by Kay Lockett
We're pretty lazy here in Britain. How many of us make an effort to speak a foreign language? Not even the basics like hello and thank you.
It really isn’t that difficult.
Why not learn to be friendly in another language. Just by learning a few words in a foreign language, it’s amazing how much genuine warmth you can generate. It’s not something Brits do well, but it’s a lot easier than you think.
So, where to start?
Well learning to say hello in the seven most spoken languages in the world isn’t a bad place:
Chinese: Ni Haro
Arabic: Salaamu Alaikum
Hindi: Namaste
Spanish: Hola
Bengali: Ei Je
Russian: Zdravstvuite
Or learn how to be gracious by saying thank you:
Chinese: Se Se
Arabic: Shukran
Polish: Dziekuje
Bengali: Doyno baad
Tips
Make time on a regular basis for your language learning. Little and often is best - ten minutes every day tends to be more effective than a marathon session once a week.
Create a routine for yourself. Try playing a language CD on the way to and from work or when you're jogging or cooking.
Be realistic and don't expect miracles. Language learning takes time and commitment - don't expect to be fluent overnight and don't be hard on yourself when you can't remember everything you've learnt.
Don't worry too much about mistakes. It's a normal part of the learning process, and you'll learn much more quickly by having a go at speaking than by saying nothing until you're word perfect. Generally, people are only too pleased to hear you trying to speak their language and make allowances if you don't get it exactly right.
Make a point of finding out about the people and the culture of the country where the language is spoken. Search the web for information or buy a magazine.
Enjoy your learning. Don't let it become a chore and never compare yourself with other people because everyone learns differently.
Make a point of looking up and using at least one new word every day.
And last, but by no means least, never underestimate the value and the pleasure of knowing another language. It breaks down barriers between cultures, and knowing even a little can make all the difference to the attitudes of the people you meet in other countries. It can also develop your communication skills in general, making you more confident and helping you to let go of your inhibitions. It's well worth the effort.
Knowing a second or even a third language is like opening the gates to new worlds, new universes, new cultures, and new people. It is the path to a better understanding between human beings, it is a bridge which crosses the frontiers and the artificial boundaries that history traced all over the globe. Language should not be a barrier but rather a friendly introduction to something more substantial. There are countless good reasons why you should learn a second language.
Classes
You might find it motivating to learn with someone else or to join a class. If you studied languages at school some time ago, you'll find that things have changed a lot and it's much more fun now.
www.conversation-piece.co.uk Offer beginner language courses, intermediate and advanced nationwide language lessons.
www.south-thames.ac.uk The range of languages you can learn is wide, from Arabic to Japanese and Portuguese to Russian. You can study language courses part time day or evening classes.
www.lajolieronde.co.uk La Jolie Ronde run French and Spanish classes all around the UK and Ireland for children aged between 3 and 11.
