he is automatically knowledgeable or would develop knowledge in sign language. There are hundreds of different sign languages and not all deaf people know all of them. There is what we call the “deaf culture.” Deaf culture is how deaf people are influenced socially, communally and creatively by a sign language. For example, the American sign language is different from the Britain sign language. This means that they would also have different grammar rules and signs.
In some deaf culture, it is preferred that one acts out rather than finger spelling it. in finger spelling, each letter of the English alphabet has a corresponding hand shape. There are some words which are needed to be finger spelled, while there are other words that are preferred to be used with signing. For example in some sign languages, using two hands when signing a number is important, while in the American sign language, you can use just one hand. Aside from the different signs, they would have also have different grammar rules.
If you are really keen and serious about learning sign language and having deaf friends, then you would have to be prepared. Deaf communities are very tightly knit. You would have be patient, humble and persistent to let them know that you are really interested in learning their language and culture and nothing else. You would also have to be conscious on how you address them, most would prefer being called deaf or hard on hearing rather than hearing –impaired, deaf-mute or anything close to this. Deaf communities find this offensive.
If you want to learn sign language, then there are classes that you check. You could also get involved in activities of deaf friends. You need to get a good teacher. It is actually difficult to get a good teacher. Some would say that getting a deaf teacher is better than getting somebody who can still use his tongue. Remarkably, there are also online centers that offer classes. You would just need to have solid internet connection and at the same time follow the instructions stated from their deaf teachers.
If you are in the process of learning a sign language, avoid making up signs. Sign languages are recognized in different countries. If you cannot think or remember the sign for the word, then ask somebody about it like a deaf friend or an authorized sign language interpreter. If nobody is around, then finger spell it. Do not assume that every deaf person that you will see will be enthusiastic in teaching you how to use their language. You would have to show your sincerity in the interest of learning their language. Aside from that, avoid staring into deaf people when they are communicating with their family, friends or acquaintances.
Most importantly, we have to remember that deaf only have problems with their auditory part of the body. It is incorrect to think that because they could not hear, their intellectual capacity is also suffering the same faith. Since sign languages use different grammar rules, most of the deaf are having problems with writing. But just because their writing is inferior is does not mean that they are of less intelligence.
# More Than Just Mirror Effect: Language Reflects Culture
In different parts of the globe there are different languages. Not only are languages different but the world views of different cultures are also reflected in the languages. Put simply, Japanese culture has a word for “death by overwork” or karoshi which may not be present in other languages. This reflects the Japanese culture and their perspective on hard work to support the family. In Japan, the first incident of karoshi was reported in 1969.
There is a close and intimate connection between culture and language. It does not only mirror each other, but also enrich and develop each other. Culture began when speech started (Kroeber, 1923). There are experts who say that you cannot fully understand the culture without understanding or having direct access to the language.
It is a characteristic of culture to be socially transmitted through language. Culture is transmitted to one generation to another through language, whether it is verbal or non-verbal, through gestures and signs, orally or in writing. Overall, we could see that communication was actually a manifestation of culture. Children learn language based on what they see in their community. For example, it is difficult for Africans or Koreans to fully grasp the concept of Santa Claus since it is not that significant in their culture and community.
In 1931, Edward Sapir wrote his perception of language. In his articles, Sapir mentioned the man’s perception and cognitive faculties can be seen and understood in the language. According to his study, it mentions that there are no two languages exactly similar. Because there are different social relationship evolving around the language and this would manifest on the language, itself.
Another thing to ponder on is that in a national culture, there are also subcultures. Subcultures are smaller groups that also have norms, values, beliefs and special languages which make them distinct or different form the national culture and broader society. Subcultures may be based on the age, social class, occupation, politics, education or religious affiliations. An example would be military language. In this case, understanding the subculture’s language would help us understand the organization structure.
Second language learners are even encouraged to immerse on the culture of the language they are learning. Linguists like Krasner (1999) stated that for second language learners it is not enough to be learn the liguistics, but it is also important to know the behaviour and patterns in the community which can be significant in the language. For example, how to address the elderly and show respect. Another concrete example would be using “You there, come here.” This is grammatically and linguistically correct. However, it is inappropriate to use to talk to elder or authoritative figures.
There are teachers that would incorporate culture while teaching second language. For example, to teach about eating utensils, vegetables, fruits or meat, then it would be better to teach about the food culture. In this way, the students will be able to understand the concept behind the words and vocabulary being taught. Not only will the student learnt he language quicker, but they would also be able to relate it to their own culture. This understanding would help the, appreciate and understand, on a higher level the other people’s culture.
