Foreign language learning problem by sonyphill 10. Apr 2010
my son is learring a foreign language for a while now, he is able to read and understand what is being said, however when it comes to speaking the language or watching a show in that language he cannot grasp what is being said or formulate a sentence of his own. Is this common? If you have exeperienced this what is the problem and how have you been able to overcome it? |
Level9Gymnast 17. Apr 2010
He's just got to watch more movies and tv shows in what ever language.
pick and choose what ever words he can hear. then it will start to come together. |
timbod 20. Apr 2010
Watching a show aimed at German adults is hard for an intermediate learner, as it's assumed you have over 18 years of censtant exposure to the langusge. Either find programmes aimed at children (where the language is much easier, but can be childish plots) or produced specifically for language students (many major broadcasting companies will sell DVDs of this).
It is really important to be able to have a conversation at the level of your son's language skill. One problem is that if the Native speaker doesn't realise this they will often speak too fast/complicated or in English. He should make it clear that he wants to practise and speak German and hopefully they will be patient with him.
P.S. I know you didn't specifically the language was German, but this is a German learning forum and what I've written applies to learning any foreign language. |
AniDeer 9. May 2010
I've heard of a technique with listening skills. You can try just trying to hear the words then try to comprehend. It may take a while. This is why I want to learn German by listening as much as I can so as I improve I'll probably be able to actually hear the words being spoken and be able to comprehend.
I took two Spanish courses in school and I was mostly writing and I want to improve so I went to chat rooms and I didn't do much listening to the language so I can only hear a few words and not comprehend so much. I would only understand if I am watching something by what I see. So I can pretty much read and write in Spanish but horrible with listening and comprehending. |
db_cisco 12. May 2010
Would anyone have recommended German children's and/or German learning shows by names to share? |
fawcett7934 12. May 2010
IT is very common to eb able to read and write in a foreign language, and fall a bit short when it comes to speaking it or listening to it. He needs to practise speaking it with others. Also, I found that watching cartoons in a foreign language helps, since the language level is a bit lower. I'm in my twenties, and found that Spongebob Squarepants in German (Spongebob Schwammkopf) was very helpful to my understanding German. |
