In my first article about language learning I wrote about how the best way to learn a language is by speaking it. (Probably the most obvious thing in the world, but if you want to know more go read the article). If that’s the best thing you can do, what’s the second best thing? Listening. But not just listening to anything. It’s listening to comprehensible input. This is a term coined by the linguist Stephen Krashen. What it means is listening to your target language at a level where you can understand the basics of what’s going on (even though you won’t know all the words or conjugations). The things you do know will give you context to learn the things you don’t know.
At this point I have to write a disclaimer that there are about as many theories on language learning as there are languages. Some people will argue that you need a strong grammar or vocab background before focusing on comprehensible input. Others will argue that comprehensible input works but it’s not the fastest way to learn a language. What’s the truth? Well it depends. Learning a language is highly dependent on each individual. It’s dependent on what your natural learning inclinations are, and also dependent on what you’ll actually do. If you learn well by memorizing charts, but they bore you to tears so you never memorize them, then you won’t be learning from those charts.
That’s one of the major benefits to comprehensible input as a learning technique – it’s so easy. No need to pay for Rosetta Stone, or take a formal class. All you have to do is find a medium that entertains you and is at an appropriate level of difficulty. With YouTube, Google, Podcasts, etc. Your possibilities are almost limitless.
Do I believe in comprehensible input as an effective method? Absolutely. This summer I was in Finland and I was surprised by how well some native Finns spoke English. I asked a few of them where they learned English. The ones who had good English said they learned it in school. The ones who had the best English said they learned it by watching American television.
The bottom line is that learning language happens easiest with immersion. With the internet, you don’t have to move to another country. Start listening to things you enjoy – just in your target language.
