How to learn two languages at the same time
For many people, learning two languages at the same time sounds like a real challenge, but in many parts of the world, people live in multilingual environments. According to Janet Werker, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, the brain is perfectly capable of alternating between different languages. In fact, the brain can benefit from the special nuances learned in the acquisition of several languages at the same time.
Steps to follow:one
Choose two languages that are not from the same linguistic family. Languages that are closely related can be confusing to learn at the same time, because the vocabulary and grammatical structures are very similar. If you choose two very different languages, such as German and Arabic, it will be much easier to keep them separate in your mind.
two
He begins to study a language several weeks or months before beginning to study the second language. Once you have the basic knowledge, for the first language, you will feel more comfortable to learn the second language. Students acquire languages more quickly after they have started studying a foreign language .
3
Keep a written record of the vocabulary learned from each language, and check this record regularly. You can make 3 x 5 cm cards and save the vocabulary cards for each language, in a separate card file. You can also have a notebook for each language, and write new vocabulary words in each notebook as you learn. Periodic reviews keep the words fresh in your mind and help you avoid confusion.
4
Try to have a conversation with native speakers of both languages . In order to pick up the nuances and correct pronunciation of the two languages, you will have to listen to native speakers of those languages, and practice talking to them. If you find that one language influences the other, listen carefully to native speakers and ask for comments about your pronunciation.
5
Learn about the countries where each language is spoken. As you learn about culture, history and people involved with a language, common idioms and expressions acquire more meaning and feel more natural in everyday speech. You will also be able to keep the two languages separate in your mind better when you associate each language with a different culture and people.
- Join foreign language clubs to get support from others who are learning foreign languages.
- Try to visit the countries where the languages are in common use.