The same is true for any language learner.
The Best Way to Learn Dutch <http://www.foreignersinholland.com/SchoolConcierge> *How To Learn Dutch!* *Here are some tips which may help you to master the Dutch Language!* *Speak without Fear* The biggest problem most people face in learning a new language is their own fear. They worry that they won't say things correctly or that they will look stupid so they don't talk at all. Don't do this. The fastest way to learn anything is to do it – again and again until you get it right. Like anything,* learning any language requires practice*. Don't let a little fear stop you from getting what you want. *Use all of your Resources* Even if you study Dutch at a language school it doesn't mean you can't learn outside of class. Using as many different sources, methods and tools as possible, will allow you to learn faster. There are many different ways you can improve your Dutch so don't limit yourself to only one or two. The internet is a fantastic resource for virtually anything, but for the language learner it's perfect. *Surround Yourself with Dutch* The absolute best way to learn Dutch is to surround yourself with it. Takenotes in Dutch, put Dutch books around your room, listen to Dutch language radio broadcasts, watch Dutch news, movies and television. Speak Dutch with your friends whenever you can. Themore Dutch material that you have around you, the faster you will learn and the more likely it is that you will begin "thinking in Dutch." *Listen to Native Speakers as Much as Possible* There are some good Dutch teachers that have had to learn Dutch as a second language before they could teach it. However, there are several reasons why many of the best schools prefer to hire native Dutch speakers. One of the reasons is that native speakers have a natural flow to their speech that students of Dutch should try to imitate. *Watch Dutch Films and Television* This is not only a fun way to learn but it is also very effective. By watching Dutch films you can expand your vocabulary and hear the flow of speech from the actors. If you listen to the news you can also hear different accents. *Listen to Dutch Music* Music can be a very effective method of learning Dutch. In fact, it is often used as a way of improving comprehension. The best way to learn though, is to get the lyrics (words) to the songs you are listening to and try to read them as the artist sings. There are several good internet sites where one can find the words for most songs. This way you can practice your listening and reading at the same time. And if you like to sing, fine. *Study As Often As Possible!* Only by studying things like grammar and vocabulary and doing exercises, can you really improve your knowledge of any language. *Do Exercises and Take Tests* Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by completing exercises and taking tests you can really improve your Dutch. One of the best reasons for doing lots of exercises and tests is that they give you a benchmark to compare your future results with. Often, it is by comparing your score on a test you took yesterday with one you took a month or six months ago that you realize just how much you have learned. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much you are progressing. *Record Yourself* Nobody likes to hear their own voice on tape but like tests, it is good to compare your tapes from time to time. You may be so impressed with the progress you are making that you may not mind the sound of your voice as much. *Listen to Dutch* By this, we mean, speak on the phone or listen to radio broadcasts, audiobooks or CDs in Dutch. This is different than watching the television or films because you can't see the person that is speaking to you. Many learners of Dutch say that speaking on the phone is one of the most difficult things that they do and the only way to improve is topractice. MOST IMPORTANT - HAVE FUN :-) -- My new videos on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2TwYYCgUb8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONxCgc0tXQU --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "English Learner's Cafe" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/english_learners?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
