For the past three months or so, we have been working on learning as much German as possible. This is hard before you move. The fact that in 2+ weeks we'll actually be living somewhere where English is not the native language feels so abstract right now. It really does not feel real at all. Furthermore, we don't know how to go about acquiring a second language. I had a decent amount of Spanish in school, but I wouldn't say I'm "conversational," and Dylan has had even less foreign language training than I have. We have researched and read up on language learning, and there are just so many different approaches. Do you use a program that's all audio? Flash cards? All written? Learn the grammar first, and then the vocabulary? Or just focus on vocabulary? It's so confusing, there is so much different information, and so many different methods!
At some point we decided any method of German-learning is better than no method, so we've started working with whatever we can get a hold of. So far we've used Babbel, Fluenz German, Instant Immersion German, Pimsluer, Wikibooks, and our German-speaking friend, Sarah(!). According to Babbel, I have a vocabulary of over 800 words. In Fluenz I've finished the first session and have started on the second. I'm fairly certain that by the time we actually get to Germany I will be able to use and understand all of 2, maybe 3 phrases. It's just so different to study it on the computer or from a book than it is to actually use what you've learned in conversation. It does not help that I am embarrassed to attempt certain German sounds even in my house all by myself (yes I do realize I need to get over that). It just feels so unnatural for me to clear my throat while attempting to speak!
I'm hoping once we're there I'll be able to find a German class I can take, and in the fall I want to enroll James in German kindergarten. I figure if we're going to be over there for 2+ years, we should learn as much of the language as we can. It's never going to be easier to learn German than while we're living over there.
Have any of you learned a second language? What did you find most helpful?
I have had Rossetta Stone recommended to me more times than I can count. I know one phrase in German from when we hosted a German foreign exchange student back when I was in high school.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I find that learning a second language is nearly impossible for me unless we are in a setting where we hear it everyday. So my personal recommendation is labeling normal everyday things with both the English word, and the German word so you see it (Sink-whatever sink is in German). Then play some German audio stuff in the house so you are hearing it (whether it's music, language lessons, or something else).
Praying that things go well for you! Happy language learning :)
I don't know if you noticed the stickers in the workbook I gave you, but they are all ready for you to label things around the house. I realize you aren't in your own house right now, but Sandy & Kevin would probably like to learn with you and Dylan! Then you can take your stickers with you! I decided the most important phrase I could learn first was "I'm sorry; I don't understand."! I think you will do great... because you WANT to learn and you guys are so smart & quick... and James will help you!! <3 <3
ReplyDeletei am trying to get better/learn my spanish and i find that just using it every day trying to say things first in the other language or at least think of how you would say it in that language helps a lot. i have the amazing advantage of having a number of people around who don't speak english who i have to try to communicate with on a daily basis so lots of incentive but i am learning a lot. i'm sure if you already have an estimated vocabulary of 800 words that you will do a lot better once you get there and have to use it more often. good luck i'm rooting for you guys.
ReplyDeleteYou will do great Grace! It is so much easier once you hear it all the time. Plus you will start to realize that many words do sound similar to their English counterparts.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the grammar though- its too hard if you also focus on that in the beginning:)
Grace it is so much easier once you get there! I could barely learn my numbers in Malay before we got there :) We have studied a bunch of methods but honestly what has worked for us is memorize, memorize, memorize. We set a goal of learning 30-50 new words a day in the beginning. tons of flash cards. try to find someone that is super patient that will sit with you and teach you. rosetta stone live is great.
ReplyDeletehmmm...ok if you want to know more, email me :) I don't want to blab ton on here and bore everyone :) rickandkemi@gmail.com
love
kemi