The ability to learn is very important and can have an affect on our confidence. My boyfriend used to work in recruitment and training and found that many people who have difficulties in learning also suffer from depression. The problem is that the way lessons are taught aren’t always the most effective for everyone.
I can remember sitting in my French class like it was yesterday. The teacher would hold up picture cards and ask what the objects are in French. Everyone else seemed to get it straight away but whenever I was asked my mind would go blank. I came to the conclusion that I just didn’t have what it takes to learn another language.
Joke:
Q: What do you call someone who can speak two languages?
A: BilingualQ: What do you call someone who can speak three languages?
A: TrilingualQ: What do you call someone who can speak one language?
A: British (or American)
Last year we went on holiday to Lake Iseo in Italy which is off the usual tourist path. A few months prior to going my boyfriend suggested us learning a bit of Italian. I wasn’t too enthusiastic but decided to have a look on the net for a better learning system. This is when I came across Link Word Languages
It uses an imagery technique which is also used in The Amazing Memory Kit. The course was developed by Michael Gruneberg, former President of the Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition. Independent studies have shown results are up to 3 times faster which doesn’t surprise me. Actually for me I would say it’s more like a hundred times faster.
Here’s a written example, you must picture the image as vividly as you can for 10 seconds.
The Italian for BIRD is UCCELLO
Imagine the conductor in an animal orchestra saying to a BIRD.
“YOU CELLO, me conductor.”
Self Esteem
I really wish I had access to this course when I was at school. Having words go in one ear and out the other doesn’t help with ones self-esteem. Although I’m far from being fluent in Italian I do believe that by working on it for a short time everyday I’ll be able to master basic conversational Italian. I neglected it for more than a year but at the I weekend bought the complete downloadable course. I’m amazed at how much vocabulary I have retained, which proves to me that it’s good for more than just short-term memory.
If you want to learn how to improve your memory when it comes to learning a language then using the linkwords memory technique is well worth giving a go. So even if you want to learn Chinese can do so now.
I found you post as I’ve a Google Alert set up for Lake Iseo. My travel business focuses on less well known destinations in Europe and my guide to Lake Iseo was the first I wrote for the site.
I think that the joke about we British only speaking one language is pretty close to the mark. I attended Italian conversational classes for beginners last Autumn and I just didn’t spend enough time between the weekly session praticising. My excuse too busy with my travel business and my part time job as a MORI interviewer.
I think it does take time and effort to learn a language and I didn’t give enough of either to learning Italian. I think my brain feels fully stretched grappling with all the IT I have to master having an online business.
Karen, I actually spoke to you about booking up an apartment in Lovere. The problem was getting the dates to fit as the flights were already booked so I booked elsewhere.
I’m really enjoying learning Italian. I’ve been on the look out for those GCSE CD’s you get in Pound Land to see how I get on with it. I’m quite curious 😉