I speak from day one, but it’s only to myself. I’ve been learning French and Russian for about 8 months, and I have yet to have a conversation with anyone in either language. I do practice pronunciation, and repeat exercises and texts, although I haven’t done much shadowing. I don’t know if and when I’ll take it up a notch to start getting fluent, and it may never happen, since my main goal is to read literature.
Yes,if it works for you,use it. Like with kids,they learn language in the “natural way”. I think- we all learn in the “same way”-Stephen Krashen. Does children start to speak their language from day one?? I don´t think so. They build their vocabulary very gradually. Even for some bilingual kids, Sometimes to speak the language of their parents can be really frustrating. Some of them does not never learn that language(especially when parents force them to speak, when in fact they are not ready)I was yesterday in a debate- Language in intercultural relationships-and we find all kinds of situations. Some people who shared their bilingual experience in childhood. A half Persian-Finnish lady who never learnt to speak Persian, she said her father will say." OK now if you don´t speak my language I will not speak with you at all any more" frustrating situation.
I know another bilingual family Spanish-Finnish the 2 girls have never learned to speak the father language Spanish. Living in Finland and listening most of the time for Finnish language,reading Finnish books at school etc. They did not have enogh exposure(input) which enable them to pick up more Spanish words,make them confident at the language and then gradually start to speak. They did not. My 2 nieces have never learned to speak Turkish althout their father have had some unsucceful atempts. Trying to speak with them in Turkish after the girls will listen to him reading few books. The result. They coul not. At that time living in Spain, attending Spanish school. Talking in Portuguese with their mother.
The cases where children learn to speak fluently both parents language are the ones where the child gets enough exposure to the languages, a lot of input. And it does not happen in 6 or 12 months it happens after years. But now I am not saying they did not start using the language before that.
gpnsa wrote:
“Does children start to speak their language from day one??”
Children start from scratch. They first have to learn the sounds even. Adults start from another level.
I have heard the best language courses are the ones where you are only allowed to speak that one language. I have understaken three such courses and I have to say I learnt these languages quicker than other languages where the teacher has given the instruction in English.
@Steve, yes, that’s true. I’ve heard of that school although I’m not that familiar with it. Still though, that’s a relatively unusual case. Classes that follow the Natural Approach (or some comprehension-based approach) will generally give the students opportunities to speak and participate, but will not demand that they do so. Insisting that the students do not speak at is something else. I understand why people might call that a Silent Period approach, but strictly speaking, that’s not correct. I don’t know if the school refers to its own methodology as “silent period” or not.
As to whether its better or not, I don’t know. With a language like Thai, listening for a long time without saying anything might not be a bad idea.
@JayB
"I studied the grammar very carefully when I was learning German. I must say that I have never for one moment felt any regret for having done so.
Of course I agree that a knowledge of grammar is no use without also having a large vocabulary and a feel for idioms, etc. But in my opinion this is very much a question of ‘both-and’; it is not a matter of ‘either-or’."
I very much agree with you. But some people are allergic to studying grammar, or to reading, or to whatever. If someone does indeed have this grammar-allergy, its probably better to study without it than to not study at all.
“I have heard the best language courses are the ones where you are only allowed to speak that one language. I have understaken three such courses and I have to say I learnt these languages quicker than other languages where the teacher has given the instruction in English.”
I think this is generally true. Immersion courses are more effective. This is normal in a class based around comprehensible input.
In my view it is very unlogical to try to speak before you understand.
it is a lot more easy to learn speaking when you understand.
You are better - I think - if you understand a lot than if you speak and understand a little.
You don’t need to speak to have a conversation if the counterpart understand your language and you understand his - you both can speak your natvie and understand each other.
To be quite candid, I tried both ways. Speaking from day 1 will simply discourage you from learning a language because of not being able to express your thoughts confidently and correctly. Been there, done that.
After having done a considerable amount of passive learning, I notice that, I’m not fluent yet but I’m able to pass by in a day to day conversation. It is not like a total frustrating experience. Yes, people do not understand me. I’ve been told to repeat myself many times during a conversation but at least I try to say the same thing in a different way. There is a confidence level to it. If people do not understand me I do not feel like totally shut down and run away altogether.
So , yeah, doing ample passive learning gives you lots of confidence when it comes to dealing with a real life situation. At least the language is not a noise on ears and that itself is a great feat. I mean, if you can’t contribute anything in the conversation then at least you come away with something just from listening to the language.
So, definitely, silent period for me.
asad, you have explained this very well, and this corresponds to my experience as well.
Steve do you think my signing up to speak to my tutor June 9 as I started may 6th with very little language knowledge a waste of time? I have lots of questions to ask him as he’s a very experience tutor, and want to try out my German, do you think its a waste of time? Alleray knows my level and still wants to go ahead with the 1 on 1 15 minute conversation. I just started beginner 2 and its recommending .2 hours a week speaking, I can’t see this conversation being anything but helpful as I’ll take lots of notes, and plan on being as prepared as possible.
I’m not steve of course, but I’d say that if you want to have the conversation, then by all means have it. I find that after a certain period in my language studies, I “just know” that it is time to practice speaking.
asad has said it better than i could.