| Is the score too low? Add some more
variables.
Add an additional 10 points for each additional
language you know. If you know 3 other languages besides your mother tongue,
add 30 points. + 10
Add an additional 5 points if you plan
to learn the language just to prove a point! Egoism can be a strong factor
in learning a language and if you're the sort of person that likes to impress
people with your skills and knowledge then you'll learn a language a bit
faster than someone who isn't. +5
Self motivation. If you have taken a course
in the hope that the course will teach you everything and all you need
to do is sit there and listen, then you're not motivated enough. If you're
motivated enough to learn the contents of the course before the course
starts so that you're always a little ahead of the teacher and your classmates,
add 5 points. +5
Can you accept it when the teacher tells
you that something is how it is because it is? Sometimes the rules of a
language make no sense so no point in getting frustrated over it. Accept
it, learn it and move on. If you can do that, add 5 points. +5
Are you good at sticking with something
and never giving up? All the questions above relate to how you would act
when things are going well. What if things aren't going well? If learning
the language is frustrating, annoying, difficult or you're just not getting
it, will you give up or will you keep going? If your answer is to never
give up, add 5 points. +5
Do you put stock in IQ or Mensa testing?
Sometimes higher intelligence actually reduces the capacity to learn a
language as languages are usually fluid and illogical which can cause problems
for mathematically minded individuals who like structured, sequential reasoning
where things fit together logically. In any case add 5 points if you've
scored between 130 and 150 on an IQ test. +5 (Anything higher than that
and you probably speak 5 languages already!)
Are you left brained or right brained?
Most people are one side or the other but language requires both to work
equally (this is rare but your brain can be trained). It's generally accepted
that your left hemisphere controls grammar and vocabulary and your right
hemisphere controls how you intone or accentuate your speech. If you know
both sides of your brain work well together and adjust to the environment
and alternate in dominance then add 5 points. +5
Are you male or female? On average, women
learn languages quicker than men. Not enough research has been done to
really confirm why this is the case. Is it women's brains are better for
language or is it that women tend to enjoy talking more than men and therefore
are more likely to practice what they learn? In any case, if you're female,
add 5 points. +5
Are you a positive or negative person?
If you're always positive, whether that is due to an enjoyment of life
or a spiritual strength, you'll succeed at learning a language faster than
a negative person. Negative people may not give up but they will struggle
as they'll keep saying to themselves 'this is too hard. I can't do this'
Positive people would say 'this is challenging but I can do this' If you're
a positive person, add 5 points +5
If you've started your course already,
how personally encouraging is your teacher? Does he/she praise your progress
often, give you friendly tips, take an interest in your learning and help
build your confidence and self-esteem? If you're lucky enough to get one
of these kinds of language teachers add another 10 points. +10
Your score _________ + variables = __________
Thank you for visiting James Hogan's
language learning equation.
Developed by
James Hogan. www.AdultEnglishSchool.com www.AdultLanguageSchool.com
|
The
generally accepted average time for an adult to learn a new language to
a casual conversational level is about 6 months. This depends on a number
of factors though and it is rare to actually find someone who has learnt
a language in 6 months! As everyone is different, learns differently, has
different responsibilities and lifestyles, it's impossible to accurately
predict how long a person will learn a language in the future. We can,
however give you a closer estimate than the arbitrary 6 months.