Astuces

The Ten Commandments of Language Learning (Kató Lomb)

Lomb's Ten Commandments of learning any language:

1. Take time

Dedicate time to spend with the language every day, especially in the morning when your mind is fresh. It's just like practicing an instrument - the brain requires frequent exposure and repetition to commit new words and phrases to memory.

2. Foster enthusiasm

If your enthusiasm starts to drop, move to some other form of studying. For example, instead of reading, listen to the radio or watch a movie.

3. Grammar in context

Learn grammar in context instead of as isolated units of speech. Don't just study a list of verb conjugations - read sentences where these verbs are used in a natural way.

4. Write phrases

Write phrases in a notebook and use them in your conversations.

5. Translate everything

Translate billboards, advertisements, and snippets of conversations.

6. Memorize properly

Repetition is key and memorize only what has been corrected by a teacher.

7. Memorize expressions

Memorize idiomatic expressions in the first person singular. For example: “I am only pulling your leg.”

8. Use media

A foreign language is a castle. Besiege it from all directions: newspapers, radio, movies, papers, textbooks, Internet, etc.

9. No fear

Do not let the fear of making mistakes keep you from speaking. No one will laugh at your mistakes - they'll be impressed at how much you've already learned!

10. Be confident

Be firmly convinced that you are a linguistic genius.