How to learn (with fun) a foreign language 2 part

How to learn (with fun) a foreign Language. 2 part

One of the basics to learn a foreign language, however, is GRAMMAR. It's an approach closer to the study of classical languages: in fact, in Italy, for language learning, we have always referred to the model of Greek and Latin, so we are accustomed to repeat conjugations, declensions .... Among my pupils, those who studied with me the history of Latin rhetoric, remember that, in Caesar's times, there was a group of intellectuals, the "analogists", who based language development on grammar rules (Caesar himself belonged to this group). The opponents, the "anomalists", inspired by Stoicism, believed more in use, which introduces exceptions to rules. Ultimately, the former would have rigorously and systematically studied grammar patterns, while the latter would have believed more in the full immersion in daily speech. As I said, in Italy we are more used to the former approach (which is why, our fearless teenagers sometimes can not even order a hamburger at MacDonald's while in London), while in Scandinavian countries, where English is extremely common, they are more prone to the second. But, when we had to deal with our Finnish guests a few weeks ago, I realized that, after all, they had some limitations: for example, their vocabulary was quite limited. In short, we need both approaches, but Grammar (morphology and syntax in particular) should be dealt with carefully, because it is a bit like the basic design of a building: if done badly, it is impossible to build. So, when we begin our study, let's take a look around (perhaps asking expert advice from someone) and let's value some handbooks, carefully choosing the best one: on the ground of which criteria?

CLARITY is basic: it must be evaluated on the ground of our needs. In short, you have to understand the explanations of the book and they must not be verbose, heavy nor incomprehensible.

COMPLETENESS: certain grammars are intended for an audience of tourists, so they are incomplete: they just contain some fundamental issues. It 's best to choose serious and comprehensive handbooks; in some cases, we may usually refer  to a more rapid one and keep aside a wider and scientific one (the thick volume consisting of 500 pages), if we need to check specific issues and details. Usually, scientific grammars circulate for years, so they may have also been published for the first time a few decades ago. Therefore, if we search a bookstore or library, let's not panic in front of a copyright around 1960 or so (but let's not definitely go back too much, far from our mentality, which would be counterproductive).

VARIETY; The ideal would be finding a grammar handbook INCLUDING EXERCISES AND PARTS RELATING TO VOCABULARY, culture and other aspects of our target language.
The study is more pleasant and, then, we need to exercise more skills; it is good to remember them: READING, LISTENING, WRITING AND SPEAKING.

 

The Magnificent Marciana Library in Venice, By Jacopo Sansovino (XVI century)

Finally, in my opinion, a grammar must be also sufficiently PLEASANT to be studied. In short, LAYOUT is important. I recall with pleasure my German handbook, which was colored and with illustrated stories of the little Mirko, going to Munich, while I still find boring the French one (which I promptly discarded), because it seemed a bank report. In short, "the eye wants its part" and colors, figures, various contents, anecdotes etc. motivate students.

About grammar, we must be quick, synthetic and effective. So, to take it in, we should draw OUTLOOKS, to summarize effectively the contents to be learned. For example, we can make outlooks of conjugations or declensions or of essential rules: of course, the design depends on our needs. The end result of our study should be an agile summary of what we have to learn, a synthesis reduced to essentials. And then, our outlooks should be agreeable too: therefore, we might underline important parts with colors (especially if we write by computer).

Outlooks are very useful for those who work primarily on the basis of visual sensations. The auditory ones might need AUDIO RECORDINGS. For example, I have recorded Spanish verbs on my cellphone; you could also use a video with music and the like. In short, let's use imagination!
(to be continued)

                               The Laurenziana Library, in Florence, designed by Michelangelo··