Study tips – Yabla Blog https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog Learning Language through Immersion Wed, 27 Oct 2021 22:32:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Dictation for Language Learning: Introducing Scribe https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/the-language-learning-game-for-dictation-introducing-scribe/ https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/the-language-learning-game-for-dictation-introducing-scribe/#respond Thu, 02 May 2019 17:32:10 +0000 http://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/?p=248 Hi Yabla Subscribers, have you played Scribe yet?

Look at what the Internet TESL Journal (Teachers of English as a Second Language) say about dictation as a language learning tool: 

Dictation helps to develop short-term memory. Students practice retaining meaningful phrases or whole sentences before writing them down. Dictation can serve as an excellent review exercise. Dictation fosters unconscious thinking in the new language.”

How awesome is that? And guess what: Scribe is Yabla’s patented language learning dictation game! Plus- it’s fun! Try watching our video tutorial, or follow along below! 

Here is how to play…

Click on the Games menu and select Scribe.

Select “Play.”

The video will play, and you enter the caption here in the white Input Box.

You can slow down the video by 75% or 50% by clicking on the turtle.

You can replay the video by pressing the Replay Icon on the screen, or simply by typing Return on your keyboard.

Play the video and type what you hear in the white input box.

Correct letters show up green. Incorrect letters show up red. If there’s an accent problem, it will show up orange.

The game will not let you continue until each caption is filled in correctly, so if you’re stuck, simply click on any missing letters, incorrect letters, or accent problems, and Scribe will fill it in for you so that you can continue to the next caption.

If you need help at any time, click on the question mark icon to reveal game instructions. Your Star Score takes into account all the actions of the game, including corrections, replays, hints and all other aspects of play.

Improve your listening, writing, and language retention skills as you enjoy Scribe!

]]>
https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/the-language-learning-game-for-dictation-introducing-scribe/feed/ 0
I Studied French For Years But Struggled to Be Understood in France https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/i-studied-french-for-years-but-struggled-to-be-understood-in-france/ https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/i-studied-french-for-years-but-struggled-to-be-understood-in-france/#respond Thu, 29 Mar 2018 16:48:11 +0000 http://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/?p=117 I took French classes for several years before moving to Paris for a French Language program at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. However, after I received the results from my placement test I was was really disappointed. I tested in just above a novice level! I was even more disappointed to find that I was struggling to communicate with any native French speaker. How could that be when I aced all of my French classes in the United States?

The problem with the way I was being taught and had been studying, was that the lessons focused on memorizing verb tables and grammar rules, the structural format of the language. Learning to converse in real world situations didn’t even seem like it was part of the plan.

According to an article in Forbes Magazine, The Best Way to Learn a Foreign Language Is the Opposite of the Usual Way,

The curriculum for nearly every introductory language class revolves around grammatical concepts, and we spend far too much time on the rules of language. As a result, students are forced to suffer through grammar-focused instruction that makes them adept at conjugating verbs but leaves them mute when they are pressed to have a conversation. What they need instead is the chance to use language the way it was intended, as a tool for communication, not as a complex set of rules to master.

While there is absolutely value in formal instruction, the best way to learn a language is to study frequently, using a blend of methods. Combining classwork, speaking, listening, reading, writing AND interacting with native speakers, is the best way to become fluent in another language.

According to Stephen Krashen,

We acquire language when we understand what people tell us and what we read, when we get “comprehensible input.” As we get comprehensible input through listening and reading, we acquire (or “absorb”) the grammar and vocabulary of the second language.

Meaning, the more we practice listening, watching, and speaking the language, regardless of how much we struggle to fully comprehend it, the more we learn and retain, without actually realizing it. It’s through this passive learning that the new language becomes more natural. Also, when focussing on stringing together words  and phrases you memorized, you are missing gestures and expressions. These gestures and expressions are proving to be very important in language acquisition and retention.

