As suggested by my language partner, I focused these two weeks on retaining vocabulary that I learn from my new textbooks and practicing speaking with the digital EuroTalk Now program on my computer. I created both hand-written lists for the vocabulary and downloaded a Chegg Flashcard app on my phone that allows me to create categories of vocabulary lists with pictures. For example, categories that I have created based upon my learning resources are colors, greetings, transition words, relationships, and body parts. This app has been helpful because I can review my Maltese on-the-go even when I only have a couple of free minutes.
The EuroTalk Now program has been an extremely useful tool for me because it includes real audio clips of Maltese speakers pronouncing each vocabulary word. In addition, I am able to practice saying a word, then hear my audio recording compared to the recording of native speakers. This helps me to improve my intonation and accent. There are ten primary categories for vocabulary in the program: first words, food, time, colors, phrases, body, numbers, shopping, countries, and miscellaneous. Within each category, there are learning sessions (speaking and reading), games, and a picture dictionary to print. On Sundays, I try to set a couple of hours to practice my Maltese using this program. Overall, I find it a great resource because I always have my laptop with me and it is very interactive.
Moving forward, I would like to focus more on reading and speaking in sentences. I am retaining vocabulary well and can start to recognize bits and pieces of phrases, but want to work on a more holistic understanding of dialogues and texts. For example, in writing my last cultural post, I watched a Maltese cooking channel with subtitles and understood small bits. As I accumulate my vocabulary base, I would like to take these next steps in putting together longer strings of words.
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