Thursday, April 2, 2020

Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity - Step-By-Step Tips

Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity - Step-By-Step TipsThe Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity are an advanced classroom with computer simulation technology. This is an innovative type of instruction and works in harmony with every element of a standard classroom. This will help you make the most of your time at school.The concept of this type of class involves live demonstration and interaction. This means that you will get to take a part in the process of teaching. You will also be able to create better learned lessons and learn more quickly. It is essential to get started on this type of class before the start of the new academic year as this will give you the opportunity to work together with the other students.The Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity will offer you the opportunity to master new materials and do experiments on your own. You will also be able to choose the resources that will be available in the course. The materials in this type of class include a class l ibrary that will supply the materials.This class has advanced interactive technology which allows you to use the correct techniques in the classroom. This is due to the fact that you will be able to interact with your students in a more interactive way. This will provide you with better studying results. The latest interactive technology available to the classroom will allow you to react to different materials in different ways.The learning environment in Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity is totally different. The classroom will be all about interactivity and interactive learning. You will not only be able to create a great learning experience, but also a great one.There are various classes that you can take to get a better understanding of the physics of the material that you will be taught in Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity. This will include chemical reactions and how you will interact with the material that you will be studying. There will also be activities and disc ussions that will be taking place throughout the course. You will be able to get valuable information in this kind of class.The Kotz Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity will be a fun experience that will allow you to learn and teach at the same time. This is perfect for high school students or even those in college. You will find that you will have more control over the classroom environment and what you are doing.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

4 Awesome Tips { 1 You Wont Like} To Stay Connected When Working From a Non Office Location {Id say Home, but these days, were working from everywhere!} - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 4 Awesome Tips { 1 You Won’t Like} To Stay Connected When Working From a Non Office Location {I’d say Home, but these days, we’re working from everywhere!} - Introvert Whisperer 4 Awesome Tips { 1 You Won’t Like} To Stay Connected When Working From a Non Office Location {I’d say Home, but these days, we’re working from everywhere!} I LOVE working from home. I’ve done so more or less in some way, shape, or form over the last 20 years. As a fellow introvert and also a highly sensitive person {HSP}, I just can’t fathom ever going back to the more traditional, corporate, show-up-at-the-office 8-5 kind of atmosphere, can you? {especially at this point in my life… but that’s another story!} Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not shy. I actually love people {Seriously. Ya, I know. Don’t hold it against me!} and get along with people just fine. The right ones GIVE me energy vs the dreaded we-know-all-too-well DRAIN, right? Have you experienced this, too? There are those wonderful, delicious, meaningful conversations with {*gasp*} others that can keep us gabbing, sharing, and developing ideas for a long period of time, that we actually lose track of time! {I know I’m not the only one!} So what’s the problem, right? First, I don’t see one. However, there are others that may be naturally concerned about the biological tendencies for us introverts to ‘disappear’ and retract a bit, especially at the thought of us not being ‘within sight’ at the office {right?!}. I believe they love us and have honorable intentions. So, ‘for their sake’, let’s increase our awareness of how we can stay truly connected, and thus fulfilled and valued, even when working from a location other than ‘the office’. Being an introvert and/or highly sensitive, if we’re aware of our natural intuition, abilities, and skills and view them as Super Powers, we can more effectively be deliberate with our intention to stay connected to those in our ‘work circle’ even though we work from home or a remote location. Is this concept foreign to you? Would some tips to ensure more ease and flow in this area be helpful? Check these out and let me know what you think… Know the WHY either company or project based, having a common, bigger-than-you connection to why you’re doing what you’re doing is not only inspiring and energizing, but a way to connect {yes} even bond If you haven’t already seen them, I can’t more highly recommend Simon Sinek’s How Great Leaders Inspire Action and If You Don’t Understand People, You Don’t Understand Business. These have profoundly inspired me and are a part of my philosophy. Give Back join a mastermind with a select group of business people who inspire you and for whom you’d have a deep sense of honor and fulfillment by contributing your opinions and expertise This is not only an incredible way to stay connected, but also to feel more fulfilled, and thus happier at both work and will overflow into the rest of your life. Use Technology to Your Advantage Skype, Zoom, Join.me, Voxer, Slack, etc can provide both real-time type chat, voice and even video calls when it’s important to stay connected, informed, and available for questions, collaborations, regular updates, and meetings when necessary One of the most fun and inspiring parts of my old career was the amazement at company culture that we created that was very largely due to a group Skype chat for the entire {small}, but global team. Unforgettable. Solicit Feedback create and use a standard, personal process to ask clients, colleagues, and employees how you’re doing meeting their needs Most introverts are terrible at best for patting themselves on the back and ASKING for testimonials {right?!}. For some of us, asking for {any} feedback {according to our brains} assumes the negative and we certainly don’t want to hear that {especially us highly sensitives!}. However, if we look at it through a lens that we genuinely want to know how to meet the needs of others {okay, something we’re rockstars at!}, then knowing that also having proof of great work and improvements also allows us the ability to continue to work ‘not from the office’ and THAT alone is worth an action to increase our capacity {Notice I didn’t say move outside of our comfort zone?! Just like Beth Buelow, I happen to love mine, thank-you-very-much!}.   ***Bonus Tip: KEEP all of the great feedback others give you in a Google Doc or Folder and use it to your advantage for the next step in your career! {It also makes for wonderful reading when you’re at a low or frustrating point!} Schedule Work Blocks In order to have enough patience and energy for the albeit valuable social interactions, make sure that you’re scheduling NO Meeting work blocks for both problem-solving processing as well as getting actual work done. Completing a task or project is typically rewarding and energizing for introverts, so this   ‘work balance’ will create a more fulfilling environment, allowing you to enjoy the social parts of your day that may once have been viewed as ‘interruptions’. Working from home or another remote location {like a sailboat} has its challenges, but also immense rewards for all, and perhaps especially for introverts and highly sensitives. By using our Super Powers and making deliberate social connections, we can not only survive, but THRIVE at work and life! So, what do you think? Did you find value with any of the information I shared? Any ‘Aha’ moments for you? If so, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation below. Big Hugs, ~Crystal About the Author:   Crystal Kumpula believes that Everyone is Worthy of Being Seen, is an ISFJ-T, HSP, completed the ClickFunnels Certification Program to become a Certified Funnel Consultant and now runs Funnel Marketing Consulting. She intends to use her Super Powers to continue the Movement shes seen to redefine Work, Life, Retirement, create a Global Impact. Will you Join Her?

Friday, March 6, 2020

How to Choose Your Spanish Tutor

How to Choose Your Spanish Tutor Finding The Right Spanish Teacher ChaptersDefine Your Expectations Before Choosing a Spanish Private Tutor'Spanish Tutor Near Me': Discover Teaching Ads in your Local AreaTaking Spanish Lessons with a Tutor that Meets your NeedsThe Top 5 Qualities to Look for in Spanish TutorsEnglish speakers in general often have a bad reputation for learning other languages. Perhaps this is due to the frequency with which you can often find English speakers anywhere in the world.Education has therefore often historically focused more on the fundamental subjects of maths, science, and English, but in recent times languages have started to make their way to the forefront.Spanish in particular is a language of great importance. It is an official language in 20 countries, and it is spoken by over 440 million native speakers worldwide. Subsequently, it is a skill that would enhance anyone's CV.We all know that the Spanish language is quite close to Italian and even French. As a general rule, it is one of the easiest to learn for English speakers too as Spanish shares common roots with English. We share the same alphabet, minus a few accents!All the same, training in a new language cannot be done in a day: it requires time, personal investment, devotion, and basic knowledge in Spanish grammar, syntax, spelling, and everyday vocabulary. This is necessary before achieving proficiency in things like the subjunctive, advanced Spanish phrases, and conversational Spanish.There are many ways to go about studying Spanish. You can take classes at a local language school, learn the language online, or you can even learn Spanish with a tutor.When it comes to the last option, choosing the right Spanish tutor for you is an important step. So how do you go about doing this? Here are a few pieces of useful advice to help you find the best teacher for you. TadeoSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnnickSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterSpanish Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LowriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MartaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (6) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SharonSpanish Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TanyaSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jose manuelSpanish Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDefine Your Expectations Before Choosing a Spanish Private TutorLearning Spanish through private lessons is a great way to fill in the gaps, overcome your shortcomings, and make fast progress. So before you choose a teacher with whom you can learn Spanish, make sure you know what your expectations and needs are.Choosing the best Spanish tutor for you is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your language learning adventureHave a think about the following questions:Why do you want to take Spanish classes?Are you having difficulties with Spanish vocabula ry in your school curriculum? Or is it grammar, pronunciation, tenses, reading comprehension or written expression? Is it Spanish verbs that give you the most trouble?Your Spanish instructor will create personalised language classes after you’ve targeted several topics or problem areas you’d like to work on.How do you like to work?What is your preference in terms of learning materials and resources? Are you simply interested in a Spanish conversation class? Each Spanish instructor has his or her own method for teaching. Flashcards, periodical quizzes, and conversational lessons are among a variety of different approaches.Where do you want to study Spanish?Home lessons are an excellent means of making progress as you study Spanish. Comfortable and alone, these are the best conditions for listening and staying focused on the Spanish language. However, some teachers are able teach you Spanish online.  Distance learning is very fashionable at the moment, in addition to being practic al!'Spanish Tutor Near Me': Discover Teaching Ads in your Local AreaTeacher advertisements are everywhere, so much so that it’s sometimes difficult to find the most relevant ones.With what type of teacher do you want for your Spanish learning? An accredited or certified instructor? A student who is still studying Spanish? Or simply a native speaker?Perhaps you want to find a teacher with a specific diploma: a BA in Spanish language, literature and civilization, an MA in teaching and education etc. If so, start your search with Superprof, which employs Spanish instructors and tutors with a wide array of educational backgrounds and degrees.With Superprf, you can consult their online CV whilst you are doing your research.Some tutors are Spanish teachers at schools, so they will be familiar with national curriculum Spanish  that is taught in the country where they live and work.  Others have taken an atypical route and bring their original touch to learning the language of Cervantes.T eachers with SuperprofGet on the Superprof platform to choose your Spanish instructor. Each teacher will list their expertise and experience, so you can see which one feels right for you. What's more, each teacher can list their only price that they charge for lessons, and this can be seen on the Superprof platform as well.Another thing to look out for is the little webcam symbol on a Spanish tutor's profile. This means that they offer distance learning via webcam.Why not use your smartphone to find yourself a Spanish teacher?The first class is usually free (please check with each individual Spanish teacher to confirm this), so you have nothing do lose! That’s “nada” to you Spanish speakers!Bilingual TeachersMost Spanish instructors are bilingual. With a university degree, they have learned to reinforce their advanced Spanish knowledge.With them, you can converse in the Spanish language but also in English if you are having trouble with comprehension or translation.The are use d to academic classes, so they’ll know the right methods and tools for providing you with good training in a foreign language. A bilingual teacher is ideal for learning how to speak Spanish.StudentsThere are not only teachers