I came across this blog today. This man speaks a variety of languages as he went to the country, let go of his fear of making mistakes, and just spoke the language. He dispels the common fears (and excuses we make) that hold us back from learning a language and shows that it is possible.
http://www.fluentin3months.com/
The video on TedTalksx is a great resource (subtitles avalible). This would be fab to use in class to inspire your students and also as a starter for a discussion. I’m sure it would inspire them to go out and make the most of the opportunities they have. As I have now become a student myself (I’m trying to learn Italian in the short 3 months that I’m teaching here), it has certainly inspired me!
Link to the video: http://speakfromday1.com/tedx/
Learning languages, at least their oral aspect, does require quite a bit of courage, and I think it’s very humbling as well. Truly a wonderful pursuit overall. Naples, huh? I spent about a half year in tuscany/umbria. Wish I could be back there now. LOVE italy.
Cheers, Brad
I just recently watched Benny’s video as well. What is truly unique is the native accent he’s achieved. He’s currently learning Mandarin and I’ve heard a bit of his tones already and they are quite impressive. I think the “fluent in 3 months” is a bit of smart marketing, but the point is to knock down walls that we put up for ourselves and I think he’s a good example of this for our learners. Cheers, Brad
Hi Brad,
I’m trying to learn Italian while teaching in Naples, and have put up the same barriers that my students do… I’m scared of making mistakes, the person won’t understand me, I’ll frustrate them etc etc… After watching the video I felt inspired and have gone out, spoken to strangers and made myself understood. Of course I’ve made dozens of mistakes but once you let go of that fear it’s amazing how much you can actually communicate! I’ll definitely be showing this to my students to see if I can inspire them to do likewise!