So, all the times I hung out with my French friends and felt totally and completely lost, I was getting something out of it that cannot be found in a French class. Even a French class in Paris. The more native speakers you can you listen to and interact with, the better. I was exposed to different accents, voices, slang, and usually encountered conversational partners eager to help me learn and excited that I was learning their language. It made the whole learning process that much more fun and exciting.

So how does that translate to you learning another language? In a perfect world, you would live in a country that speaks the language your are wanting to learn ….. until you become fluent.  However, that’s not always possible.

If you can’t move abroad, that’s okay. The internet has a plethora of affordable and/or free language resources. But most importantly, find ways to hear/view native speakers, especially through content made for native speakers, like television programs, country and rap music videos, interviews, and documentaries. Consuming a variety of content on different subjects will help you understand your new language in an authentic context while giving you a better understanding of another culture.

There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence that supports the idea that countries who subtitle (rather than dubbing) their foreign media content tend to be more proficient at those subtitled languages. In a post from The Polyglot Dream, Why Scandinavians Speak Exceptional English they cite the benefits of exposing subtitled media, rather than dubbing, as one of the main reasons for their proficiency in the English language.

The biggest contributor to the success of Scandinavians in language learning is their consumption of English media. Scandinavians watch a lot of movies and TV series from America in English, whereas Italians dub almost everything from America into Italian. This is an important difference because it means that Scandinavians are not only exposed to English early on in their lives, but also regularly. The amount of exposure one has to a foreign languages usually correlates to one’s level of comprehension, ability to understand the language when spoken quickly and one’s ability to imitate sounds.

The second most important thing to do when you’re learning a language is to be consistent. Ideally you should study at least 30 minutes a day, everyday. However one of the biggest challenges in learning anything new, is staying engaged and motivated. Conjugating verbs and memorizing words gets boring, so make sure you change your focus and methods to keep yourself interested. With all the internet at your fingertips, this should not be hard.

That’s one of the reasons we at Yabla consistently add new programs and lessons for our users. Our goal is to provide content that is interesting to you to help keep you motivated. We believe language learning shouldn’t be a chore, but rather a new exciting opportunity.

]]>
https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/i-studied-french-for-years-but-struggled-to-be-understood-in-france/feed/ 0
Language Learning Tip: Start Small https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-tip-start-small/ https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-tip-start-small/#respond Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:57:39 +0000 http://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/?p=95 Starting from scratch. Back to the basics. Square one. When learning a new trade or skill, including adopting a foreign language, the beginning will always be the most difficult part of any learning process. When we first spoke our native language, we had to begin with small goals, the building blocks of communication, whether it was memorizing the alphabet, sounding out new words, or even asking what certain every day words meant. This process is no different when learning an entirely new language now. Set small goals for yourself. Set a time frame in which you will achieve that goal, and then set out to complete the challenge you set for yourself. With each new goal completed, the more your confidence will increase, which will, in turn, keep you motivated on mastering the language you’re striving to learn.

Prep Work

Before you begin adopting your new language, it’s important to prepare a regimen, or create methods you know will help you learn. Will you be learning through a book? An app? By conversing with a native speaker of the language you’re learning? Perhaps you like to learn through videos, or music? Whatever method is best for you, use it to help you become a master.

Curriculum

Just as if you’re going to school, it’s important to set a trajectory for the progression of your education. Set a schedule. Create a list. Make sure you reach your end goal within a certain time frame. Set a task/challenge for yourself every day to complete, and check it off. As you complete each challenge, your skills will improve. Incorporate a “word of the day”, quiz yourself on new words, practice your vocabulary, and increase the difficulty the longer you continue your curriculum.

Partner Up

To better stay motivated on learning your language, it’s always good to be able to converse, and apply the skills you learned in a realistic setting. People everywhere (especially if they aren’t living in America) are taking it upon themselves to be more cultured, learning more languages in an effort to improve themselves and build bridges between themselves and other foreign communities. Find someone who is looking to learn the same language you are. Lean on each other and motivate yourselves to complete each small goal. Build up gradually and make sure you truly master whatever language you’re learning.

