Writing English, Scribbling Deutsch

Posted by mrstheissen on February 26th, 2013

Learning a language other than English used to serve auxiliary purposes.  Nowadays, it is no longer the case.  The strength of globalisation and the challenge of smoothly gliding over it have rendered the learning of foreign languages an imperative.

Take for instance, the sought-after language of UK employers (according to CBI) – Deutsch, or German.  This finding alone can shut all other questions as to why, oh why students have to learn this particular tongue.

And before this globalisation’s requirement totally sinks in, it’s important to know what basics could get you by.  The grand answer is: speaking, reading and writing English pieces.  These three come in handy as both English and German hold several similarities that can be bridged by these three basics.

For instance, a big bulk of German words is synonymous to English in spelling or in sound (as read).  Das Buch sounds just like “book,” doesn’t it?   Or, isn’t ‘she’ any different to the German counterpart, ‘sie?’  

If basics cover those three, what advancement could bolster your effort to learn the German language?  And the answer is ... Language analysis.  This type of analysis wouldn’t have to be difficult if students had it mastered with their English classes.  Otherwise, students might have to do a bit backtracking.

Apart from that, another aspect to be wary of language analysis is its tedious tendencies.  The ultimate fix here would be to get creative – that is, addressed to both tutor and students.  The common language analysis may sometimes require students to derive with as many related terms as possible or identifying connotations and elaborating associations before finally writing English papers.

For a more interesting twist, why not add a bit of art in finding connotations?  But if tutors are more inclined to stick to their own devices, students therefore will have to do the ‘creative part’ by themselves.    

Next stop, what tools would be useful for German lessons?  Students can use almost everything applicable – from dictionary books, to audio-translation software.  They may also go to YouTube or any other websites and access the provided basic and some advanced lessons and exercises.

Another tack would be to peruse or take an in-depth read on German literature.  If you’re more of a movies-person, watch German films.  Take your learning close to leisure.  This will guarantee a less stressful experience and easier absorption.

Last but no less, don’t ever avoid written and oral exams in your German classes.  Rather, religiously prepare for it.  Remember, reading and writing English pieces had been your constant practice method; and it had worked.  Try using it for your German lessons; however, be keener as there are variables unlikely seen in English exercises, but ever-present in German activities.

Manuela Theissen is an avid learner of foreign languages.  He loves writing English essays, reading Deutsch fiction, and watching French films.  His next target: Mandarin.