Successful Language Learners
1. Some people seem to have a knack for learning languages. They can pick
up new vocabulary, master rules or grammar, and learn to write in the new
language more quickly than others. They do not seem to be any more intelligent
than others, so what makes language learning so much easier for them Perhaps if
we take a close look at these successful language learners, we may discover a
few of the techniques which make language learning easier for them.
2. First of all, successful language learners are independent learners.
They do not depend on the book or the teacher; they discover their own way to
learn the language. Instead of waiting for the teacher to explain, they try to
find the patterns and the rules for themselves. They are good guessers who look
for clues and form their own conclusions. When they guess wrong, they guess
again. They try to learn from mistakes. 3. Successful language
learning is active learning. Therefore, successful learners do not wait for a
chance to use the language; they look for such a chance. They find people who
speak the language and they ask these people to correct them when they make a
mistake. They will try anything to communicate. They are not afraid to repeat
what they hear or to say strange things; they are willing to make mistakes and
try again. When communication is difficult, they can accept information that is
inexact or incomplete. It is more important for them to learn to think in the
language than to know the meaning of every word. 4. Finally,
successful language learners are learners with a purpose. They want to learn the
language because they are interested in the language and the people who speak
it. It is necessary for them to learn the language in order to communicate with
these people and to learn from them. They find it easy to practice using the
language regularly because they want to learn with it. 5. What
kind of language learner are you If you are a successful language learner, you
have probably been learning independently, actively, and purposefully. On the
other hand, if your language learning has been less than successful, you might
as well try some of the techniques outlined above. The author wrote this text ______.