Learning a Language: Just the FAQs, Ma’am

Which language is most useful?

This is something like asking which colour is best. Usually the inquirer means, "Which language is most likely to get me a job?" or "Which is handiest for travel?" Unfortunately, there are no succinct answers to these questions. For example, business is lusting after the Chinese market, so Mandarin would appear a hot prospect. But how many students can master this difficult language, plus one or more regional dialects, as business demands? If landing a job is the goal, anything less is wasted effort. On the other hand, minority-language speakers may be a shoo-in for the rare jobs that call for them, given the limited competition.

Travellers often assume geographically-widespread languages are most useful. In fact, the issue is much more complex. French, for instance, has comparatively weak numbers, but is invaluable as an auxiliary language the world over. Minority languages have miserable demographics, but can be more effective than the big guns in some circumstances. The very fact that Dutch speakers are scarce prompts a tribal reflex whenever and wherever they encounter one another. Writer Leo Rosten has enjoyed the same effect among fellow Yiddish speakers all over the planet.

Regardless of material considerations, the language that supports your interests is the most useful. Love Brazilian music? Learn Portuguese. Plan to trace your Pakistani roots? Study Urdu. Your personal investment will help you stick with it when inevitable learning curve plateaus become discouraging.

Can I learn from books, tapes, or computer programmes?

Teacher availability narrows your choice of languages, of course. This, and the seductive claims of teacherless methods ("YOU can learn fluent Spanish while you drive to work!") tempt well-meaning learners into this trap. Sadly, there is no quick or easy way to learn a language, though such materials may effectively supplement traditional instruction. This goes for the satellite and correspondence courses currently popular in secondary schools, too. Esperanto is a quasi-exception. Esperanto was expressly designed to be learned easily, so teacherless methods do in fact impart near-fluency in this complete, expressive tongue.

How can I accelerate the learning process?

Never leave your language in the classroom! This is the mistake most learners make. Rather, throw yourself into it whenever possible. Reading is the most effective way to internalise grammar and build vocabulary. It doesn't matter what you read. Thanks to the Web, a wealth of possibilities are just a click away. Choose material you're interested in, and read often. Livestream and satellite technology bring living language right to your door. Invite it in; enjoy target-language radio and television regularly. Subtitled movies are good, too. Ditto recorded music, especially if printed lyrics are available. Shortwave radio, the original worldwide medium, remains an attractive option. Local immigrant-support and language clubs provide an invaluable opportunity to experience real-world language, as opposed to dull "my aunt's pen is on the desk" classroom models.

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