Translation - art & business » Teaching and Learning Languages »
Off topic: Mastering languages
Thread poster: miss interpret
miss interpret
miss interpret
Local time: 09:53
English
Apr 16, 2006

I have just come onto this board as I am interested in foreign languages. I speak French and have lived in France more than once. This may be a really stupid question for you guys, but I cannot master the language! I have a respectable level but when people talk to me, I still miss stuff and when I speak, I still have to be careful what words and grammar structure to use. I have also started learning Dutch and aim to speak 5 languages, no less! Any tips on how to master the language other than g... See more
I have just come onto this board as I am interested in foreign languages. I speak French and have lived in France more than once. This may be a really stupid question for you guys, but I cannot master the language! I have a respectable level but when people talk to me, I still miss stuff and when I speak, I still have to be careful what words and grammar structure to use. I have also started learning Dutch and aim to speak 5 languages, no less! Any tips on how to master the language other than going and living there?! ▲ Collapse
 
EmmanuelleAn (X)
EmmanuelleAn (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:53
English to French
+ ...
Answer from a former a French teacher Apr 21, 2006

Apparently, you seem to be too focused on the grammar and words when you speak French. That is why you do not feel so comfortable and happy with your level of fluency. I used to teach French as a foreign language and often had to deal with that problem. If my advanced students focused too much on grammar and other stuff when they spoke, they would not improve as fast as others. Moroever I have 2 questions to ask you: Do you think first in your native language (English?) when you are speaking Fre... See more
Apparently, you seem to be too focused on the grammar and words when you speak French. That is why you do not feel so comfortable and happy with your level of fluency. I used to teach French as a foreign language and often had to deal with that problem. If my advanced students focused too much on grammar and other stuff when they spoke, they would not improve as fast as others. Moroever I have 2 questions to ask you: Do you think first in your native language (English?) when you are speaking French?
How much time did you spend in France?
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Bonne journée! ▲ Collapse
 
EmmanuelleAn (X)
EmmanuelleAn (X)  Identity Verified
Local time: 10:53
English to French
+ ...
Wait... Apr 21, 2006

miss interpret wrote:

Any tips on how to master the language other than going and living there?!


Sorry I forgot that part. The best way to learn a language is definitely to go and live for some time in the country where it is spoken.

I spent 4 years in England and Ireland to reach an acceptable level of fluency and become an interpreter with English as working and passive language.
I go back at least twice a year for regular "updates" on the language and to remain in touch with the culture.
And of course, I speak English almost everyday in France with my English speaking friends who live here.
Languages, It is an "état d'esprit". You cannot just learn them from the comfort of your home country!
 
Michele Fauble
Michele Fauble  Identity Verified
United States
Local time: 01:53
Member (2006)
Norwegian to English
+ ...
"Language Learning in the Real World for Non-beginners" Jun 28, 2006

I recommend the following articles by Greg Thomson for anyone wanting to learn a language, or interested in the subject of language learning.


"Language Learning in the Real World for Non-beginners" by Greg Thomson
www.languageimpact.com/articles/gt/nonbegnr.htm

"Leave Me Alone! Can't You See I'm... See more
I recommend the following articles by Greg Thomson for anyone wanting to learn a language, or interested in the subject of language learning.


"Language Learning in the Real World for Non-beginners" by Greg Thomson
www.languageimpact.com/articles/gt/nonbegnr.htm

"Leave Me Alone! Can't You See I'm Learning Your Language?" by Greg Thomson
www.languageimpact.com/articles/gt/leaveme.htm

"Kick-starting Your Language Learning"
www.languageimpact.com/articles/gt/kickstrt.htm ▲ Collapse
 


To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator:

Moderator(s) of this forum
Laureana Pavon[Call to this topic]
Fernanda Rocha[Call to this topic]
Nawal Kramer[Call to this topic]

You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request »

Mastering languages






Protemos translation business management system
Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!

The system lets you keep client/vendor database, with contacts and rates, manage projects and assign jobs to vendors, issue invoices, track payments, store and manage project files, generate business reports on turnover profit per client/manager etc.

More info »
CafeTran Espresso
You've never met a CAT tool this clever!

Translate faster & easier, using a sophisticated CAT tool built by a translator / developer. Accept jobs from clients who use Trados, MemoQ, Wordfast & major CAT tools. Download and start using CafeTran Espresso -- for free

Buy now! »