Study tips for foreign language students

Many schools have adapted foreign language electives into their curriculum.  Here are some study tips for students who are learning other languages aside from English and Filipino:

Go audio

There are some people who learn better aurally. If you are one of them, then take advantage of this skill by listening to language tapes and CDs, songs,  radio drama, or even foreign language shows and movies to aid you in your study. Just 15 minutes a day will help you improve your listening skills, and you’ll also be able to catch the correct pronunciation of difficult words. One other tip, if you’re watching a foreign language film, try to switch off the subtitles.

Computer software

There are also foreign language software programs available in the market. If this is a little too much on your budget, then browse through the world wide web. There are now a lot of internet sites that cater to foreign language students. They often have exercise sheets and practice exercises. They even upload audio and video tutorials.

Memory cards

This can be helpful especially if the language you are learning use a different set of written characters (i.e. Chinese and Japanese). Cut index 3 x 5 cards into three and write one character or word on each. You can use these cards to help you memorize while you are sitting in your car or school bus on your way to school.

Study buddy

Study with a friend or some friends. The best way to study a foreign language is to practice the language. You can also find a pen friend who is a native speaker of the language. Just be careful in choosing one, especially if you’re resource is the internet. Otherwise, have fun talking in tongues!

Travel!

If you can, and are really serious in your foreign language studies (and see it as a good investment for your future career), perhaps you can try and persuade your parents to either take you on holiday to the country of your chosen language, or  enter exchange student programs. There is nothing like immersing yourself into the culture of the language you are learning. You’ll be able to learn the appropriate cues in certain social contexts.