1. Community Building
Poetry
can go a long way to building strong communities both in educational contexts
and in the world at large. In school, students can build community through
poetry by sharing poems that they love with their classmates. Such an activity
first requires that students have the tools to find poems that they love.
Teachers can help them find appropriate options by helping students see how diverse
the world of poetry can be: there is something for everyone, even students who
do not think that poetry is for them.
2. Improves Critical Thinking
Poetry
improves critical thinking by forcing a reader to think. In great poetry,
meaning is not obvious or one-dimensional. Deciphering poetry is an active
practice, rather than the passive engagement encouraged with prose. Readers of
poetry are more likely than non-readers to analyse information for bias and
viewpoint. This skill benefits students, but also anyone who wants to form
their own opinions of news items or gain a better perspective upon documents
like contracts.
As the
currency of social interaction, language shapes an individual’s experience of
the world. The critical thinking skills developed through reading poetry give
greater control over language itself.
3. Poems improve linguistic skills
A
person who enjoys the expressions used in poetry has a strong understanding of
the linguistic aspects. It is normally achieved using figurative language and
artistic expressions.
4. Poems develop empathy
A
sensitive reader empathises with the content of the poem as well as the poet.
The most noteworthy power of poetic literature is its ability to unite reader
and writer across time, place or cultural boundaries.
5. Reading Poetry Will Bring Beauty into
Your Day
No
matter what a poem is actually about, it’s going to use language in an
innovative and, I would say, a beautiful way. Okay, beauty is subjective, and
we’re going to disagree about what is and is not beautiful. But poets focus
on how they say things, not just what they say, so, in the best
poems, you will find language that delights you. Reading even just one poem
will bring an experience of beauty and maybe even joy into your day.
6. Reading poetry helps children
appreciate simple ideas through figurative language and gain a
deeper understanding of stories outside of their own life experiences. By
providing a window into the thoughts of others, poetry has the power to increase empathy and provide a new perspective of the
human experience.
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Many of us dream about learning to speak a second language (or, if we’re lucky and work hard, potentially a third). But the ability to speak more than three languages is so rare that it seems almost impossibly out of reach.
Yet there are people among us, known as polyglots, who serve as walking, talking evidence that teaching yourself how to speak five, six, seven, and even eight languages is not only possible – it’s more achievable than you might think.
If learning another language will help you reach specific goals – like getting a job in a competitive international market or moving abroad – then you need to progress as fast as possible. While we don’t have a way to download new languages to our brains just yet, you can become pretty fluent in a new language faster than you’d imagine.
In a recent webinar, we spoke to the renowned polyglot Olly Richards to learn some practical tips on how to learn a new language fast based on his personal experience. In addition to speaking eight languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Arabic, Cantonese, and Italian), Richards is well known online for being the creator of the StoryLearning® method.
Today, we’ll recap some of his proven advice on how to learn a new language fast, from turning off subtitles (yes, really!) to being comfortable with not understanding everything right away.
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Maybe you want to learn a language, but you don’t want to give up your social life by attending an evening class. Or you’d rather not spend an arm and a leg on a private tutor who’s determined to teach you according to his rules. So what’s the alternative? Is there a way for you to learn a language on your own time, learning topics that you want to learn? (Spoiler alert: Yes, there is.)
One of the best ways to learn is to take control of your language learning journey. Here are our best tips to make that happen — with the help of the Babbel App.
What Is The Best Way To Learn A New Language On Your Own?
- Make Your Own Program
There are two ways to look at this: You can either groan because this means that yes, you really should have a strategy, or you can feel empowered that you have complete control over what you learn. We’re choosing the second option.
Every learner has different motivations, and it’s crucial to craft your strategy around your needs. If you want to brush up on your French for a trip, then you should concentrate first on the essential phrases. With Babbel, you can skip straight to our tailored holiday lessons. Alternatively, if you’re about to meet your German girlfriend’s parents, you should work on introducing yourself and mastering pleasantries. You can also head directly for our lessons on getting to know relatives (because we’ve got units on more subjects than you could shake a multilingual stick at).
Talking about Games
How a Game Familiar to Oneself is Played
Explain how a game familiar to him/her is played
Cultural activities are activities which are done according to the culture of a certain place. In Tanzania we have different cultural activities like marriages, funerals, harvesting celebrations, ritual celebrations and games.
