Building language confidence

WHEN you’re learning a new language, there is usually a horrible time when you feel like you’re not getting anywhere.

To get you over that gap, learn some stock phrases. Once you have these down pat, you’ll feel your confidence soar.

The first phrases to pick up are the ones that tell people you’re a novice. Ideally, you’ll be talking to someone who knows what it’s like to learn a new language and they’ll slow down and speak with “small words”.

If you’re unlucky, you may get someone who thinks that shouting will do the trick.

Learn the expressions, “I’m just learning this language. Can you speak slowly, please?” and “Can you repeat that please, and speak a bit slower?” and “I understand most of that. But what does the word X mean?”

Next, learn phrases that you will use often. In books, these are usually of the “Hello, my name is ...” or “I would like two stamps for my black and white postcards” variety but if that doesn’t suit your style, think what is.

Maybe it’s “I adore techno! I love Deadmau5. What’s your fave?”

It could also be a conversation about football. Whatever it is you like to talk about, list 10 phrases, translate them and learn them off by heart. Now you have the basis for a conversation you’ll enjoy.

Next, learn phrases that you’ll need for eating. The best way to do this is to go to http://www.travlang.com/languages. They have sound files so you can hear the correct pronunciation.

However, what they don’t have are the names of actual dishes. To do this, Google “Mexican cuisine” or the equivalent. The top result will probably be a Wikipedia page.

Take a look at what’s what and make a list of ordering one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner.

Add in “Where is the bathroom?” and you’re set for mealtimes.

Now you can talk and eat: enjoy.