It is impossible for a culture to exist without languages and languages to exist without having a culture. How we perceive the world and life would be represented on how we speak of it. These two do not just reflect each other, but feeds each others existence.
# The Future Of Languages
Everything changes. There are cultural changes brought about by discovery, invention, diffusion, colonization and rebellion. If language is said to be rooted or transmitted in culture, therefore, it would be safe to say that language also changes. Languages change when its phonetic, morphological, semantic, syntactic and other features also change.
All languages change. Linguists have examined that the existing languages are based or derived from the older languages. This would show how society and social changes would have impact or influence on language. For example, before Latin was part of the National Curriculum. But as of the present, nobody spoke it since it was perceived to be old and archaic. But linguists cannot deny its major influence on present languages.
Before, there was a prevailing idea that English would emerge as a world language. But according to language British experts, people are more likely to learn not only English but other languages, as well. English has become not the leading language, but a second language, according to the Journal Science. What we are heading to is not a monolingual culture but into a multilingual one. Language diversity is something which can be waiting for us in the future.
Let’s take the internet for example. It has become multilingual. In 1995, 90% of it was in English. When 2000 arrived, 75% was in English. When 2003 arrived, English was not only the language visible on the internet. Chinese and Africans were already online. This simple example could reflect that the world in becoming more multilingual.
Some linguists like Stephen Anderson from Yale recognizes that multilingualism is something normal or natural. This is the normal condition of the people since culture and society is also diversified. However it is not correct to say that because society is multilingual in nature, then we should avoid learning other languages and stay with what language we know. Actually, learning other languages has become an advantage in an era of globalization. This would be an advantage when you are after a better education and career opportunity.
Another interesting future that language would face would be the development of technology. There are different translation programs that are able to translate documents in 6 major languages. Although, it is not a hundred percent perfect, the versions being released commercially are improving.
These programs would soon pave the future where it is possible to talk into different languages where computer programs would help in translations and conversations. Although, computers where programs like these could be installed may not be portable enough, it would eventually be in a few years time. But these programs would not be replacing translators, they would still be needed to learn and create the programs.
There are experts who say that identifying the dominant language in the future is difficult. Since everybody has its biases. Even the claim that multilingual would be the language of the future, is being disputed. Some still claim that English would be the dominant language.
The bottom line is that world language is changing and nothing can stop that. Changes in communication are happening nowadays. All of these because of the changing demographic trends, technology and international communication. These changes are manifesting not only what we are speaking but also in what we are writing. Languages would not stop developing because society is undergoing change. Some languages may go extinct but this is to give birth to new ones.
# Nearly Extinct Languages
Languages are not just for communication. It is a social product and the transmitter of culture. It means that languages are the reflection of the songs, stories, traditions of the current generation as well as the past. It is a reflection of the society and the culture we live in. Linguists would often say that to understand language, you would need to immerse yourself on the culture behind the language, and vice versa.
Languages change along the changes that society and culture experience. It is dynamic, new words are being introduced sometimes influenced by other languages. The life of a language can be measured if a population that speaks it as a primary language still continues to live. But when the population of the native speakers is gone, the language is often categorized or referred to as an extinct language. Even if there are still younger generations left, if they choose to speak a different language as their tongue, then the language could still be considered extinct.
Latin is an extinct language. Before it is included in subjects taught in school, later on, it was removed and modern and more important subjects replaced it. Even if the language is still extinct, it does not mean that nobody can speak it. There are still people who can speak Latin, but it is not used as a language for communication. But Latin inspired or infused with other words to produce more words.
Another situation that may lead to the extinction of a language would be through eradication or genocide of the entire population who speaks the tongue. There could be survivors but they be merged into other cultures and eventually adapt these cultures as their own. This would be the case of Native American tribes.
Linguists and experts have agreed that the rate of extinction of language is becoming alarming. According to the New York Times and National Geographic, there is one language dying in every fourteen days. By 2100, about 7,000 languages would be extinct. This would be more than half of the languages we currently have. There are five places where the extinction of language is happening fast, it is in Northern Australia, Central South America, North America’s upper Pacific coastal zone, Eastern Siberia and Oklahoma and southwestern United States. Sad to hear, is that there are about 500 languages which are spoken by less than ten people.
