People often ask me this question when they learn that I speak several languages. Can you keep a secret? Lean in. I’m gonna share mine!
Truth is I started relatively late at about age 11. However, before my first Spanish and French class, I had some exposure to foreign languages through music played at home and in the car by my parents.
Seriously? You must be asking yourself. That’s it? Well almost.
Here’s my answer in a quick and easy list!
TIP 1 START EARLY!!!
Parents, it’s never too soon for your children to learn a language. As a matter of fact, start playing music in foreign languages to your babies while in the womb! This is a no-brainer for parents who already speak more than one language but even if you’re not a polyglot, you can give your baby a headstart in life by playing foreign language music wherever you are. You can even download or listen to lullaby songs in your preferred foreign language for your baby’s listening pleasure.
When baby gets older, there are cartoons in so many languages that you can nurture your toddler’s right brain which acquires language and creativity thanks to online language games and You Tube playlists!
If you want to learn French, I can recommend these fun games for starters: https://www.french-games.net/
Likewise if you want to learn Spanish, I recommend these online games: https://www.spanish-games.net/
TIP 2 SET AN ALARM!!!
So your parents didn’t think you could learn more than one language as a baby? Get over it. You can learn now! It’s as easy as setting an alarm on Duolingo. I love this mobile phone app! Just download to your mobile phone whatever language you wish to learn. I’ve been keeping up with Portuguese. thanks to the cute little bird on Duolingo who sends me reminders to join my daily 10 minute session. When I skip a session he sends me a message with a really sad face that makes me feel awful. So in order not to disappoint, I try to keep up with my sessions. Try it! It may just work for you!
TIP 3 COMMIT TO A CLASS
Let’s face it, some people, children and adults alike, need a teacher and a structured setting to learn. If that’s you, then sign up for a language class! Nowadays you don’t have to leave your home or workplace to attend a class. There are so many online resources for language learning! If you crave the physical classroom experience and interaction, there are many hybrid options. Reach out so I can help you find an option that best meets your needs!
After all that’s what we do. We INTERPRET YOUR NEEDS and find the best approach that suits you, your schedule, your mood, your learning style, your body clock, your level of exposure and your desired outcome!
Yours in service,
Gennike Mayers
Interpreter-in-Chief & CEO
INTERPRETING YOUR NEEDS
interpretingyourneeds@gmail.com
