Learning the correct pronunciation is an important step in learning a foreign language. It is the piece of the puzzle that builds confidence in the language. It is also the piece with which you can take the vocabulary that you have learned and come into conversation. Without proper training in pronunciation, the student rarely makes real progress in achieving a language conversation. It only becomes a collection of strange words. Read also about meaning.
Pronunciation is the key that determines student confidence in the language. Nobody wants to feel foolish. So without confidence, the student will not take the risk and practice the language with native speakers, or even with other students. This is unfortunate, because talking with native speakers is the best way to really learn a foreign language. So it makes sense that learning a native speaker pronunciation is the way students can get strong confidence that they will pronounce the words as a native country would.
Who better can help your child learn the correct pronunciation and build confidence in the language than someone who grew up in the culture where that language is used every day? No one! And with today's technology, such as Skype, your child can learn pronunciation and practice with a native speaker - live! Or you can take the old public school route and someone from Atlanta, GA, who has minors in German at the university, teach your child how to speak and read German. This is why most students who graduate from public school will forget everything they have learned within 2 years of graduating.
International teachers, who are native speakers of the language they teach, are readily available. And they are a wonderful way to supplement your child's education.
1. Your child can practice pronunciation and conversation in real time via Skype. This takes learning away from a boring textbook or mindless reading and makes it interactive. Students become incredibly energetic and eager to learn.
2. Tutors can help students practice and refine the pronunciation and vocabulary during the conversation.
3. International teachers can learn both the formal pronunciation and a "short-hand" version that native speakers would rather use. Again, this creates confidence in the student. They no longer feel that they sound "funny" for native speakers, either by how they pronounce the words or by the words they choose. This is what separates students who actually learn the language, and students who simply remember a few words.
4. Foreign teachers can also give your child an international perspective. Learning Italian from a teacher in Venice makes language learning more interactive and therefore stronger. But it also opens their minds to the wider world around them. Suddenly, Venice is no longer just a dot on the map, or a place where they have heard people ride in gondolas. The student now knows someone from that place by name. And they talk to that person several times a week. This ignites the imagination of the child and they become enthusiastic about learning.
See also about copy and paste symbols.
The best thing to give your child is the confidence and excitement of learning to learn a foreign language with a native speaker. The confidence they get and the international perspective is something they will benefit from throughout their lives.