Primarch wrote:Whilst I agree with the sentiment, I am not sure that this is actually true in practice. Everyone's brain is wired differently and some things which are easy for one person are incredibly difficult for another. For some students languages are very tough to learn, no matter how much they may want to.Admiral-Badruck wrote:As a man that has learned 5 languages I tell you that if the learner is dedicated to learning the language there is nothing that can stop them but if the don't want or need the language there is nothing you can do to help them.
Well it is actually true in practice The human brain is hard wired to learn language. Learning second and third languages to a degree of proficiency is not equally easy for all learners for a variety of reasons. Disabilities such as blindness, hearing disorders, dyslexia, and speech impediment are surely going to have some effect on the learners ability to process language skills; notwithstanding, there are many ways in which the learner can compensate for disabilities. In my case I suffer from light dyslexia. For me reading is a very difficult and sometimes frustrating task. Writing is not as bad but in any case it takes me a lot of time to do either skill. So, how do I learn languages? I do so by focusing on my strengths (listening and speaking). I listen to audio books and podcast. I participate in drama, speech, and debate; as well as,studying something that interests me in the target language. Most importantly I search for opportunities to use the Language I am studying and I push myself in to positions that require a greater understanding of the language than I currently posses in order to avoid "fossilisation". Fossilisation is a linguistic term that is used to describe the phenomenon in which a learner becomes apathetic or pessimistic about his or her level of understanding of the target language. In most cases the this occurs once the learner can communicate sufficiently well enough to compleat the tasks he or she is required to do. If the learner is willing to put his or herself in to a situation that requires additional study then the learner will improve their language skills. In general the Japanese people have all the English they will ever need; as such, they are for the most part fossilised. However if practical need increased in theory the level of ability would increase as well.