on online platforms! Many students advertise their Spanish teaching or tutoring services too. What can they bring that a more established teacher in the national education system cannot?Another approach and viewpoint to Spanish learning! Often young, these teaching apprentices can offer dynamic classes, which make learning Spanish words, grammar, conjugation and adjectives easier. Also, they are more like peers and colleagues than authority figures. So communication is likely to be easier!Similarly, you might try joining a Spanish speaking club, for a true immersion experience (without having to live in Spain). Learn to speak with the help of your peers! This gives new meaning to free Spanish lessons.Native Spanish SpeakersYou'll be able to find many native s peakers working as Spanish language instructors.If you are looking to achieve that perfect Spanish accent or soak up Hispanic culture, this is a good option for you!For intermediate levels, this will help you perfect your Spanish by focusing on individualized conversations and exchanges.You can profit from the culture of your teacher who can regale you with anecdotes and customs of their country! This is vital to learning any foreign language properly.Taking Spanish Lessons with a Tutor that Meets your NeedsAs we’ve shown, there are multiple and diverse profiles for a Spanish teacher. If you are feeling somewhat lost and would like a rational selection method, base it on the following points:ExperienceThe other important criteria is the teacher’s experience. Are they used to giving private Spanish lessons? What level are they qualified to teach: primary school, high school, or university?If you are worried that your Spanish teacher lacks knowledge, focus on experience. Establish ed teachers are generally well positioned to quickly suss out the weaknesses of a Spanish learner. If you feel more comfortable knowing a teacher has many years of experience, make that a deal breaker in your search.In contrast, you can opt for a less experienced Spanish teacher if you feel it will help your confidence. You can evolve and learn together! This teacher will likely have a lower fee, as experience comes at a cost.LevelIf you’re a beginner in the Spanish language, have basic Spanish notions, or just need some help before a Spanish exam at school, the level of your teacher is generally not a huge determining factor. But, because you'll need a teacher who has a higher level of Spanish than yourself, intermediate level and advanced learners will need to be more selective with the Spanish teacher that they select.Indeed, if you wish to perfect your Spanish in the hope of getting your masters degree in a foreign language, a professor with at least the same university level as you would be a wise option!DistanceDo you live in a big city? Or in the suburbs? You can find teachers in your location. So look to find one close to you to make your exchanges and meeting places easier. Classes at home are ideal because you won't have to leave the house!Your new Spanish teacher is just waiting for you to get in touchIf you prefer to take online Spanish lessons, location is obviously not important. Keep an open mind, Skype makes distance lessons interactive and personable! Be cautious about free Spanish lessons on the internet, as they are usually too good to be true in one way or another.PriceIt’s very important to define your budget. You'll need to know how much Spanish lessons cost, so you'll need to do this  research in advance. If you are thinking about small group classes, why not get a group of colleagues together for a Spanish course?In general the fees are lower if there are more people in the class.Equally, if you commit to more hours of classes upfro nt, teachers will often be receptive to offering a discount for a block booking. And some online teachers offer the first hour for free! This is an excellent way to test if you get along with your teacher.SchedulingEven if you think you’ve found your ideal Spanish teacher, don’t forget that your schedules have to match. Some teachers can only commit to one class per week while others focus on the weekends only. Work out your schedule and choose the days and hours that you can meet on in advance of picking a teacher.The Top 5 Qualities to Look for in Spanish TutorsEvery good Spanish teacher should have the following 5 qualities:MethodologyToday’s teachers have access to plenty of resources. Having expert knowledge of their subject is mandatory but they must also be able to communicate and transmit this skill to their students! In easy to digest language and with engaging exercises, your teacher should be able to teach you Spanish easily.PatiencePatience is the golden rule of th e entire teaching profession, and Spanish language classes are no exception! Your teacher should take time to adapt to your rhythm and level.CompassionTeaching with a dose of compassion helps the student learn quicker and it also reinforces the student-teacher bond. A student who feels that they are being heard and understood will have more confidence, this counts especially in spoken Spanish.CreativityToday there are a range of new language programs and digital tools for learning Spanish, like Rosetta Stone. So much more than a few articles, worksheets and pens! Tactile and interactive tablets and digital working centers have appeared with new Spanish audio methods. Fun and easy to use, they allow you to learn how to speak Spanish in a new way. These can also be used to help you prepare for your Spanish classes, too.FriendlinessOf course, you should find a teacher who is nice! The ability to work and converse in a friendly and warm ambiance will make learning a new language that mu ch easier.You should have a good relationship with your Spanish tutorTo sum up, to get good results from the start, you have to choose the right Spanish instructor. To do so, we recommend figuring out your expectations and communicate this clearly to the Spanish teachers that you are considering hiring. Questions to discuss are your aims, the tutor's teaching methodology, where you will be working, etc.Learn Spanish fast with the perfect instructor! Why not become bilingual in English and Spanish with a Superprof?

