Hi friends, When you really want to 'master' a language, I mean, when learning a second language is a priority or a real need for you, the method it's important, but not so important, and as far as I know, any method is good enough or sufficient enough as long as you don't lose your motivation. I think some methods complement each other in some extent, sometimes in spite of being opposites. For instance, I see that inverse translation or the use of the mother tongue is very important in some methods, and it's discouraged in other 'purist' methods, I mean, I think it's really helpful, e.g. if you have a database of bilingual expressions/phrases to acquire vocabulary and be able to express yourself, especially in the beginning.
Here some 'tricks' to consider: - If the conversational part is a priority, focus on the basics, and repeat again and again, e.g. master the verb 'to be', I mean, to be able to use it from end to end, including derived forms, with agility, 'instantly'. And the same for verbs such as 'to go', 'to have', 'to want', etc. and to read very basic graded books, not intermediate nor advanced ones. - Read a lot, e.g. a book a month, but not literature but other kind of more suitable books. The secret is not to use the dictionary. - Movies: don't watch movies you don't understand, it's counterproductive for your motivation. - Forget about phrasal verbs, idioms, just learn and use the 'basic' ones. - The teacher role as somebody who corrects you, is important, but just for beginners and pre-intermediate level. Well, my 2 cents. Pablo --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "ESL Podcast". To post to this group, send email to: [email protected] or just reply this message For invite your friends, visit: http://groups.google.com/group/eslpodcast/members_invite Know how help us, visit this FAQ at: http://groups.google.com/group/eslpodcast/web/frequently-asked-questions -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