To deal with this, there are projects which aim to help prevent the extinction of languages. The first one would be identifying the places where language extinction occurs. These language recovery programs would include recording of the endangered language, and conduct studies that would help experts and linguists determine how language and cultural diversity affects the endangered language. These programs also aim to increase the awareness of the public about this issue.
Unfortunately, the public are still not aware the effects of language extinction. Some would say that the extinction of a language would be justified enough because the language is obsolete. Actually, the strong link of language to culture and the people’s world view are among the things that would be most affected.
The extinction of languages is not just about the death or loss of a different set of vocabulary and words. In a bigger sense, it would signify the loss of a culture and history imbedded on the language itself.
# Preparing For Language Proficiency Examinations
Language proficiency examinations are intended to measure or test the proficiency of an individual in various foreign languages. Language proficiency tests, unlike other examinations, are not based on any particular scope, course materials or software programs. It is accumulated with different grammar and vocabulary questions which can be found in any language book.
There are some institutions who offer language proficiency examinations for evaluation purposes. Some schools would be require for a student to pass language proficiency tests to assess the capability of the student in writing and reading the foreign language.
Let’s take English for example, there are English proficiency tests which are very important especially for students whose native tongue is not English. English would have proficiency tests like FCE, CAE, IELTS, and TOEFL. In these tests, language skills are tested through sentence structure and completion, paragraph development and reading and comprehending texts.
If you are aiming to take and pass a language proficiency exam, you would need to address the issue of finding good teachers. There are also language programs that offer different areas of focus, there are some programs that focus on strengthening listening and speaking activities. These programs would include proper pronunciation and vocabulary rather than on grammar structures. This is why you would have to know what language areas the language programme is noted for. However, if you wish to have a balanced language development, then there are some instances that language programs are instructed to create programmes that will target all the fields.
When planning to take the exam, the most crucial mistake that test-takers would commit is to be misguided that they are ready to take the exam. Most of the times, individuals would be taking the proficiency test because they have already developed their grammar and vocabulary knowledge. Others would take the exam because they know some techniques that will help them pass. Unfortunately, these are not true. It is important for exam-takers to be fully aware that you would need at least to be on intermediate level before taking the exam.
If you think you are already prepared to test the exam, then here are some practical tips that could help you.
• There are different workshops which could help you in the writing proficiency part of the exam.
• Some would like to take an English class before actually taking the test. This would give them a chance to refresh their knowledge about grammar, writing and vocabulary.
• Make use of your grammar, vocabulary and English books to do some exercises. The benefit of having the net is that they have stimulated or sample tests that would help you at least have an idea on what to expect from the language exams.
Some colleges would have an oral proficiency test, so make sure that you would also be prepared for that. Do not talk to fast or to slow, just take the speed in which you are comfortable speaking using the required language. There is nothing wrong in pausing to formulate your answers. During oral proficiency exams, it is strongly recommended to expound on your answers. In this case a simple yes or no will not get you anywhere.
Our knowledge and proficiency of languages could be measured by taking language proficiency tests. But for some individuals it is not just about getting evaluated, but it could mean a better education and better career opportunity.
# Learning Foreign Languages: A Cultural Immersion
There are some studies conducted showing that children, from birth until they reach seven, are in the stage that they could acquire language easier. The ability of an individual to acquire languages will slowly decrease as they surpass puberty. How can adults learn language effectively and faster?
We are now living in am era of globalization, every country and culture has become connected whether it is in business, education and other fields. There is a need to be knowledgeable, not in just our local tongue, but also in other languages. It has be come a necessity to be able to be a part of the community, get better career opportunities, and therefore succeed.
There are different methods on how we can improve our skills of acquiring languages. Different aides like CDs, DVSs, books, dictionaries and magazines can be bought easily in bookstores. But experts have agreed that the most important method is by submerging ourselves of the language’s culture.
There are numerous experts who agree that the best way and most efficient method of teaching language would be what is called as “language immersion.” Reading grammar and vocabulary books are indeed important in order to increase language knowledge. But it is practice and exposure that you would find most helpful when learning a new language. For example, if you would go abroad and live there, then it would be inevitable that you would pick up the language. You are exposed to different aspects of culture that uses the language, like television, movies, radio, restaurants, museums, transportation and other public places.