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Play Rock Drums

How to Play Rock Drums Learning a Rock Drum Rhythm ChaptersMistakes to Avoid When Playing RockBasic Rock DrummingOther Rock DrumbeatsRock Drum BreaksRock Drum Vocabulary“I taught myself how to play the guitar, I taught myself how to play the drums, and I kind of fake doing both of them. But drumming comes more natural to me, and it just feels better.” - Dave GrohlFortunately, Dave Grohl seems to know what he’s doing...The majority of Brits attend at least one concert or gig per year.  Whether you’re playing the electric guitar, bass guitar, or even the saxophone, rock music is a way for a lot of musicians to express themselves via their instrument.When it comes to the drums, rock music is great for helping you learn how to handle your sticks.So why now learn to play the drums and become a rock drummer?In this article, we're going to look at how to play drums and the kind of rock beats you'll come across in a typical drum lesson.Learn how to write drum music.1: Bass drum“And”: Hi-hat2: Snare“And”: Bass drum3: Bass drum “And”: Hi-hat4: SnareThis will give you the “dum-tsh, du-dum-tsh” sound.Triple Hi-hatIn this beat, we’ll hit the hi-hat three times in quick succession without playing any other drums.  As there’s a lack of drums in the middle of the measure, we tend to think that we’ve forgotten something.This is how you play it:1: Bass drum2: Snare“And”: Hi-hat3: Hi-hat“And”: Hi-hat4: Snare“And”: Bass drumThis will give you an interesting beat.The pedals are as important as the drums and cymbals themselves. (Source: curiousgeorge77)Bass Drum VariationHow do you create a completely unexpected beat? By completely changing the bass drum.This can be a little tricky for a beginner but it’s worth giving a try if you like challenging yourself.1: Bass drum“And”: Hi-hat2: Snare“And”: Bass drum3: Hi-hat“And”: Bass drum4: SnareThis is also an intriguing beat to play.Rock Drum BreaksIn a music school, you’ll learn how to play different beats before you learn to do a d rum break.You have to master basic beats and add start implementing cymbal crashes on alternate measures before you can start doing this.  Then you can start thinking of different fills and licks.Why not then move onto writing your own music and beats for the drums?Don't forget that there are plenty of free drum lessons and tutorials available online. Additionally, there are articles on how to read sheet music for drums and blogs on drum tuning.Rock Drum VocabularyBreakA break is when the regular music is interrupted with something new. Drummers can play during this time.FillA fill is a variation on the beat used to transition from one beat to another.