Games are physical or mental competitions that have rules and have participants in direct opposition to each other. There are different types of games, for example, football, basketball, handball, baseball, rugby, cricket, tennis and netball.
Football or soccer is a game played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball; it is played in a rectangular field with two goals at the end. The object of the game is to score by getting the ball into a goal. The goalkeepers are the only players allowed to touch the ball with their hands while it is in play and only in their penalty area. Outfield players mostly use their feet to strike or pass the ball, but can also use their heads or torsos. The team that scores the most goals by the end of the game wins. If the score is level at the end of the game, either a draw is declared or the game goes into extra time and/ or a penalty shoot out depending on the format of the competition.
Talking about Marriages
Marriage Activities
Describe marriage activities
Marriage is a relationship between husband and wife or a ceremony in which two people are married to each other. The type, function, and characteristics of marriages vary from culture to culture, and can change over time. In general, there are two types: civil marriage and religious marriage, and typically marriages employ a combination of both (religious marriages must often be licensed and recognised by the state, and conversely civil marriages, while not sanctioned under religious law, are nevertheless respected).
Types of marriage relationships
Monogamy is a marriage to one partner.
Polygamy when a man is married to more than one wife at a time.
Polyandry when a woman is married to more than one husband at a time.
Marriage terms
Groom is a man who is getting married.
Bride groomis a woman who is getting married.
Wedding ring is a ring worn by a man and woman who are getting married
Wedding cake is a cake prepared for the wedding cerebration.
Expressing Point of View
Participating in a Debate on Familiar Issues
Participate in a debate on familiar issues
We express our opinions by participating in different debates. Debate is contention in argument; strife, dissension, quarrelling, controversy; especially a formal discussion of subjects before a public assembly or legislature, in Parliament or in any deliberative assembly. Debate is a method of formally presenting an argument in a disciplined manner. Through logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are elements in debating, where one side often prevails over the other party by presenting a superior “context” and/or framework of the issue. The outcome of a debate may depend upon consensus or some formal way of reaching a resolution, rather than the objective facts. In a formal debating contest, there are rules for participants to discuss and decide on differences, within a framework defining how they will interact.
A debate is comprising of a topic, (called motion) in which there are two sides, the opposing and proposing sides, each debate have a chairperson, (supervise the debate) secretary, (recording the points spoken) time keeper (make people to keep time per regulations) and language corrector(correct grammatical mistakes of speakers)
To avoid the wastage of time and people speaking out of time, all debates have a time limit; you cannot have a debate without time limit.
The debate starts with the chairperson introducing the audiences, participants, both sides, then participant start to explain their views on a certain motion. After all controversies’ of the two sides, the chairperson will read all point all point and declare the winning group.
Reading and Obtaining General Information
Answering General Questions on Text Read
Answer general questions on text read
Reading for comprehension involves reading information from different sources. It involves reading in details with specific aims and tasks passages and information carefully with the aim of knowing all things about the information’s in the text.
In this part you are reading with the aim of being able to answer comprehension questions. When you are answering comprehension questions, the first thing to do is read the questions carefully before you read the passage, after reading the questions, you have to read the whole passage while remembering the questions. While reading you have to note all new vocabulary, the main idea of information and specific ideas. When you are reading consider; specific ideas which may lead you to summaries the passage, answer questions and know the title, a good example of specific ideas are, definitions, reasons or causes, importance, effects e.t.c . After doing all these, you go back to the questions and answer them.
Example 4
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow.
ILO Convention No 138 refers to child labor as employment below the minimum of age 15 and it state that 215 million children under 18 work full time around the word. Children are denied the right to education when they are forced into the worst forms of labor, especially sexual exploitation, child trafficking, heavy manual work in mining and agricultural plantations. According to UNICEF in 2011, 90 of children involved in domestic labour are girls.
In Sub Saharan Africa, which include developing countries like Tanzania among every four children aged 5-17 compared to the countries like Latin America where 1 among every ten children are engaged with work.
UNICEF 2010 estimated 20.7% of children in Tanzania are involved in child labour which dropped compared to 2001 when national bureau of statistics estimated that 35.4% were child labourers. According to the Tanzania legal and human rights centre 2012 human rights report, child labour in Tanzania is facilitated by a number of reasons including; poverty, family separation and pastoral communities which moves from one place to another in search for water and pasture. This forces children to drop out from school and are subjected to enforced labour, often times out of necessity.