Language immersion will keep learning language balanced. Language is something reflected by the people’s culture, thus, to understand the language it would be best to understand the ideas and concepts behind it by immersing in the culture. Aside from that, it keeps learning interactive and fun. You do not have to pour over boring texts for hours and still unable to retain anything.
Language immersion does not mean you would have to Spain to learn Spanish and go to France and fluently speak French. There are different ways to immerse ourselves in other cultures without spending too much on the airfare.
• You could start by renting foreign films and listening to different radio programmes using the language of your interest. For example, if you want to learn how to speak Spanish, then telenovelas would be a great way to get acquainted with the language. Telenovelas play a major role in Latin America’s pop culture. There are teachers who would testify that students would get involved in the dramas that they do not even realize that they are slowly improving their Spanish skills.
• Foreign films are also great avenues for language immersion. They are interesting, easy to access and of course in the language that you would like to learn.
• If you are not a big fan of foreign dramas and films, then you could certainly learn a lot from foreign sports. You could learn from the announcers and fans, just like in drama, you get involved with the sports that you keep track of it and gradually understanding what those announcers are actually reporting.
• Radio has played a major role in language acquisition. There are online radios from different parts of the globe which you can listen to. You may find it difficult in the beginning but later on, you will start to identify more and more words and eventually learn the language.
• Eating in foreign restaurants would also allow you to get acquainted to foreign dishes and how they were pronounced. Some restaurants would even include foreign performances while dining.
Learning different languages could be done in ways that you do not have to spend too much or leave the country. But if you feel that travelling will boost your experience and education, then go ahead. There are many options that you could choose from, make sure that you will be picking out the most practical.
# Improving Your English Language Proficiency
English has become a universal language. It has become the language for some trade transactions, educational and cultural relations. English is being frequently called the “language of communication.”
But not everybody is proficient in speaking English, even the most professional speaker would still have some space for improvement. But how could you increase your aptitude in the English language? Here are some tips that you could easily do and at the same time give you significant results.
• Reading
To increase any knowledge, regardless whatever field it is, the first thing you do is hit the books. It is the same when increasing your language knowledge. Spending time in reading would help you improve your vocabulary and comprehension. You could use books, magazines and newspapers.
If you want to learn more about grammar, then get a decent grammar book. Libraries would have good collection of grammar books that you can check. These books will help you get back to the basics, like sentence construction. These books should be your guide especially during occasions when you are having difficulties and confusions about grammar. As your English improves, then you could start move to more difficult materials.
• Watching and Listening
If you get tired of reading, then try watching and listening to different English programs. News programs like CNN or BBC are great channels to watch. Although, it you watch something you are interested in, there are bigger chances that you will listen and pay attention. You can watch movies with English subtitles, since it would help you even more.
Try listening to English songs. Start looking for the lyrics and compare how they were pronounced. Listen carefully to what they say. If you cannot understand a word, write it down and look for its meaning later on. Try using or practice saying these words until you are able to use them effortlessly.
• Writing
If you want to improve you English writing, then start practicing! You can start by writing short essays, stories and paragraphs. Make this a daily exercise. Three to five minute of writing, then get somebody to check it for you, whether it is for grammatical or other technical corrections. Having somebody to give you a feedback will help you improve your work.
• Talking
Practice talking or speaking in English. You can talk to yourself in English if you are afraid to talk to other people. If you have friends who are good English speakers, then you can talk to them in English from time to time to improve on your own verbal communication. Aside from building you speaking skills it would also help you boost your confidence.
• Way of Thinking
Most of those who want to learn how to speak fluently in English make a common mistake, that is they think in their native language. It would take a while for them to respond to a question or react using English, because they think the answer first in their native tongue before translating it into English. To speak English fluently, then thinking in English is necessary.
If it is difficult for you to learn on your own, then get a tutor. You can even ask for friends to help you out. There are even some websites that offer English exercises to improve you language skills. But we have to understand that whatever we are learning, it may be English or other languages, grammar and accent is not enough. What matters is that people can understand you clearly.
# Easy Tips For Teaching Languages
A lot of people are now recognizing the advantages of learning foreign languages. We are living in the time of globalization, everyone around the globe has somehow became connected together whether it is through education, business or arts. We have reached a period where learning and speaking one language is not sufficient. With people understanding the impact of learning and speaking second languages, people from different ages are starting to get formal education for it.
If you are a teacher and teaching foreign languages or students who are second language learners, then it is possible for you to encounter some difficulties. Most of the students who are language learners would come from different ages and background. You would have to deal with these differences to make the experience rewarding and productive. How to do it? Here are some tips that could help you when teaching.