French Movies on Netflix Streaming Right Now - January 2016

French Movies on Netflix Streaming Right Now - January 2016 Sign up successful Music teacher, Clément Mathieu (Gérard Jugnot) starts a boys choir at a strict boarding school for boys in France. One child in particular, Pierre, is an aimless troublemaker, but his music teacher sees promise in his budding abilities. 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. The Nun (2013) R In this film based on a novel by Denis Diderot, young Suzanne is forced to become a nun because she is an illegitimate child. Suzanne struggles with the strict discipline of the nuns and considers breaking her vows. 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. Diplomacy (2014) Unrated Set in World War II, this riveting drama follows two diplomats whose negotiations played a pivotal role in the war as they debate the future of Paris. 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. In The House (2013) R A precocious student inserts himself into his classmates family, giving his writing teacher voyeuristic thrills and new inspiration. 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. Haute Cuisine (2012) PG-13 A cook from a truffle farm in  Périgord played by Catherine Frot becomes the personal chef of Frances president. Based on a true story, this film serves up a slice of French life as well as glimpses of fabulous food. 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. Holy Motors (2012) Unrated In this mind-bending French movie, actor Denis Lavant plays a mysterious man who himself dresses in costumes to play many odd, improvised roles. Accompanied by his loyal driver, he travels around Paris to take part in a number of unusual (and sometimes violent) scenes. 91% on Rotten Tomatoes. Tomboy (2011) Unrated 10-year-old Laure moves with her family to a new neighborhood, where she begins a new life as a boy,  Mikäel. Lead actress  Zoé Héran received warm  critical acclaim for her role as a transgender child. 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Yves Saint Laurent (2014) R This drama follows the turbulent and glamorous life of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. After being fired from the House of Dior, Saint Laurent and his partner built their own formidable fashion house. 45% on Rotten Tomatoes. Have you seen any great French movies on Netflix lately? Let us know about them in the comments below, check back with us each month to find more great French movies! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

What is Overtone Singing Introduction Vocal Exercise

What is Overtone Singing Introduction Vocal Exercise Suzy S. Ever heard of overtone singing? Learn more about the intriguing technique in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI voice teacher  Elaina R How many pitches can a singer sing at once? If you said one, that’s generally correct; most singers can only produce one audible pitch at a time. However, some can sing two pitches at a time, creating an eerie, ear-catching sound. Here’s a good example: How is that possible? What is overtone singing, and can anyone learn to do it? The answer has a little to do with science, a little to do with anatomy, and a lot to do with practicing. What are Overtones? Typically, singers (and other instruments) focus on the fundamental pitch. The fundamental pitch is the main pitch you hear when you sing a note. If someone is singing off tune, that means they are singing the wrong fundamental pitch. Overtones are the higher partials of a fundamental note. Nearly all musical pitches have overtones, whether you hear them or not. Overtones occur because of the way sound waves work and are based on the harmonic series â€" a sequence dividing the fundamental pitch into smaller and smaller pieces. This sequence was used to develop the Western musical scale. What is Overtone Singing? In overtone singing, the singer focuses on the overtones rather than the fundamental pitch. Some singers can jump from partial to partial, creating scales and melodies with overtones. Since the overtones are always there, overtone singers aren’t working to produce them; they just make them louder and learn to move around the overtone scale. Many cultures, particularly in Asia, have been using overtone singing for generations. Probably the most famous example of this is throat singing, in which the fundamental pitch is extremely low. However, overtone singing doesn’t have to involve an uncomfortably low fundamental pitch. All you need is a consistent fundamental pitch and a little patience. How Can I Learn Overtone Singing? To bring out the overtones in your sound, practice changing your resonator (mouth shape) by manipulating the lips and tongue. Find an area with some background noise, such as a bathroom with the fan on. Background noise helps mask the fundamental pitch so you can hear the overtones better. Place the tip of the tongue directly behind the front top teeth so that your tongue forms an upward curve inside your mouth. Sing a comfortable low pitch in chest voice (speaking range) on an “ee” vowel. While singing the pitch, slowly shift from an “ee” vowel to an “ooh” vowel and back. Experiment with this until you start to hear overtones. Once you do, you can continue to slightly change the shape and positioning of your tongue and lips to bring out the overtones. Fundamentals First What is overtone singing? It is a result of the natural overtone scale inherent to pitch. As with any kind of singing, overtone singing can hurt your voice if you don’t do it correctly. To get really good at overtone singing, it’s important to understand how singing works in the first place. If you ever experience discomfort or get hoarse trying to bring out overtones, stop what you are doing! To learn how to sing well â€" and maybe learn to incorporate overtones â€" the smartest thing to do is consult a professional. Search for teachers in your area here! Elaina R. teaches singing in  Ann Arbor, MI. She earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California, and she is currently working on her Master of Music from the University of Michigan. Learn more about Elaina here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Susanne Nilsson