The constitution and laws of Tanzania state that “employing child under 14 years old is an offence and employing any person below 18 years in an environment that will endanger their life or affect the upbringing of the child is an offence.’
The employment and labour relations act of 2004 gives the power to resident magistrate or district courts to impose punishment of 1 year imprisonment or fines up to Sh5 million to any person found guilty under the act. Child labour is also prohibited under the law of the child act of 2009.
Interpreting Simple Stories
The Message from Simple Stories Read
Explain the message from simple stories read
Reading is something most of us practice daily; we read newspapers, magazine, novels and textbooks. However, reading a newspaper differs from reading literature. For one thing, the purpose for reading each one is different, and, therefore, the method must also vary. Reading literature is usually required for your English learning. Although you may feel that reading is the simple task of picking up your book and going through it from cover to cover, there are certain hints that will make reading easier, more understandable, and, in the long run, less time-consuming and more enjoyable.
Literature is an art which uses language carefully to portray a message to society. The following are a few points that may help make your next reading assignment easier to complete.
Analyzing short stories
In form One and now in form Two, you have read short stories such as Mabala the Farmer and Kalulu the Hare. You must make reading stories a habit especially if your school has a library. If you do so your vocabulary will improved and you will gain confidence in taking part in class discussions.Choose a book that you can finish reading in one week. A short story is interesting if it answers the following features:
| Tittle | What is the meaning of the title? Who is the author? |
| Setting | Does the story happen in one place or many places? Does it last for a short period or does it have several episodes at different times? |
| characters | Who are they? Do they change their habits? Why are they interesting? |
| Plot | What problem does the main character face? How is the problem solved? Is the story believable? |
| Style | Does the author use hints, repletion, songs, dialogue or other techniques? |
| Theme | How does it relate to the society? |
| impact | How does the story touch the feelings of the readers? |
Exercise 1
Choose one of the story books that you have read as a class reader this year. Write down the answers to the following questions
- What is the title of the book?
- Who is the author?
- Name and describe the main character?
- What does the author say about the rest of the characters?
- What lesson(s) do we learn from the book?
Writing Cards
Cards for Various Occasions and Events
Write cards for various occasions and events
Cards and messages are a means of communication which use paper and mobile phones to transfer information to a certain person.
Invitation cards:Cards contain information we us to send to our parents, relatives and friends. Cards are intended to invite people to parties or functions, send greetings, and convey strong feelings.
Example 4
The Invitation Card
The family of Mr. & Mrs. R.Matagi of Mpwapwa Dodoma
Are happy to invite Mr/Mrs/Miss/Prof/Rev /Dr
……………………………………………………………………….
To a pre wedding party of our beloved daughter Neema R Matagi to be held at Manaseh social hall on December. 6. 2016 from 8:00-12:00
YOU ARE WELCOME!
Unlike letters, the information written on cards should be short and clear. There are several kinds of cards; post cards, greeting cards, and invitation cards.
How to Learn a New Language:
Choosing which language to learn is a personal decision, and your native language, interests, needs, and goals can help you narrow your options to learn one efficiently. If you enjoy studying Japanese history and culture, you may want to add Japanese to the list. Perhaps you’re planning to vacation in Brazil and decide to learn Portuguese before the trip. Maybe you live in an area with many Spanish speakers and believe being bilingual will increase your job opportunities.
Other factors to consider when choosing a language are its similarity to your native language and opportunities to practice it. Typically, you’ll find it easier to learn languages with vocabulary and grammar similar to your first language. For example, Arabic uses the Arabic alphabet instead of the Latin alphabet you use in English. You also read and write letters in Arabic from right to left. Since Croatian uses the Latin alphabet (like English), you will likely find it easier to learn Croatian.
Read more: 11 Good Study Habits to Develop
- Immerse yourself in the language
Immersion—surrounding yourself with the language you want to acquire—is one of the top language learning methods recommended by researchers. You can do this by visiting or moving to a country where you can interact with native speakers, or try some of the following:
- Label items in your home with words from your desired language.
- Watch television shows and movies filmed or dubbed in the target language.
- Listen to music or podcasts recorded in the new language.
- Read books, websites, and newspapers from countries where that language is spoken.
- Change the settings on your device to reflect the language you are learning.
