| How many people do you hear say, "I've always | | | | is an official language of Canada. You can select your |
| wanted to learn French"? Or Italian? Or Spanish? Or | | | | new language and watch your favorite DVD's with |
| Swahili? Or some other language? Perhaps you are | | | | English subtitles at first. When you get more confident, |
| the one who has always dreamed of ordering in | | | | you can choose to watch with the subtitles off, or |
| Mandarin at a Chinese restaurant. It is one thing to | | | | even with the new language subtitles on, when |
| dream about learning a second language. It is quite | | | | available. |
| another thing altogether to take the plunge and get | | | | Your DVD's, however, can only supplement the |
| started at it. | | | | curriculum you are using. It goes without saying that |
| Sometimes the challenges involved in second language | | | | you need a logical sequence of lessons to ensure that |
| studies seem insurmountable. The good news is that | | | | nothing is left out. You might find this at your |
| people of all ages are working on learning new | | | | community college, or purchase a reputable home |
| languages every day. It is possible to overcome the | | | | study program. |
| difficulties and make great progress. | | | | 4) Lack of Motivation |
| 1) Lack of Experience | | | | As you proceed through your course, don't forget why |
| Learning a new language can seem like a giant | | | | you are interested in learning a second language. Is it |
| undertaking. Many people feel doomed before they | | | | for that trip to Paris to see the paintings at the |
| start just because they have never done anything like | | | | Louvre? Is it to read War and Peace in its original |
| this before. My advice is to take the first step. Attend | | | | Russian? Only you know your true motivation. |
| your first class. Listen to your first lesson. When the | | | | Whatever your carrot might be, put it out in front of |
| day is done you will then be an experienced student | | | | yourself. Put pictures on your bulletin board. Write out a |
| with, hopefully, some small level of mastery. Success | | | | list of reasons why this is important to you and review |
| always builds confidence. | | | | it often. |
| 2) Lack of Time | | | | Do you have a friend who has a similar dream? |
| Daily practice and review make for steady | | | | Having a buddy can be a great motivator. Perhaps |
| improvement in second language studies. How can | | | | you can join with others in your class to encourage |
| you fit this into your busy schedule? Audio is an | | | | and help one another. |
| important component of any language course. Listen | | | | Learning a language is like eating the proverbial |
| when you are traveling. Are mp3 files or CD's available | | | | elephant. It can only be done one bite at a time. Having |
| for the course you are taking? There are many | | | | a systematic, well-planned curriculum can help your |
| podcasts available on the internet that you can | | | | understanding to grow as you review and build on |
| download and enjoy on your mp3 player. Your public | | | | what you have learned previously. |
| library can also be a good source of recorded material. | | | | As with any large project, discouragement can set in |
| 3) Lack of Resources | | | | along the way to completion. Remember to reward |
| On the subject of resources, many DVD's come with | | | | yourself as you take the necessary steps to achieve |
| additional language tracks. Most CD's in Canada, for | | | | your goal. Bonne chance! |
| example, have a French language track, since French | | | | |