TOP TIPS on Learning Languages
We have written these TOP TIPS on learning languages for companies or individuals who believe they need language skills.
They are based on years of experience and advocated by key professional and government bodies.
12 TOP TIPS on Learning Languages
- Foreign language skills are good for your business. The evidence is overwhelming and successful UK companies have known about it for years. They use language skills every day to win business in international markets.
- Brits do have the ability to learn foreign languages. Because of the origins of English, native speakers have a huge advantage in learning other languages. Many British diplomats, military officers and business people are excellent linguists.
- Forget any negative associations you may have from school about languages! Language learning now will be much better. Motivated adults can be taught very successfully by modern “communicative” techniques.
- Use a specialist training provider who knows what they are doing. These TOP TIPS will help you ensure they give you what you need. You should get value for money and a successful language learning course.
- To learn a language properly you need to take your time. Just think how long a toddler takes to learn English. Quick fixes will only lead to disappointment. Success will come with time, commitment and employer’s support.
- Language learning requires forward planning. The need for language skills often follows decisions taken in advance about job moves. Remember: business language skills are not acquired overnight! Get started ASAP!
- If you arrange the training properly the positive results should follow. Find out how learners prefer to be trained and when they are available. Consider carefully the best time, place, frequency, duration and learner groups.
- Set clear objectives for your training. If you know what you want to achieve then learners will know how much effort they must put in and the company will know what to expect for its money. Get specialist advice (see 4).
- Employers and employees should make a “learning contract”. The effort must come from the learners but the company must support their commitment. By doing so the employer will get the best return for his investment.
- Whatever happens - stick to the training schedule! If training has been properly conceived with due consultation then arrangements should be kept to. Effective language training is not a casual undertaking to dip in and out of.
- Take language training one step at a time. You will need to learn more general language before you can learn the specifics of your job. Specialised terms can be learned later once you have confidence in the language.
- Make language learning a long-term commitment. Although there are short-term benefits, training is just the first stage of long-term language acquisition. To become really proficient in a foreign language you need to use it.
© 2006 Transglobal Languages Limited
We have also prepared a two-page guide which explains more about:
- the proven link between UK companies who use language skills and business success
- why you are probably already a budding linguist without realising!
- how you can apply these TOP TIPS to make your language training successful
If you would like a FREE copy of the guide please complete your details below and we will send it to you as an e-mail attachment.
Or you can ask our training manager, Ela Linton by contacting her now……
Tel: +44 (0) 161 233 0888
E-mail: training@transgloballanguages.co.uk
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