• There are many tips and tricks that could help in making the class interesting. Make use of different teaching methods that would make the class interesting. According to studies, children can easily acquire language, especially if they are from ages 0 to 7. The ability to learn language easily decreases when they reach puberty. That is why most adults would find it more difficult to learn new languages than children.
a. Role playing is one of the great teaching methods and activities for language learners. You could layout simple situations and ask them to converse using the language that they are learning. Those involved in the role play will of course learn the language, but the other students who are watching will also be able to pick up the words in a very entertaining manner.
b. Pictionary is a great game when teaching new words or expanding vocabulary. Flashcards would also be great, but for more interaction, you could use pictionary.
• When drilling students or asking them to answer questions, make sure that they are given enough time to answer them. Some beginners or anybody who is learning a second language, would first think of the answer in their native language before translating it into to the second language that they are learning. So give them ample time to answer. As you progress in your classes, teach them the importance of thinking in the second language to execute and speak better in the language they are learning.
• Some language programs boast about how many words they could teach an individual learning a second language. As a teacher, you do not only teach them words and meanings, pronunciations and grammar usage. It would most important that the words you are actually teaching them are something that they would utilize in real-life situations. There are studies showing that 15-20% of students cannot remember what was taught three to four weeks before. You have to know when to slow down and increase the pace. This is of course will be based on your students’ reactions in classes.
• Because of the nature of students forgetting what is taught. It is important that the teacher do reviews. After a lesson is taught, review it by doing different methods like open conversation, games, songs, chants and other activities. Introduce the new lesson afterwards. This would help those students who are lagging behind or having problems catching up. This would also help those who can catch up to retain what they know.
Teaching, in general can be very rewarding and challenging. When teaching languages, nothing is more rewarding than hearing your students converse in language that they do not even know how to speak before your classes start. You just have to realize that learning is a process. Some would take a long time before they can reach the level that you want them to be in. You have to understand these differences so you would be able to handle them well.
# Children Learning And Speaking Two Languages
We are now living in a very diversified culture and society. It is natural to find people who are speaking at least two language, these people are bilingual. But there are some bilingual parents or even those who are not, that are afraid that their teaching their children two languages would make them confused. Is learning two languages beneficial to our kids?
Most of the times, these children who have learn two languages find it as a necessity in their environment and community (Houwer, 1999). There are some cases that children would grow up in communities where most of the people who speak in two languages on their everyday tasks. This would have impact on how children would acquire and later on, speak these languages.
Not all parents are happy with their children learning to speak two languages. There are speech therapists who believe that learning two languages could actually cause language delays. They would say that children would end up confused. In some cases, they would even suggest that parents make way for the dominant or major language, and drop speaking secondary languages. They believed that acquiring the main language of the environment will be better if there are no other languages to compete with.
On the contrary, these claims by speech therapists still remain to be unproved and without any supporting scientific evidence. There are many children who have grown up in bilingual even multilingual family and community, and they did not develop any language disorders or delays.
Some linguists and child development experts would even recommend children to be taught with foreign language between birth and age 7. There are studies showing that children can say about 50 words, whether they are monolingual or bilingual, by the time they reach 18 months. Apparently, according to Italian researches, a baby or child that learns how to speak two languages could actually make the brain more flexible. Experts also discovered that the ability of children to acquire language easily would decline when they reach puberty.
If you are a parent who wants to have a bilingual child then there are something that you can do.
• You can make your children exposed as much as possible to the language you would like them to hear. But make sure that they would be given time to hear both language. You could start reading them books. Tapes and CDs will also help in language learning. Children can be very enthusiastic with music, so try singing too. Watching television, video tapes and DVDs are also great ways to introduce them to the language. Some parents would even enrol or encourage their children to be a part of language programs like language camps.
• Remember that languages are closely linked to emotions and identity. There are some children who develop a sort of trauma whenever their parents would stop responding to them just because they use a different language. So be conscious when talking to your children too. Do not use language exclusive with just one child, the others may feel excluded and later on develop problems with their behaviour.
• Some parents tend to be too strict when teaching their children to learn other languages. Do not punish, humiliate and rebuke you children just for using a different language when talking to you or to other people. If you feel that you kid is not catching up with the speech milestones a child should meet, then do not hesitate to consult professionals. Sometimes it could be hearing-related issue.
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