– The Media’s Role in Language Learning – I’m a strong advocate for using the media for language learning and there is a simple reason for this: We are storytelling creatures, and stories promote language acquisition. George Gerbner wrote about storytelling a lot during his academic career. As a media research scientist, Gerbner focused on […]
Category Archives: Language
Recently I received an email asking about learning two languages at the same time. It was my privilege to respond, and it occurred to me that TrentBooks.com readers could benefit from our discussion as well. Here is the message I received: Hi Kenny, I would like to know , what is your opinion on learning […]
While living in Paraguay, I lived by a pretty set routine that gave me a certain time to study languages in the morning (I was studying both Spanish and Guarani at the time). Pretty much every day I set aside an hour for various language study topics – verb conjugations, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, etc. – […]
As a homeschooling father, language learning in the home is very important to me. As a parent, I see regular opportunities for teaching my own children how to learn a language (specifically Spanish in our home). But whether you are a homeschooling family or not there are substantial benefits to learning a second language (such […]
Looking back on my first language learning experience – a high schooler in a level one Spanish class – I distinctly recall asking myself, “When am I EVER going to use the word ‘skycap’ in Spanish? I never use it in English!” Unfortunately, I discovered over the years that many initial study programs are plagued […]
Strict memorization of vocabulary words can be a dreadful experience. Flash cards can be downright painful when it comes to learning a new language. But learning new vocabulary words doesn’t have to be so dull. I’d like to offer four simple methods to learning vocabulary to make it somewhat more enjoyable – and certainly more […]
Verb Conjugations Conquering verb conjugations can be difficult and strenuous. Let me emphasize can be. And it’s true. They can be terribly frustrating because they constantly change and, as a new language learner, you are tasked with the responsibility of deciding which form to use within the context of your conversation. But just because they […]
If you’ve ever looked for language learning resources, you probably discovered pretty quickly just how expensive many of them can be. This shouldn’t be surprising, really – programs charging for services will have the financial resources to advertise and put their product in front of you. Finding inexpensive resources can take a little bit more […]
If you’ve decided to learn a new language, you will eventually face the inevitable: Vocabulary memorization. But the question often arises, “How many words should I study in a day?” That’s a great question, and it’s different for everyone. Recently I posed that very question on a language learning forum and received some interesting responses. […]
For some reason I love hearing about language blunders. For example… For those learning a foreign language these blunders are common and, with the right attitude, can add flavor to the language learning process. In the business world, these blunders are even more poignant because international businesses “should know better,” right? One which I particularly […]
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