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Learn how to pick up a new language quickly

Despite the fact children are better language learners than adults, there is still hope for us to become fluent in another language. In most cases our brain won’t respond as a native speaker like brain, but neither the brain of three year old children will.

Past puberty (this is what the majority of researcher agree upon) our brain doesn’t absorb a new language as it would if we were 6 or 8 years old. However, there is still a chance for adults to become bilingual or multilingual or at least fluent.

learn-new-language

Language Aptitude

We often hear talking about the best ways to learn a language, however, nobody talks about a vital factor that is the first factor which determines language attainment. I am talking about Language Aptitude which is a particular intelligence strictly linked to language learning. Certain individuals have higher levels than others so we could say “they are more talented”.

However, forget about picking up a new language if you do not have motivation, the second best factor which determines language achievement. You could be interested in learning because you like the language, therefore we talk about intrinsic motivation or you need to learn a new language for work, holidays etc. so we talk about extrinsic motivation.

Now that you are motivated, do not let language anxiety get you. Researches have pinpointed this particular anxiety which could affect the learning process negatively.

Now you are wondering which is the best way to learn?

1) To acquire new vocabulary just read read and read if you are beginner start from children’s books. Learning a bunch of isolated words won’t get you anywhere.
2) Improve your listening skills by watching the news, listening to music or  watch tv programs you like.
3) Speak speak speak, surround yourself with people ideally native speakers, travel to the target country as much as possible, however, if you live in a big city it is likely a community of the target language exists. Learn from them, absorb their culture.
4) Once you start, train your brain in thinking in the new language, talk to yourself in the language you learning, maybe not out loud lol.
5) Be gentle with yourself, but always believe you will make it, maybe slowly but surely. To speed up the process you could join a group or to make it even faster choose private tuition they are the quickest way to learn according to your needs.

An innovative way to learn: language with cookery

The benefits

It is a way to relax and at the same time to focus which could increase self esteem, seduction skills, physical and mental couple’s intimacy.

To cook for oneself, but above all, cooking with others is good for the soul, heart and mind… But there is more: many experts state that the feeling among couples could be re-established exactly in the kitchen!
It’s about having a moment of diversion, but above all it’s about physical and mental health: the cooking therapy is a true therapy which contributes also to dissolve tensions and remove stress, negative thoughts and re-light our senses.

And more:it makes us feel useful and positive, it allows us to switch off from annoyances and problems, it increases creativity, trains our manual skills and reinforces the memory (remembering the steps of each recipe).

In addition cooking and tasting the dishes, in particular with others facilitates social and family relationships. It is not certain that in order to re-find relax again one has to cook only in their own house; in fact there are cooking courses that allow you to cook with people with your same interest.

Languages Alive offers private cooking workshops  for adults and children. In addition to cooking you also learn the Italian language in a fun and relaxed environment.

We also offer the live and learn Italian PDF and Audio program; you can study Italian following my family’s recipes anywhere at you convenience. Get your first lesson here

Interested in private tuition?

We offer a 30 minutes free consultation online, get in touch at raffaella@languagesalive.com

Raffaella

Passionate about languages & good food. I hold a Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and French, a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication for Business and Professions and the CLTA teaching certificate. My hobby is chasing the sun around the globe. My favourite quote: “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way” (Frank Smith)

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