YMB #54 Natural Foreign Language Learning: A Conversation with Adelaide Olguin
Sep 11, 2018
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Adelaide Olguin, expert in natural language learning, shares how moms can teach foreign languages to their kids using everyday words and phrases. They discuss the challenges of language learning, the importance of immersion and vocabulary in context. They also explore the benefits of using a language box or book for language learning, and the joy of meeting other homeschoolers.
Learning a foreign language can be done naturally by using phrases in everyday situations, just like how children learn their first language.
Overcoming language insecurities and embracing mistakes are vital for language learning and building connection.
Starting with speaking and listening skills, incorporating immersion experiences, and utilizing the TalkBox.Mom method can be effective strategies for learning a new language.
Deep dives
Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language
Learning a foreign language offers numerous benefits, including improved cognitive abilities, higher SAT and ACT scores, increased attention span, and enhanced logical decision-making skills. It also opens up educational and career opportunities, allows for cultural understanding, and fosters a deeper connection with family and heritage.
Language Learning as a Natural Process
Just as children learn language naturally, moms can effectively teach language to their children by using phrases in everyday situations. Pronunciation and grammar skills can develop over time, and there is no rush to achieve perfection. Encouraging attempts and celebrating progress are key. Self-consciousness about making mistakes should be minimized, as language learning is an ongoing process that builds confidence and connection.
TalkBox.Mom: Learning Language Through Everyday Routines
TalkBox.Mom, a foreign language program, integrates language learning into normal daily activities such as snack time, running errands, and getting ready for bed. By incorporating phrases into these routines, families can create an immersive language learning environment. The program emphasizes using phrases over memorization, reinforcing language learning through consistent practice, and providing audio resources with native speakers to learn pronunciation and natural speech patterns.
The Importance of Overcoming Language Insecurities
The podcast episode discusses the importance of overcoming language insecurities when learning a foreign language. The speaker shares personal experiences, including a story about trying to speak French and realizing that people were interested in understanding her, rather than judging her for making mistakes. The main message is that in the United States, people are generally willing to help and be patient with language learners, and it's important to step out of your comfort zone and make mistakes in order to improve.
Effective Strategies for Language Learning
The podcast also explores effective strategies for language learning and highlights the flaws in traditional language instruction. The speaker emphasizes the importance of starting with speaking and listening skills before moving on to reading and writing. Immersion experiences, such as listening to native speakers and watching videos in the target language, are encouraged. Additionally, the speaker suggests incorporating songs and reading books with simple phrases to gradually build vocabulary and language proficiency. The talk box method, which provides an immersive language learning experience for the whole family, is recommended as a practical and affordable alternative to expensive immersion programs.
Mom's are natural teachers for a language -- after all moms teach their kids language all the time. Foreign language can work the same way as a first language -- simply start with words and phrases you use everyday and build on one or two at a time. Soon you will know more words in a new language than you ever imagined. Adelaide Olguin is on the show today to tell us about how this natural language learning works and how you can begin to implement this in your home to learn new languages with your kids. It's a fun and encouraging episode, so don't miss it!
Mentioned in this episode:
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