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language

5 Tips for Learning a Foreign Language The following piece was written by Tiffany Sorensen. Tiffany is a professional Spanish and SAT tutor for Varsity Tutors. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Language Literature from Stony Brook University. Contrary to popular opinion, there is no simple solution to quickly learning a foreign language. As with other academic subjects, the degree to which you understand and improve is proportionate to the amount of time and effort you expend. When it comes to learning another language, attitude plays a key role in how easily your brain absorbs information. Consider the below suggestions as approaches, not shortcuts. Keep these five points in mind as you begin or continue on your foreign language journey. 1.If you believe mastering another language will prove to be an effortless undertaking, youre in for a large shock. Beware of advertisements with taglines such as, Learn Italian in 48 hours! You can be certain that these claims are false. Unfortunately, theres just no way around the truth truly understanding a foreign language is a long, tedious process that may take several years. But dont be discouraged. The ability to converse in more than one language brings with it an incredible sense of accomplishment. In other words, its worth the struggle! 2.One of the most common errors that foreign language learners make is remaining silent so as to avoid mistakes. The sooner you realize that youre going to make errors and lots of them the better off youll be. Its okay to be incorrect. If you ask any foreign language teacher, he/she will tell you that it is exponentially better to say something incorrectly than to say nothing at all. Imagine how painful French class would be if no one dared to participate. The fact of the matter is that we learn best when making mistakes. Corrections may be uncomfortable, but youll likely never commit that same error again. Whats worse is to continue believing you know the right way to phrase something when you really dont. 3.Study after study has proven that the ideal way to learn another language is via total immersion that is, spending extensive periods of time in a country where the language is spoken. You can achieve this in a variety of ways: taking classes overseas through your college, working or volunteering abroad, or merely traveling for pleasure. While formal foreign language classes are useful for literacy purposes, only real-life interactions will prompt you to put what youve learned into practice. Until you converse with native speakers of another language, everything youve studied is purely theoretical. Also, reaching an advanced level of oral fluency in another language can only be achieved by consistently using it. Think of foreign language as a muscle; the more it is exercised, the stronger it becomes. 4.Dont limit yourself to just one variety of a foreign language. For instance, if you choose to learn Spanish, you should possess, at minimum, a general understanding of several dialects of Spanish. Language varies greatly from one geographical region to another. For example, consider how British and American English have wildly different sounds and expressions. The Spanish of Spain is drastically different from that of Mexico, and the same can be said of Chilean Spanish when compared to the Spanish of the Caribbean. These differences include variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and slang. To focus entirely on any one dialect is impractical, as it limits the number of people with whom you can effectively communicate. 5.The English language has a reputation for readily assimilating foreign words into its vocabulary. This is beneficial to English speakers when learning other languages, especially the Romance languages, because there are many words that look alike and have similar meanings. Cognates, such as intelligent in English and inteligente in Spanish, are words derived from the same roots. Occasionally, it is obvious when two words are related, while at other times, it requires deeper analysis. At first sight, it may seem that the Spanish word for hand mano has no connection whatsoever with the English word, hand. However, consider the adjective manual, as in manual labor (labor performed with the hands). Noticing links between words will greatly help you to remember vocabulary. Nonetheless, there are several false cognates. These are words that look alike but actually signify entirely different things. For example, decepcin in Spanish actually means disappointment. So be certain to proceed with caution! Happy language learning!