These immersion techniques mimic the way you originally learned to speak through regular, practical exposure to words, pronunciation, and syntax. You may find that immersion helps your retention, so you learn the language quickly.
- Build your vocabulary
Learning vocabulary in your new language is important because you need to know which words to use to express yourself and understand what you hear and see. According to the International Center for Language Studies, knowing between 4,000 and 10,000 words in a language typically makes you an advanced speaker, but you likely can communicate in everyday situations after mastering 1,000 to 3,000 words [1].
To master new words, you need to use them in different contexts and review them multiple times. Research in vocabulary acquisition has found that learners may need to interact with new words as many as 20 times before they can remember them [2]. You can use the following options to build your vocabulary:
- Use flashcards to practice: You can create physical flashcards by writing a word in the new language on one side and the word in your language on the other. Alternatively, you can use an app to create and practice with digital flashcards. To use them, read the target word in one language and try to remember its translation in the other language.
- Practice in language apps: You can find numerous language learning apps, including free options, to help you learn vocabulary. In fact, vocabulary practice tends to be a prominent feature of these apps, and many of them use flashcards and games to encourage practice.
- Look for cognates: Cognates are words that are similar in two languages, such as accidente in Spanish and accident in English. Some languages have many cognates, while others may have a few or none. If you’re a native English speaker, you’ll likely recognize many words in Dutch, German, and French that are similar to words you already know.
- Say words out loud when you learn them: When you say words aloud, you can practice pronouncing them properly, which is an important part of learning how to communicate in the new language. This can also help you memorize new words quickly.
- Keep a journal: A journal is a great way to monitor the words you’re learning. When you’re watching TV, reading an article, or listening to a song in your target language, write down words that sound interesting. You can also use the journal to practice writing with the new words and review your list regularly until you feel like you’ve mastered them.
- Practice speaking and listening
Since speaking and listening are critical communication components, you should practice these skills regularly as you learn your new language. Look for opportunities to listen to someone speak your target language so you can train your ear to hear the sounds of the words and the rhythm of the sentences. Mimic what you hear to reinforce the sounds. Ideally, you can practice through conversations with others, but you can also use the following ideas:
- Watch a TV show without subtitles: Consider rewatching some of your favorite episodes, so you’re already familiar with the storyline. This lets you focus on listening to the words and training your ear to hear the language.
- Use a language learning app: Language learning apps often include speaking and listening activities. Some apps rate your speaking and compare your pronunciation with native speakers, so you can see your progress.
- Find an international pen pal: Instead of writing to each other, use video messaging apps to communicate. You practice speaking when creating a message and listening when you listen to what your pen pal recorded for you.
- Listen to music in another language: Sing along with the songs you like. This is a form of conversational shadowing because it allows you to practice the rhythm of the language and learn how to separate sounds so you can hear individual words.
- Create imaginary conversations: Think about a situation you might encounter and practice what you would say using the language you’re learning. For example, you could practice ordering food in a restaurant.
Embrace mistakes (and learn from them).
Mistakes are learning opportunities, which are a normal part of the process when learning a language. You may choose the wrong word, switch vowel sounds, or use the present tense form of a verb when talking about something that happened last week. When you make a mistake, pay attention to the feedback you get. For example, the person you’re talking to may correct your grammar or vocabulary choice.
- Set aside time to practice
Learning a new language takes time and regular practice. According to the US Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute, a native English speaker typically needs between 552 and 690 class hours to learn languages like Dutch, French, Italian, and Spanish [3]. You’ll spend around 838 class hours learning German, Haitian Creole, and Swahili. When learning languages with fewer features in common with English, you can expect to put in at least 1,000 class hours [3].
To establish language learning habits, find ways to make practice easy and engaging. Ideally, you should practice every day, so choose a time that fits in your schedule. Perhaps you have 15 minutes each day to listen to dialogue during your commute or can spend 20 minutes during your lunch break using an app. Incorporate language learning into your daily routines by writing your grocery list in the language you’re learning or watching your favorite television shows in another language.
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Learn A Language Alone
- Apps
Every year there are more and more applications for learning a foreign language. Most of them have free versions that still allow you to learn a language. Those apps that run on a subscription also have a trial period during which you can explore the functionality and see if you like the approach to learning. If you do decide to buy the paid version, ask your friends and acquaintances first if they use this application, and whether they have a referral code. Such a code will give both you and your friend good bonuses!