Have Fun

The biggest small goal you should have is to have fun. Make sure you enjoy learning the language you’re adopting, otherwise each new goal will feel like a chore, rather than a fun new experience. Stay motivated, make your goals, have fun!

]]>
https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-tip-start-small/feed/ 0
Staying Organized: 8 Learning Strategies To Help Master A Language https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/8-learning-strategies-to-master-a-language/ https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/8-learning-strategies-to-master-a-language/#comments Fri, 01 Apr 2016 16:15:39 +0000 http://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/?p=128 Learning a new language is challenging and a lot of work, but by staying organized and studying regularly you will be able to speak another language.  Many do not know that exercise increases heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain. It aids the release of hormones which provide an excellent environment for the growth of brain cells. Exercise also promotes brain plasticity by stimulating growth of new connections between cells in many important cortical areas of the brain and to get better results or step up in your workout, check this post about the best testosterone boosters for men.

#1 – Keep a Diary In Your Target Language

Your diary is your own, personal notepad where you will write down in a way that works for you all the new words, patterns, and conjugations that you’ve just reviewed.

It should be kept very brief: it’s not your lesson book, it’s your understanding of what you’ve learned and it should make sense to you.

Feel free to rearrange the material the way you think is more efficient and only include the key grammar points you are struggling with, key facts you must remember above all else and essential vocabulary.

To maximize the efficiency of your diary, read it cover to cover every day at least twice, especially before going to bed when your memory welcomes passive knowledge. As time goes by, you’ll notice that you’ve read certain parts so much that you won’t need to read them. When you reach that point, focus on the newer, more challenging sections of your diary, and re-read the older sections every week or every other week only.

#2 – Make Lists

Create a specific list at the end of your diary that includes your favorite idioms and words on subjects you’re most interested in talking about? You can also color code pages so you know that ‘green’ is a ‘List Page’ and ‘red’ is a ‘Verbs Page’.

Creating a list is also an occasion to learn some new words: look up synonyms or even the translations of the words that you regularly use in English.

#3 – Make Flip Cards

It’s a basic way to learn, but it works! It can include anything from one to more words, expressions, conjugations or grammar rules. Don’t forget to include pronunciation if you insert French words.

Take your cards anywhere and don’t be shy to ask a friend to quiz you, and make it fun!

#4 – Test Yourself Regularly

Make sure the vocabulary and grammar that you are learning is active and not just passive knowledge. You need to be able to use them at will without thinking about it. Creating your own quizzes is a good way to do this: when learning new words, create a vocabulary quiz. It can be done in various formats.

For example, you can note down a list of 20 or 50 words and phrases you’ve learned in a new lesson. At the end of the day or when you are confident that you know the words, test yourself into guessing the meaning of these words in your target language.

You can also write down a list of words in your target language and test yourself into guessing as many synonyms as you know. You’ll be surprised how stimulating this can be and how much you know.

Do this on a separate sheet of paper and don’t throw away the quizzes when you’re done: you’ll maximize your learning experience by rotating these quizzes and using it after a week, or even a month. Consider that ‘midterms,’ plus it’s always encouraging

#5 – Immerse Yourself Everywhere

Put sticky notes on common household items in your house. Writing the note is an active way to learn and seeing them throughout the day is passive.

Review your language diary or listen to podcasts when you’re waiting in line, commuting on public transport, or take a break from Facebook and practice your language instead.

It may seem a little obsessive, but it works: the goal is to keep your target language on your mind so you are constantly stimulated.

#6 – Surf the Web in Your Target Language

The idea is to start recognizing words in context: you’ll quickly realize that you probably know a lot more than you think.

Browsing the Internet in your target language is important and a lively way to familiarize yourself with the culture and actually look for topics that actually matter to you. Why not teach yourself the culinary vocabulary by searching for authentic recipes in your target language and even cook the dish.

