In this brief discussion on learning foreign languages, we will be exploring several issues – among them:
- Reasons as to why people learn foreign languages
- Ways in which people learn foreign languages and
- Processes through which people learn foreign languages
Motivations for learning foreign languages
Motivations for learning foreign languages fall into two broad categories:
1. The social motivations: this is where, for instance, people keen on looking for ‘love’ in foreign countries are inclined to learn the languages spoken in those countries, so as to ease their searches. Similarly, people thinking of moving to other countries are inclined to learn the languages of those countries, so as to ease their social interactions once they get there. We also have people learning the foreign languages due to peer pressure. Other learn foreign languages out of the desire to be in a position to enjoy literary works from the countries where the languages in question are spoken.
2. The economic motivations: this is where we have people learning foreign languages so as to improve their economic opportunities. People thinking of immigrating for economic reasons are, for instance, inclined to learn foreign languages before immigrating. Others learn the foreign languages with the intention of being in a position to teach others those foreign languages (as paid tutors).
Ways in which people learn foreign languages
Some of the key ways in which people normally learn foreign languages include:
1. Through formal lessons: these are conducted by people who are already masters of the foreign languages in question. They may be offered online, or in the traditional classroom setting.
2. Through informal lessons: this is where folks desiring to learn foreign languages are inclined to ask their friends who happen to be masters of such languages to teach them, informally.
3. Through practice: this is where, for instance, people who have learnt the basics of certain foreign languages may be inclined to sojourn to the regions where such languages are spoken, so as to perfect their mastery of the languages through practice. We also have people who have mastered the basics of various foreign languages opting to start delving into literary works rendered in such languages. This is something they do in a bid to see how the languages work in real world, in order to perfect their masteries.
Processes through which people learn foreign languages
The processes through which people typically learn foreign languages include:
1. Word by word/name by name learning: this is where people who are absolutely new to given languages have to start by learning the names of various objects in such languages.
2. Phrase learning: once people learn the names of various objects in languages that interest them, they are inclined to start using such names to form phrases. This also forces them to learn the rules of grammar of the languages they happen to be interested in (so as to be in a position to form sensible phrases).
3. Learning by enquiry: this is where people who are exposed to various foreign languages (within environments where such languages are spoken) are forced to start asking questions about what various statements mean, what various items are called… and so on. Soon, they start gaining mastery of the languages.
4. Learning by practice: this is where people who catch the basics of various foreign languages are inclined to start practicing (by talking to others, trying to make sense of literary works in those languages and so on). It is through this process that their mastery of the languages is perfected.