Start specific, become more general later

Many of us think, when starting a new language you should spend the first year, at least, learning only generic stuff. You need to learn the “general” vocabulary, the “basic” grammar. Only then can you start thinking about studying more specific vocabulary and grammar.

The – wrong - idea is that language learning should be similar to math instruction. Yes, in math it seems to make sense to start from the basics in a gradual progression towards special and advanced topics.

However, a language is more like a round cake. You can start eating it from anywhere you want.

The “right” place to start is from your most urgent needs.

Imagine that you are a migrant and you want to start working in your profession, be it a math teacher or a plumber.

What vocabulary would you need during your first math lessons? What would you need for your first repair jobs?

Yes, in both cases you would need to greet people, to exchange pleasantries and to say goodbye. However, you would need to know also very specific words that you wouldn’t learn neither with your standard beginner textbooks nor your favorite mobile app.

After you are able to survive in your most important conversations, whatever they may be, you should start thinking about other and more general topics.

Maybe you would need to replace a teacher colleague in a biology class (in elementary school, of course). Or you will need to discuss with parents. Or you will accompany your class on a field trip.

And, of course, you will have many other situations apart from your work.

But the focus should be: What specific vocabulary, expressions and grammar do I need to survive in my most urgent and crucial activities? You have no time to waste waiting before you complete all generic elementary levels.

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

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Want to get rid of insecurity and bad feelings regarding the foreign language(s) you have already started to learn? Want to learn a new language, without going through various levels of standard courses? You feel you are making no progress?

Go to Amazon and grab a copy of my classic book ”The GO Method – breaking barriers to language learning”.

https://www.amazon.com/GO-Method-Breaking-barriers-language/dp/1973118688/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZLMGYKR6PDY3&keywords=Gerhard+Ohrband&qid=1694099394&sprefix=gerhard+ohrband+%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1

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Do you feel a bit insecure when doing business internationally, maybe even in a foreign language?

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Gerhard Ohrband is a communication consultant, psychologist and author of 9 books from Hamburg/Germany. He speaks 11 languages fluently and assists individuals and companies in doing business in foreign languages. 

 

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