LEARNING LANGUAGES

 

LEARNING LANGUAGES                                                                                                                          

PREAMBLE

Learning is critical for honourable living. Learning languages is a step to communicate with different societies. Learning languages of global utility is advantageous for travel, communication with other countries, ethnic groups and so on. In short, through Language[s], world shrinks while our mind and tolerance for other cultures widen. Desire is the basis for any learning and languages are no exception. It is important to develop skills of communication in one’s language and extend the skill to other lingual territories. Obviously, a good foundation is the best starting point for language learning. However, to acquire the most acceptable command over any Language it is essential to follow the phonetic characteristics adopted by the natives of that language – as close to the original as possible.

The right beginning:

Every language has a culture –typical by its spoken form and the written form. The written form is more grammatic and the spoken version is informal and lax by attitude. Besides, the syntax [arrangement of words] in a sentence is also a variable between different languages. Difficulties in learning languages arise from one’s inability to track the proper sequence in assembling words and in framing sentences. The use of conjunction is a vital element in improving the elegance of handling a language. Together, the syntax, tense, conjunctions and vocabulary determine the ‘command’ over the language. Improving the ability in speech or writing gets strengthened by avoidance of ‘un-parliamentary’ expressions. Therefore vocabulary has a significant impact over the listener / reader even as it raises the image of the speaker/writer on an occasion. One of the powerful influences of the ‘lingual prowess’ of a speaker relates to pronunciation as does the articulation. [Writers, however escape this assessment; some well known writers fail to impress listeners by their shabby articulation and struggle for apt expressions while speaking].  Anyone desirous of mastering a language must muster the words, pronunciation, use of articles, prepositions/ conjunctions and a personalized style to be different from pedestrian or mundane approach. Acquiring such skills helps to achieve distinction. Making the correct beginning is the right approach for early success. Success is not a matter of right; on every occasion the speaker /writer has to strive and sustain his/her image for quality output.

Critical elements to concentrate upon:

Delivery is a powerful tool in captivating the listener or reader. It requires careful play of right words in apt sequence. Avoidance of irrelevant terms enhances the success rate. Relevance or otherwise gets determined by the ‘contextual meaning’ of terms. Be aware that one word may mean different things and this feature can be brilliantly exploited to win over the audience. This feature of signifying different meanings is connotation. Connotation carries the innate risk of rendering a meaning unintended. So, the speaker has to be fully aware of the implications in his/ her utterance. Learning items like Homonym, Homograph and Homophone would be an asset in handling the language. Homonyms are words which sound alike but differ in meaning [Write/ right]. Homographs are spelled alike, but differ in meaning by the context [Bow/Bow; Bear/Bear; Minute/Minute].Homophones are words sounding alike but differing by spelling and meaning [Know/No, New/Knew, Bare, Bear] Thus, in developing language skill, let us remember that the pronunciation of words equally important. Right pronunciation is an impetus to learning and improper ones destroy the eagerness to listen and learn. Speakers need to keep the audience happy to help them pursue a line of thought. Happy exchanges of ideas promote healthy and quick learning. Knowledge- seeking and serving are occasions of mutual happiness. Displeasure and unwillingness for knowledge-transaction ruin the chance of comfortable learning. Uncomfortable state of mind spreads hatred and suspicion between the source and the learner. So, every opportunity and component of learning should be kept attractive and effective for spreading the idea. It is necessary that learning –teaching operate as a unified ensemble in the game of knowledge refinement.  Unless knowledge-refinement occurs, learning remains a dream, even if degrees and titles are won by the learner. In plain terms, knowledge must get integrated to the learner, if the latter has to register and reveal mental ascension through exposition of knowledge. 

Dimensions of learning:

Learning is knowledge-acquisition and it should promote skill and confidence of the learner. These are products acquired by true learning. Skill and Confidence are two facets of learning and cannot be foisted on anyone by outside agencies. The two blossom from within by enlightenment of the person. The process of enlightenment is a complex and continual endless event; it requires readiness to learn.

Forms:  

Learning is infinite by source, opportunity and form. Learning has no barrier of age between source and recipient. In fact, learning is impeded by ego. Every opportunity must be availed of for proper and complete learning. Class-rooms are not the only places to learn from. All our places do educate us in a passive mode. One should use active and passive mechanics of learning by being alert and receptive. 

To continue                       Prof. K. Raman