How To Learn A Foreign Language

Linguistic languages (as opposed to computer languages) can be divided into two categories, the written language, and the spoken language. These categories can be divided into two subcategories, an input, and an output. The input of the written language is reading because the learner absorbs input from the written language. The input in the spoken language is listening to speech since the learner absorbs input from the spoken language. The output of the written language is writing text because the learner is outputting information through the written language. The output of the spoken language is speaking since the learner is outputting information through speech.  An exanimation of how these linguistic categories and subcategories enter act will provide valuable insight to the art of language learning.

Beginning

Input is easier to absorb content than to create content. Thus, we should begin with the input of the new language.

The input

Learning a new language requires a basic understanding of phonetics. The letters of the alphabet relate to sounds. Some languages have letters that correspond to only one sound while others, such as English, have various sounds depending on other factors. Nevertheless, the learner must grasp the relationship of letters, syllables, and words, and stress the sound it will make. This step in the learning process moves into the spoken language level of simple words.

The Spoken Language

At this point, the learners will need to employ audio files. Plenty of YouTube videos will work for this stage. This is a good time to learn common terms like the days of the week and the months of the year. You will not need a large vocabulary. That will come as you live and learn. However, you will need to learn grammar.

Those who claim that adults can learn a new language without learning the grammar are wrong. In fact, you will not only need to learn the grammar of the new language, but you will also need to understand the grammar of your native language.