I found this very interesting TEDx talk on how to learn a new language in 6 months
Chris Lonsdale explains that there are 5 principles and 7 actions to learning a new language quickly and effectively.
He also explains that “talent” and “immersion per se” don’t really matter. It’s all in your personal belief, staying encouraged and starting from the bottom. When learning a new language you are learning like a baby does, you can not expect to have adult or advanced conversations at the beginning.
I’ve written Principles and Actions down for your reference:
Principles:
Principle 1: Focus on language content that is relevant to you
Principle 2: Use your new language as a tool to communicate… from day 1
Principle 3: When you first UNDERSTAND the MESSAGE you will unconsciously ACQUIRE the language (known as comprehensible input)
Principle 4: Physiological training (the way the muscles of your face move)
Principle 5: Psycho-physiological STATE matters! (Know you won’t understand everything at the beginning and make sure you are relaxed, happy and ready to learn)
Actions:
Action 1: Listen A LOT!
Action 2: Focus on the meaning FIRST (before the words) -through body language etc.
Action 3: Start Mixing! (10 verbs X 10 nouns X 10 adjectives = 1000 possible phrases)
Action 4: Focus on the core (Ex. in English 1000 words covers 85% of communication, 3000 words covers 98%)
Week 1: Tool Box; know how to say/use: -What is it? -How do you say? -I don’t understand… All in the TARGET LANGUAGE
Week 2-3: Pronouns, common verbs and adjectives (ex: you, me, that, give etc.)
Week 4: Glue words (ex: but, and, even though etc.)
Action 5: Get a language parent
Language parent “Rules”:
-Works to understand what you are saying
-Does not correct mistakes
-Confirms understanding by using correct language
-Uses words the learner knows
Action 6: Copy the face
Action 7: “Direct connect” to mental images
Here is the talk:
Mme. Girouard 