Do you easily remember what you read? Are the things people say simple for you to recall? Perhaps your most vivid memories are based around activities and experiences?
How we retain information has a lot to do with our primary way of processing information. The language(s) you learned when you were young were imprinted on your brain in a variety of ways; hearing people around you, associating images with names and interacting with your surroundings. This process was so natural that most people take it for granted.
If you have traveled abroad to a foreign-speaking country, it quickly becomes clear that processing information is a skill. The pace and patterns of words no longer makes sense, even the simplest directions can be impossible to understand and everywhere you go there are sights, sounds and mannerisms that can be drastically different from what you are accustomed to.
If your plans include travel, you've likely considered taking some time to learn at least the basics. How to start and what to focus on can often be a daunting choice. When it comes to learning a language, it's not only important to study with knowledgeable instructors but ones that are capable of effectively communicating in the way your learn.
Native-speakers use tone, body-language and other subtle cues that can otherwise be challenging to teach. While traditional book learning may come naturally to visual inclined, native-speakers speech patterns and intonation resonate with auditory learners and language specific gestures and movement can unlock the retention potential of the more action-oriented student.
At the Atlanta Institute of Language, we work with our native-speaking staff to make sure they use a robust combination of teaching techniques. If you're ready to get started, please contact AIL at (404) 444-1532 or info@ailanguage.org
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