A Shortcut To Good Progress In An Additional Language - Futo Anyoji

Sometimes it is very enjoyable to learn an additional language, particularly when you have just started. However, you will soon find it very difficult, or almost impossible to master one language after you have grown up. You may be wondering why you cannot develop your language ability just like babies do, common geniuses in language. As for me, English is the first additional language, which I am still learning and is my best language besides Japanese. Recalling how I’ve been learning English I may be able to say the best way to learn a second language is to imitate the way babies acquire their own language, that is, to communicate with native speakers, listen to them, speak to them. You will be able to improve your pronunciation by imitating them, and they may correct your accent, grammar in a right way when talking with you. You do not always need to go abroad. It is also a good idea to take private lessons in your own country or speak to foreigners who visit your country as tourists or something. I had not been to any foreign countries until I visit Cambridge when I was fifteen, but before that, I had had a chance to participate in a summer program, where professors and students at a well-known American university were engaged and taught us English. Simultaneously I started to take private lessons. Both were truly helpful for me back then and I believe, thanks to them, I got much better, gaining confidence in my English, which encouraged me to visit English-speaking countries.    

To communicate with native speakers has all the essence you need to master the language you are learning. It seems the best shortcut you can take to developing your vocabulary, including colloquial expressions and idioms, fluency, listening ability etc. I hope you and I will make the most of this occasion to learn English here in New Zealand!