Mr. Jay's Language Learning Tips — Issue 1 (short)

Learning another language tips

Hello. This is a short weekly letter for anyone learning another language.

This week is about courage. Not perfect grammar. Not the perfect app. The courage to open your mouth and try.

Kind people often say “Your language is perfect!” even when it is not. Honest confusion is better. You learn more when someone looks puzzled than when everyone smiles and says nothing.

Three reads

1. Why Your Child Hears a Language but Doesn’t Understand
   Easy, enjoyable audio builds the ear. Lots of hard listening is not enough.
   Read on Naver Blog
2. Why Translation Apps Don’t Teach a Language
   A translation app is a hint, not a teacher. The learner still has to check the words.
   Read on Naver Blog
3. Why Your Child Freezes After a Question
   Wait three quiet seconds before you jump in. The brain needs that space to find words.
   Read on Naver Blog

A small story

For years I volunteered at an orphanage.

One child lived with intellectual disabilities. Every time I came, that child walked up and greeted me in English — a beautiful greeting, said with real courage.

Many of the other children were shy. They waited. They wanted to sound perfect first.

I still remember that greeting. Not because it was perfect. Because it was brave.

Courage to speak beats waiting for perfect.

Mistake of the week

Don’t use the job word as a name.

In many schools, learners call every instructor “Teacher!” all day. In English that feels odd. We usually say Mr. or Ms. + family name (or first name, if that is the culture).

In any language you are learning, notice how people really address a teacher. Learn that form early.

Try it

For learners: Say one brave sentence in your new language today. Then ask: “Did that sound okay? What should I change?”

For teachers: Count to three before you fill the silence. Teach address forms on purpose.

For parents: Watch or listen to something fun together in the target language. Shared listening beats a fight about study.

Courage first. Perfect later.

— Mr. Jay