There are as many ways to learn a new language as there are people wanting to do it. Some even say that foreign languages cannot be taught, but only learnt. But we believe that any language can be taught using certain method, considering each learner’s unique motivations and skills which are given priority. I believe that if a person wants to learn a new language, he/she should bear in mind certain facts.
The origin and evolution of languages follow almost the same pattern. That means the same strategy should be adopted for acquiring skills in all the languages in the world. Nobody masters any particular language at birth itself. Mother tongue means a language which one hears and speaks from childhood and he/she gains speed in using that language.
Language fundamentalists or beneficiaries of a particular language exploit and misuse the attachment to mother-tongues for attaining their narrow political, religious and economic interests. Many languages are connected with a particular region, religion, caste, culture and country. This creates the sort of language fundamentalism we see in some places.
All languages originated in an informal manner. They pass from one generation to another informally and automatically. Languages do not originate with a set of rules, by-laws or not even from textbooks. Changing an informal and automatically originated language system into a formal system (by making grammar rules and making language as a learning subject) is the reason behind the failure or rather obstacles faced in the way of the conventional and formal way of teaching a language.
Instead of teaching a language, giving maximum listening and speaking chances to the learner in an informal and real life situation or practical way is the best and scientific way of let him learn the language. Formal teaching of language does not enable this. The formal teaching of words, meaning, spelling, pronunciation etc. creates negative effect in the learner. Because such teaching diverts the attention of the speaker into finding meaning and checking pronunciation instead of talking or answering.
Language originated before the formulation of the grammar rules. Hence, one person learning a new language should go beyond written grammar rules. This is what happens while mastering our native tongue. Formal or informal teaching of grammar creates confusion and conflicts in the learner. It doesn’t mean that there is no grammar. The teaching of the grammar is the problem.
Formal correcting creates fear and conflicts in the learner. Correction automatically happens by hearing others talk continuously. Through different stages only one can reach the fluency level. Let us understand that language is developed not for correcting and governing others but for enabling communication.
(The author is the founder of National Child Development Council, an NGO based in Kozhikode)
