Each of us learned our native language – spontaneously, joyfully, and without apparent effort. And it only took a couple of years in a normal environment. But why does our effort to learn another language as adults often become a torment and end in failure? Do we lose our language learning abilities with age? Hardly! Scientific findings clearly show that our brains still have the same structures available for language learning that we had in childhood. The key lies in the different approach and methods we use as adults.
Looking for the best way to learn a language? Keep reading.
The traditional "adult" approach to language learning – hard work that doesn't work
Most adults associate language learning with memorising words and grammar rules. This analytical and academic view of language, while good for documenting it, is not ideal for acquiring and communicating in it. The problem is that knowing a lot of memorised words doesn’t in and of itself guarantee fluent communication. What’s more, having the words in a written format also makes pronunciation more difficult, and isolated grammar rules don’t just automatically apply themselves while a person speaks. High expectations and fear of mistakes lead to stress and frustration. Many learning apps unfortunately still copy this ineffective approach, even though they try to make it as entertaining as possible.
Children and natural language learning - a holistic view of language
Children acquire their first language differently. They are constantly surrounded by it and learn it spontaneously, without rules and only with the goal of communicating and surviving. This holistic approach sees language as a part of life, perceived by all the senses.
Adults are able to learn as well and as effortlessly as children
Scientific research confirms that adults still have the same structures for natural learning in the brain available to them. The key is implicit learning – through listening, observation, and speaking – which is more effective than explicit teaching of rules. Through implicit learning, adults acquire words simply by being exposed to the language, similar to children. What’s more. the critical period hypothesis has been refuted by newer scientific studies. The ability to acquire a new language does not end at a certain age. Rather, differences in learning success are due to the method used, the type of language input and individual motivation, not due to age alone. If adults approach learning similarly to children, it will work.
The best app for learning a new language naturally
The Mooveez app was developed in collaboration with a team that studies natural language acquisition in both children and adults at the Faculty of Arts, Charles University. The app also won the global Eltons award in the Digital Innovation of the Year category. Its goal is to offer adults a way to learn a foreign language which is very similar to how they acquired their native language as little children. Mooveez will allow you to experience an “accelerated childhood” in a new language.
How Mooveez implements the principles of natural learning:
Lower your expectations and don't be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of learning. Many adults are afraid to speak, but learning a language won't work without trying and making mistakes. Your brain needs to start a feedback loop as it learns: I hear it, I say it, I see it and hear a reaction to it, and then I correct myself.
Tune your brain into the new language – every language has a different rhythmic and melodic system that it uses to recognise words from the flow of speech. Simulated "prenatal listening" focused on rhythm and melody of the language and helps the brain tune into it. It will prepare you for the next stages of language development and is literally a gateway to a new language. Nursery rhymes will help with using the correct rhythm and melody when speaking at a later stage.
Learn 600 of the most frequently used words with the help of 40 images. As the pictures are gradually coloured in while the narrator speaks, you will understand and "experience" the key vocabulary of each language.
Listen to the foreign language as often as possible. Ideally daily. Expose yourself to the new language, but in a way that you understand it with the help of context. Mooveez provides a large amount of what is known as comprehensible input in the form of stories, fairy tales, and other interesting topics.
Learn grammar and vocabulary through context and stories. Dialogues, pictures, and audiobooks support implicit statistical learning of words and grammar from context, just like the way children learn.
Speak out loud and imitate native speakers. Imitate dialogues with the voice recognition feature. You can then immediately start using learned dialogues in a practical way. You will be able to speak without anyone having explained any grammar to you. You will then slowly start to get a feel for the language.
Progress step by step. Mooveez copies children’s development – first tuning in to the language, then babbling, listening, and speaking. Reading and writing come only after the spoken language has been mastered.
How long does it take to learn a language?
If you use Mooveez for at least 30 minutes a day and expose yourself to the language outside the app (eg. another 30 - 60 minutes per day listening to it or watching content in it), you should be able to understand reasonably well and express yourself at least in a simple way within a year. The app will help you refine, retain, and perfect the language further.
An online translator cannot replace true knowledge of a language
The benefits of learning a foreign language are enormous – it opens doors to a world, helps you discover new cultures and build deeper relationships. As Nelson Mandela said "If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart." Mooveez gives you a unique opportunity to acquire a new language effortlessly and fluently.
Download the Mooveez app today and start your journey to acquire a foreign language naturally!
