What is one of the biggest obstacles for learning a language fast? It is vague intellectual sounding grammar that you do not need in the first place. Just check it for yourself. Let’s say that you want to speak great Dutch and that you see words like bijvoegelijk naamwoord, gezegde, samengestelde zin or nevenschikkend voegwoord? If you are like most people, then there is only one thing that you can do. You feel scared! All of a sudden everything looks so difficult, right?
But… it could even get worse…. now imagine that a teacher tries to explain those things in a language that you do not speak. How useful is that? It really doesn’t make sense if you think about it. Still many people erroneously believe that this is the way to move forward fast. But…. simply ask yourself… how could you apply things that you don’t understand? Now luckily ….
The secret is simple!
Luckily there is good news. You do not need those vague terms in the first place. Secondly it is also perfectly ok to speak English first. The reason is simple… once you feel that you really understand what happens in Dutch, then you will feel more confident. Once you are sure that you do not have to miss one single thing, then you are so much more at ease….
So what should you do if you see a Dutch learning book with complex words and explanations in Dutch? I would say: avoid them! Don’t read things that look complex to you…. just keep it simple and boost your Dutch!
One official warning!
Here is one official warning for people that are highly educated. Chances are high that if you see serious books with complex grammar and impressive schedules you will think that now you go for the real stuff. Certainly people that have studied at universities or people that work with official documents tend to walk in this trap. Nothing could be further from the truth. Speaking a new language has nothing to do with academic theory. It is not about intellectual abstractions.
Sure, if it looks simple to you, then you may think that therefore it is also superficial. But… if you really like to speak Dutch, then think again… What if simplicity is the key for learning fast? Sure… you may not look like an intellectual anymore. But… who cares? If you like to actually speak the language, then keep it simple and then… you can reach higher levels sooner than you think!
Margie
on 26 Oct 2015