Best method of learning a language

Which method is the best for learning a language?

If like me, you follow some of the most popular language learning sites, you're likely to have heard about the "input vs output" language learning debate.

Input-based learning

With input-based learning, the learner's time is spent concentrating on obtaining input in the language. This entails reading, listening and watching television. Some people like to have what is called "silent-time", in other words, they don't begin speaking until they believe they've had enough exposure to the language. This method can be successful as long as the learner obtains input on subjects they are interested in, for example if they are interested in computers, then reading articles in Spanish about computers will help them pick-up new words and quickly become accustomed to the way the given language is written. Watching lots of television or listening to the radio is also a popular input-based method. I've found this method useful only when one has enough vocabularly in order to be able to follow along with what is going on, i.e. Understand what is happening or what is being discussed. Listening to music is also an enjoyable and easy way to pick up new vocabularly and phrases.

Advantages

•It's fairly easy to dedicate lots of time to input-based learning. e.g. If you spend an hour a day reading news, blogs and listening to podcasts on the Internet in your native language, you can easily switch over to reading and listening in the language you are learning. You will find yourself picking up new vocabularly and grammar just by exposing/immersing yourself in it as much as possible. •There is no shortage of material available for input-based learning. A quick Google search will bring up blogs, podcasts, radio stations and forums in the language you are learning.

Disadvantages

•It can take a long time before (if ever) the learner will feel ready to speak. This is obviously not an option for people who live in the country and need to use and learn the language quickly. •The whole point of a language is communication, being able to only read and listen does not help you communicate with real people. Unless of course, the learner's goal is to simply be able to read books in the foreign language.

Output-based learning

With output-based learning, the learner concentrates on writing and speaking immediately. In short, an output-based learner relies on learning via communication. Obviously this method also requires the input method shown above, however rather than waiting until he/she is ready to talk, they try to talk immediately. Although initally the output produced will be slow, full of mistakes and basic, the learner will quickly gain the confidence to speak. The whole act of making mistakes (and learning from them), reinforces the language and helps the learner quickly gain confidence and proficiency. Writing is also considered output, and this is a fantastic way to put into practise what has been learnt. There are many websites, such as Lang-8 where one can submit posts/articles in the foreign language and have them corrected for free (In return, the user must correct other people's posts). The advantage of this approach is that there is no pressure to speak, the learner can take their time to write and review everything before posting. You can find more information about this in my post about language practise.

Advantages

•This method is ideal if the learner needs to be able to use the language quickly, e.g. If they live in the country where the language is used. •It's much more social. If the learner is a sociable person, then it can be much more enjoyable than sitting at home reading books and watching TV. •Forcing yourself to use the language will mean you will learn much quicker, and also be able to show results much quicker than if you were doing input-based learning only. •There is no shortage of people to practise with. There are many websites on the Internet where you can find people who are willing to chat over Skype or email. There is no need to actually be present in the country where the language is spoken.

Disadvantages

•Using this method will require confidence, and the need to step outside one's comfort zone. Making mistakes is all part of the learning experience, and being scared of sounding silly can be very uncomfortable for some people. •If you are speaking to people whilst still at a basic level and the other person speaks English, more often than not they will just reply to you in English. This can be frustrating and demotivating. It's possible to get around this by telling the person that you wish to speak their language, and if the person continues to speak to you in English then move along and find someone else to talk to. •It requires much more effort that the input-based learning approach

Conclusions

So which method is the best? In short, whichever method suits your personality. If you enjoy reading or watching television, then the "input" approach is the best. If you prefer to be out and about with people, then the "output" approach maybe more suitable. I've personally found a mixture of both a very good balance, and I've seen good results via this approach. The important thing is that learning the language has to be fun and interesting. There is no point reading boring articles or learning how to buy tickets in a train station, if the subject is boring and does not interest you personally.