- Student literature
Most often, for self-study, it is advised to read fiction in a foreign language. At the initial levels, reading such texts can be frightening in their complexity, so we advise you to start with adapted texts. They repeat the plot of the original but adapt the text to a certain level of language proficiency. Reading the literature of your level helps to consolidate the learned vocabulary and learn new. You can buy such books in almost any book or online store.
- Videos
Many foreign language teachers run websites, blogs, and record free training videos on YouTube. It helps them not only attract new students but also share their knowledge with those who cannot yet afford private lessons. Sometimes, in addition to single videos, teachers record full video courses that can be bought on their website.
- Podcasts
There is a growing number of podcasts for language learners. They are recorded by both teachers, students, and native speakers. If your level is high enough, then it is no longer necessary to look for podcasts for learning, you can listen to any for pleasure or professional growth. You can find links to podcasts that are right for you in thematic groups, blogs, or websites.
- Movies and TV series
Is it possible to combine rest and training? Yes, if you love movies and TV shows. On most streaming platforms, it is possible not only to choose the language of the movie but also to turn on subtitles. At first, it may be easier with subtitles in the native language, and at higher levels, you can turn on subtitles in the language being studied, or watch without them at all.
- Free online courses
Large learning platforms, such as Coursera, include not only professional training but also courses for learning a foreign language. The biggest advantage of such courses is the possibility of free learning. If need a certificate of completion, then you can buy a full course or subscription. Do not be afraid if courses are too expensive, in some cases, you can apply for a scholarship or get a big discount.
- Language exchange
Practicing a language with a native speaker is very important, but classes with a native teacher are usually much more expensive. A great free option is a language exchange. You can meet an exchange partner at your university or submit an announcement on social networks or special forums. For language exchange, you do not have to live in the same city, you can meet online and talk in the desired languages.
- Language clubs and marathons
Language clubs have long been popular. Due to the pandemic, many of them are now online. People who learn a language meet and communicate on chosen topics set by the organizer. Teachers and native speakers are often present at such meetings. Recently, language marathons have been gaining popularity. This is a learning option in which you make a plan and intensively learn a language together with like-minded people. To participate in a marathon, you must set a goal. For example, to move to the next proficiency level in three months of intensive self-study. Keep in mind that participation in the marathon requires diligence and concentration, you will have to practice almost every day!
- Teach-yourself books
Before the advent of the Internet, self-teaching books were one of the most popular means of self language study. Since then, they have been changed significantly, now combining both print and digital resources. Books of many publishers provide a special code for entering a student’s account, where there will be not only audio and video, but also additional materials on the course and tests. Such integration makes learning more interesting and modern, doesn’t it?
- Songs
Last on the list, but not in importance, songs! Even if you do not like to sing, daily listening to songs in a foreign language helps a lot in the learning process. We all know that popular songs have a simple and memorable chorus that is easy to remember. Also, songs are often used by teachers as additional materials because they allow a student to switch from grammar assignments and rest while listening.
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But First, Some Background…
When I first started learning Norwegian, I was a little lost. But the thing was, I didn’t realize I was lost.
I thought I knew exactly what I was doing!
I signed up for a language learning app, started watching shows in Norwegian (SKAM anyone?), and called it good.
No flashcards, no textbooks, nothing like that.
After years of off and on studying like that, I realized how much time I wasted not knowing what I was doing.
Because I didn’t have a plan, I had little to show for my time and efforts.
I remember struggling to put sentences together during my first italki lesson, and feeling embarrassed to say I’d been studying Norwegian for how long I had been.
So at the start of 2019, I was fed up. I knew it was time to get serious about learning a language.
I started thinking, and researching, and putting together a game plan. In 2019, I finally made the progress I was after. And since then I’ve made even more strides.
After being stuck at the beginner stage, I moved to intermediate. I finally reached the level I was always after: B1. I’m not fluent yet and still have a lot of work to do, but I feel like I have a path now.
I know that I’ll get there with more work, and I’m excited to share with you what I came up with.
How do you learn a language by yourself? First make sure you have the right mindset by having a strong “why,” being ok with the fact that it’ll take time, and being curious about the language. Then, plan out your strategy. It should work all four parts of communication (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and have a mix of input and output. Finally, schedule when you’ll study and stick to it.
