What is the easiest way to learn a language?
The most effective way to learn a language differs for each individual based on a myriad of factors ranging from a person's personality and cognitive style to factors regarding the context in which learning is pursued. For this reason, Lark Languages advocates a customized approach to meet your specific needs and goals by providing opportunities for consistent practice with native speakers and a highly experienced instructor to help you navigate the terrains of your foreign language learning adventure.
How much time do i need to practice to become conversationally proficient in a foreign language?
Keep in mind that the quality of time is as important as the quantity of time spent learning a language. For this reason, many people spend years studying a foreign language in school and never achieve communicative competence while others spend only a couple months in an immersion environment and become conversationally fluent. For the most efficient route to language proficiency, Lark Languages recommends
• On-going and/or intensive study with a Lark Languages trainer that can chart a learning course tailored to your particular needs and goals)
• Consistent and frequent practice (The more, the better, but we believe everything counts!)
• Interaction with native speakers
What are the most important ingredients of successful language learning?
Language immersion, motivation, practice & an experienced instructor/coach! Our Lark Languages team can help you achieve your goals by orchestrating a language learning experience that contains each of these key ingredients.
Is it really possible to improve my accent as an adult?
Yes! You can succeed at developing native-like pronunciation in a foreign language if you are motivated and committed to practicing forming new speech habits. For most adult learners, accent comprehensibility is the desired goal, and this is absolutely achievable! The sounds and rhythm of one’s native language begin to interfere with speech patterns of a targeted foreign language during adolescence, and this is why it is difficult to develop a native accent in a foreign language as an adult. With the proper training however, we all have the potential to develop native-like accents and enjoy the freedom of being perfectly understood by others when we speak!
What can I expect to experience in an accent enhancement course?
Fun! Lark Languages uses a multi-modal approach to accent enhancement, engaging participants in multi-sensory activities in order to deeply encode the brain with target speech patterns. Learners discover that the root of language pronunciation and accent is music: primarily rhythm and pitch. To facilitate development of these skill areas, Lark Languages instructors create a dynamic learning environment using tools such as musical instruments, instructional technology, audio recordings, popular media and more .
Is technology-based instruction effective for facilitating language learning?
Like with other questions about the best way to learn a language, the answer depends largely on learning principles specific to each learner: motivation, learning style, native & target language, skill level, etc. That being said, there are ways that technology is proven to be a highly effective tool for language learning. Imagine watching a video in your target foreign language and having the ability to control the rate at which you hear the dialogue. Imagine being able to repeat segments as many times as necessary for comprehension while translating key vocabulary and decoding grammar -all with a simple touch on your technological device! When you sign up for a Lark Languages training, we equip you with technological tools that accelerate the language acquisition process. We also help you determine the right balance of technology-based and face-to-face formats to ensure that both are highly effective in facilitating your language acquisition success!