Be curious: the more time you spend surfing the web in your target language, the more confident you’ll be about your skills.

#7 – Be Proactive When You’re Reading

Reading articles in your target is important, but it serves little purpose if you don’t familiarize yourself with unknown structures, words, and idioms.

Devote 20 minutes reading a day but make sure you search and mark down in your diary all unknown vocabulary and grammar.

#8 – Watch More TV and Movies

Ok, maybe not more, but consider subbing out some of your regular programming for authentic content in your target language.

To be fluent in another language you must train your ear to listen to native speakers. The more you are exposed to them, the faster you’ll be able to speak and become fluent.

Follow these strategies and you’ll see the results. Just remember: the key is consistency

Do you have other language learning strategies? Share your tips in the comments below.

]]>
https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/8-learning-strategies-to-master-a-language/feed/ 1
Language Learning Strategies for Introverts That Work For Everyone https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-strategies-for-introverts/ https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-strategies-for-introverts/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2016 14:26:07 +0000 http://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/?p=50 Introverts and extroverts don’t experience the world in the same way. While extroverted people generally draw their energy from time spent with other people, introverts need some alone time to re-energize and re-charge; however but recent studies have found that there is a spectrum. Most people are ambiverts: a little extroverted and a little introverted.

When it comes to language learning, we introverts and ambiverts need to manage our energy, know our limits, and utilize our strengths. Next to language immersion, speaking your target language from the beginning is the most important thing to do to become fluent in any language.  

Here are some tips to get you speaking whether you’re an introvert, ambivert, or even an extrovert.

One-on-one time

If you’re like many introverts, you’d prefer having a deep one-on-one conversation over participating in group conversations. This fulfills our desire to connect without having to be concerned about large events, small talk, and group dynamics.

Find a language partner or teacher.

Meetup, Couchsurfing, iTalki, and even Facebook have a variety of groups from which you can find a conversation partner or teacher, both online and locally. You can speak your way to fluency from the comfort of your home.

Plan your social interactions

Introverts don’t necessarily dislike spending time with people; we just need alone time to recharge. Social interactions can be draining, even if we’re enjoying ourselves.

To work around this problem, control the amount of time you’re planning to participate in an event. Go to get-togethers with a defined end time. Leave a meetup at a predetermined earlier time. Go to an event with a language-learning friend and spend time talking with her.

While it is important to go outside of your comfort zone, it’s equally as essential to proactively care for yourself in the process. Take time to recharge.

Reading and writing

Writing is often overlooked as a skill worthy of actively improving. Channel your inner Gabriel García Marquez and write in your target language. Search for forums, blogs, Facebook groups in the language you wish to learn. Not only will you be able to participate in conversations, but you’ll be incorporating the language into a normal part of your life.

Printed materials use a wider lexicon than what is utilized in day-to-day conversations, dive into books, newspapers, and magazines regularly. You can even start with children’s books. You’ll improve your vocabulary to a far greater level than is possible by just talking with others.

Talk to yourself

We spend a lot of time thinking and ruminating on a regular basis. Try forming those thoughts in your target language, either aloud or in your mind. Writing down things you want to say and checking for accuracy will help you learn them. Keep them in your phone or a small notebook to review and refresh your memory when you need to. Bring it to your meetup or when you travel like your own personal phrasebook. Having a script to fall back on can help you get the words out and you might even find you need it less than you think.  Reading printed materials aloud will also help you to practice and improve your pronunciation in your foreign language.

Focus on your strengths

Introverts tend to listen more than speak, our minds pick up more passive vocabulary, greatly increasing our lexicon. Our preference to recharge alone also means that we have more opportunities to fine-tune our language skills to prepare for the next meetup.

Although we may not wish to spend hours chatting away, many of our strengths as introverts do give us an advantage in reaching our language goals.

Author: Revé Fisher
@ReveReveeReveee

]]>
https://www.yabla.com/yabla-blog/language-learning-strategies-for-introverts/feed/ 2