As a language learner, I have learned 3 different languages, including English, Japanese and French besides my mother tone, Chinese. Based on my experiences learning those languages, I found out that I enjoy communicating with people using the new words or grammar I learned in class. During the process of talking to people, I could not only practice the new knowledge I learned but also exchanges my opinions with people. Also, talking to people using new knowledge helps me to remember. Talking to people using the new language is also a process of self-correction. After all, the main purpose of learning a new language is learning a new culture and communicating with more people.
Moreover, I found out that reading magazines or watching TV shows are also really helpful. Sometimes, the way that you express your ideas in a second language is different from the way that native speakers speak. For example, when I learned Japanese, I learned the word “no” in Japanese to reject other people’s requests or invitation. However, when I saw Japanese TV shows, I found out that they never use the word “no” to reject others. Instead, they will say “emm….” to express their rejections. It is a common phenomenon in Japanese culture. If you say the word “no” directly, Japanese people would think you are rude.
In speaking of the language as a medium of culture, I also think that traveling or living in the country is a good way to experience its culture. For example, when I studied abroad in Paris, I took the elementary French class. I found out that actually living in France and learning French are mutually beneficial to each other. For example, I gained a better understanding of how French people use the phrase “oh la la”. They use the phrase “oh la la” literally everywhere in daily life. It can indicate surprise, disappointment, commiseration, distress or even annoyance. In short, living in a native language environment can actually help you to speak like a local and think like a local.
On top of the opinions stated above, I believe that the persistence of knowledge accumulation is also important. As language learners, we need to keep learning, reviewing and practicing the new words, new grammar, new expressions day after day. This is the only way to learn a new language or even any skills. For me, I am used to remembering new words in the morning when I am most concentrated, and practicing those words during the day in class or casual conversations, and, most importantly, reviewing those words at the end of the day before I go to bed. The same method suits for grammars or expressions. In such way, I could fully master the new knowledge and never forget.
Based on all my past experiences stated above, I believe that a native speaker who has a comprehensive understanding of the Turkish culture could offer me many help and advice. I am looking forward to learning a new language and, most importantly, getting to understand a new culture and a different perspective.
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