Learning methods: does it matter?
Normally I hate blog posts that just links to another blog that links to another blog that links to the primary source, especially when I’m subscribed to both blogs. Just give me the source, I don’t need your one line comment and link!
Nevertheless, I read a blog post about language learning methods and felt an urge to add my two cents. Here’s an excerpt from the post.
The neat thing here - and I’ve counseled this before - is that language learning isn’t about following a method; it’s about getting in sync with and enjoying a language.
In this light, the debates about which method is best are silly. But if they keep people talking about new things that others might not have tried yet, they’re still useful. Ignore the bombast about who’s best, then, and keep reading the forums and blogs. You might just find what you are looking for now in spite of everyone’s best efforts to settle what’s best left unresolved.
Looking at the many comments on the merits and drawbacks of Heisig, I’d have to agree. I’ve learned that what works for some doesn’t work at all for others and most importantly, what didn’t work for me may work for others.
In the end, it doesn’t matter what study method you use as long as it helps you spend more time with the language. Still, I have to argue that you have to do my very simple method at some point for fluency, which as many of you already know, is to practice in a real-world context with real people and primary source materials not just artificial textbooks and dialogs. Ok, I guess it’s more common-sense than “a method” per se.
For completeness, here’s the blog post that is link to by the blog I just linked to (whew!). Amazingly, that blog doesn’t link to the primary source which is a thread in the how-to-learn-any-language.com’s forum. （ﾟ_ﾟ;）
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May 5th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I agree with you 100%. The key is spending time with the language in a real world (and preferably immersive) capacity. That’s not to say you’ll learn through osmosis (you won’t), but whatever study methods you do use will have a chance to make a difference.
Also, nice half-hearted attempt at a Japanese-style 顔文字. =p Those things really amaze me sometimes.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I cheat and use this:
http://www.kaomojinavi.net/
< (｀ー´)>
May 6th, 2008 at 6:08 am
You should add that using a variety of study methods and learning materials which cover all of the aspects of language learning (speech, writing, etc) is the best method. The best language learners know which methods work best for them, but pretty none of them stick to a single method.
In addition, while method 1 might work for person A while studying language X, method 2 might be a better choice for person A while studying language Y. Likewise, person B might find the opposite to be more effective.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I also think it is commonsense that a plethora of study methods is required to truly get to grips with a language. Informing people of the different study techniques out there is the best way for people to try them out and find the one that they enjoy most.
(Your blog is great and I know you don’t control the adverts, but please think about moving it somewhere without the date Japanese girls today adverts!! Not helpful when I’m reading this at work :-D )