LANGUAGE LEARNING

Read the article “Learning a language - 10 things you need to know” by Holly Young

WARM UP
Below is ‘hello’ in ten different languages. Match the languages to the correct version of
hello. (Disclaimer: translations taken from Google Translate).

Italian German Korean French Russian

Polish Chinese Vietnamese Spanish Greek

a) Привет b) Χαίρετε c) Ciao d) 你好 e) Hallo

f) dzień dobry g) 여보세요 h) Hola i) Bonjour j) xin chào

WHY LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE?

Below are the most common reasons for learning a language. Discuss each point, then
put them into order of importance.

1. Connect with people 4. Learn and understand different cultures

2. Career development 5. Improve travel experience
3. Brain exercise 6. Boost self-confidence

Task - Do you know any other reasons for a person to learn a language?

ESL Pals 1 General English

 5 TIPS FOR LEARNING A SECOND LANGUAGE
Read the article below. Match the headings from the box to the correct paragraphs.
Make Realistic, Specific Goals
Go to Where the Language is Spoken
Learning a Language - things you need
to know
Are you thinking about learning a foreign
language? Well, from ignoring your age to
avoiding the F-word, our multilingual experts
share their tips.
Tip 1 - _________________________
The first piece of advice our experts gave was
to ask yourself: what do you want to achieve
and by when? They believe that language
learning is best when broken down into
manageable goals that are achievable over a
few months, as this is far more motivating and
realistic. You might be feeling optimistic when
you start but aiming to be fluent is not the best
idea. Experts recommend that students make
their goals specific.
Tip 2 - _________________________
For many of our experts, reading was not only
great for making progress, but one of the most
rewarding aspects of the learning experience.
They believe that reading for pleasure exposes
you to all sorts of vocabulary that you won’t
find in day-to-day life, and normalises
otherwise complicated grammatical structures.
The first book you ever finish in a foreign
language is a monumental achievement that
you’ll remember for a long time.
Tip 3 - _________________________
You are a monolingual adult: is it too late to
learn a language? Our experts argue that a big
language learning myth is that it’s harder as an
ESL Pals
Beware of Fluency Read for Pleasure
Ignore the Myth of Age
adult. Adults and children may learn in
different ways but that shouldn’t stop you from
committing to learning another language.
Languages are simultaneously organic and
systematic. As children we learn languages
organically and instinctively, as adults we can
learn them systematically.
Tip 4 - _________________________
Many of the experts were cautious of the
F-word. They argue not only is it difficult to
define what fluency is, but as a goal it is so
much bigger than it deserves to be. Language
learning never stops because it’s culture
learning, personal growth and endless
improvement. Many believe that aiming for
fluency is the wrong approach.
Tip 5 - _________________________
It may not be an option for everyone but many
think that if you are serious about learning the
language, and if you want to get maximum
pleasure from what you have learned, you need
to go to where that language is spoken. Travel
and living abroad expands on everything that a
student learns in the classroom. Books and
verb charts may be the easiest way to learn the
language at home, but learning from the
people and experiencing their culture will be
far more enjoyable.
Adapted from the guardian.com, Learning a language.
Link: Article
2 General English
Article Questions:

● Describe your language learning goals.

● Have you ever read a book in English?
● When did you start learning English? Do you agree that there is no age limit?
● How would you describe fluency?
● Have you lived in an English speaking country? Or are you planning to move to one?

DIFFERENT WAYS TO LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE

Complete the sentences below using the words from the box. Then decide if you agree
with the statements that have been created. Explain your answer.

flashcards subtitles absorb language exchange proficient

1. The best way to improve your speaking skills is to organise a _______________.

2. I use _____________ to learn new vocabulary, they are the best way to learn.
3. You need to study for many hours per day to become ___________ in any language.
4. To learn a language while watching films you need to turn the ___________ off.
5. Listening to music is great as you are able to naturally ___________ the language.

GOOD TIPS OR BAD TIPS?

Do you think the points below are good tips or bad tips? Discuss and explain.

1. Learn vocabulary in context. 4. Have ‘perfect’ grammar before speaking.

2. Just watch films. 5. Memorise words lists.
3. Speak as much as possible. 6. Accept that you will make mistakes.

ESL Pals 3 General English

 DISCUSSION
Read and discuss the questions.

1. As computers translate more quickly and accurately, learning a foreign language is a

waste of time. Do you agree?
2. Scientists predict that all people will choose to talk the same global language in the
future. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?
3. Is it possible to learn a language without studying grammar?
4. Have you had any particularly poor language learning experiences?
5. If you could go back in time to when you started learning English, what advice
would you give yourself?

SEE YOU LATER!

Below is ‘goodbye’ in ten different languages. Match the languages to the correct
version of goodbye. (Disclaimer: translations taken from Google Translate).

Italian German Korean French Russian

Polish Chinese Vietnamese Spanish Greek

a) Tạm biệt b) αντιο σας c) do widzenia d) Au revoir e) adiós

f) addio g) Прощай h) 再見 i) Auf Wiedersehen j) 안녕

ESL Pals 4 General English

HOMEWORK
Watch the video “The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain” by TED-Ed.

LANGUAGE LEARNING VOCABULARY

Use the words from the box to complete the sentences. Then write answers for the
questions.

polyglot cognitive acquire handicap plasticity

1. A ___________ is someone who has a high level of proficiency in several languages.

2. People can ___________ a language in various forms, at different stages of life.

3. Children learn languages more easily because of the ___________ of their brains.

4. Experts agree that there are many ___________ benefits to language learning.

5. Before the 1960s, bilingualism was considered a ___________ as it slowed a child’s

development.

Questions

● Can anyone become a polyglot? Or do you need natural talent?

● What are the cognitive benefits associated with language learning?

ESL Pals 5 General English

 ● Do you think you will acquire another language after English?

● Are there any handicaps associated with bilingualism?

● Can adults replicate the plasticity children have when learning?

ESL Pals 6 General English

 DEBATE
Write an argument agreeing or disagreeing with the following statement. (250 words)

“Schools should focus on teaching children a second language because there are many
benefits. All children should be bilingual.”

ESL Pals 7 General English