Learning language could be fun, and I think it highly depends on if you are concentrated on and love in the language you are trying to learn. Most of people in Taiwan are “forced” to take English as first foreigner language, but few of them can really be good at English. I am of the opinion of that they don’t have interesting in the language or the culture. However, they might be excellent in Japanese or other languages. I have following suggestions for learning or teaching a foreign language.
First, as a language learner, you shouldn’t judge or criticize the structure, grammar or even the culture of the language you learn. The pattern of the foreign language is surely strange to people who aren’t familiar with it. If we can be humble and show our respects to any cultures and languages, I believe we can learn any languages we want.
Secondly, the motivation of language learners must be strong. Besides, the language teachers have to make his or her students understand the importance of the language learned while some students are forced to learn a language. If they realize the language are going to be acquired can be used around the world or their favorite countries, they will put all their efforts on learning it. As a language learner by self, they should be convinced by themselves so that they won’t give up learning the language easily.
Thirdly, the way of communication and transportation change evolutionarily, we have much more opportunity then before to learn a language and culture. Living in the global village, we should have no hesitation to acquire a foreign language. You can travel or even work in another country, you also might listen to the radio or watch the movie and TV program broadcasted through Internet or satellite.
Finally, you need to spend time on learning a language. The only thing we need to contribute is your precious time. You might argue that babies don’t spend time but acquire language naturally. However, you should be noticed that babies listen to the conversation from the people around them since they can’t speak. What we should devote to language learning is time.
As a good teacher, we should not put much stress on student. Evaluation, of course, is important for a member of a school system hierarchy. However, the learning will be endless if the students in the school or not. Thus, I think a good teacher can motivate student to keep learning. If we can learn language without pressure and a language teacher support this idea, both of the teacher and students could benefit from each other.
Thanks to the following adjusting from internet friend on plurk: