LANGUAGE LEARNING TIPS:

An Interview with Werner Riebe

What is the best way to learn a language?
There has to be a mix of hard work and good attitude. Some of it is systematic thinking and studying, you can't give up. But you also have to be open-minded and free. You have to be relaxed and accept that it is a long process that comes slowly. It kind of like being a long distance runner.

If someone is going to take a language course, should they come in knowing nothing, or does a little preparation help?
When someone doesn't know anything, they learn far less. It is like teaching someone how to swim by throwing them in the water in the first lesson. It is important to understand a little basic vocabulary and structure before an intensive course or immersion experience begins.

Is there anything one can do outside of a language course to speed the learning process?
Interact with native speakers! Whether you live in the same place or just actively engage with others. Especially, it always helps when someone has an authentic interest. If you like music, listen to that languages music and talk about it with others. If you like film, theatre, same thing. Be active in your hobby in the target language.

Is it a bad idea to practice and use a new language before all of the mechanics (i.e. grammar, correct articles) are down packed?
Again, it is a mix. Our brain is a fantastic databank. On the one hand, it needs time and repeated, regulated explanation of structure to get everything exact. But at the same time, it needs to be free to explore in order to develop itself. But practice is definitely a necessary element in setting the information in place.

Interview between Landon Robinson (US visitor / BUSC intern) and Werner Riebe (manager and course instructor at CASA Sprachschule)