weeks results?
OK, so the usual memorisation of 30 words, lexical items relevant or difficult to recall the names of.
My active study was partially different than intended. I started thinking of why I was not speaking as much as I wanted. I realised something. But more on that later.
For now, let me just say that I bought a Hellboy comic which I have the translation of. This idea of comparative learning is proving quite successful.
How exactly? Background first!
The memory needs two things for sufficient recall: context and form.
Context? What does the item mean, does it has a positive or negative connotation, where can one use it?
Form? How many words, how many syllables, any contractions, special grammatical features, etc.?
Once the brain has these things it just needs to repeat the item/s enough to imprint them on the long term memory. Most effective if the item is also given context by the person in reality (meaning the person uses it of hears it often in real life too)
So how exactly?
Simple. There have been many circumstances where I have thought too myself that I can communicate myself, but I do not know how it should be communicated (therefore a lack of knowledge). I have decided to actively ask Argentines around me to fill me in and give me an example dialogue (which I of course note down). Now the brain has an authentic example which can now be compared with what is encountered in everyday life. Basically, get a model of what you need and you will be more confident, more accurate, more flexible and more alive to any variations (such as a twist for humour).
The Hellboy comics provide context for items which are only contextualised by items around them.
For example, Aun. Basically just emphasises something. “tienes mucho camino por delante” - you have far to travel/ you have much road (path) to travel. Adding “yet” or “still” to this sentence adds emphasis. This doesn't change the context but adds a more natural tone to the language. “Aun tienes mucho camino por delante” - You still have a long way to go/ you have a long way to go yet.
This idea of comparative learning is definitely an efficient way to learn that raises awareness of language items you won't encounter in everyday life, but also means you are much more accurate in your production of language. Now, talking about language learning I could venture a phrase like...”aprendo Espanol pero tengo mucho camino por delate aun” - I'm learning Spanish but still have a long way to go. The context for this was Hellboy's quest in Africa, a great story :)
The nature of errors and error correction
This is a part to say that although I have been waxing lyrical about how much I'm learning, lets keep it real by looking where I have messed up.
1 - In one of my first posts I bragged the correct prediction of the verb 'to joke'. I said that from the phrase “estoy bromeando” (I'm joking) and exposure to other vocabulary that one could guess the correct forms of the verb and noun. I guessed bromo (which was in actuality broma) and bromer. However the verb is also wrong. I was corrected by my inspiring proficiency ladies that it is “bromear”.
2 - In my video from the previous post, I stated that “la semana que viene” was “the past week”. This is really the opposite. It means the week which is coming (next week) I did the equivalent of saying “Tomorrow I went to the bank”.
3 - I asked a policeman for directions by using the phrase I studied 3 or 4 weeks ago and said “Donde puedo llegar a la calle Peru?” I thought I said it correctly, walking away with a self-righteous smirk on my arrogant face. 10 meters later I realised that I had changed it around and used “donde” instead of “como”. I asked him “where can I arrive at Peru street?” instead of “How do I get to Peru street?” Hehehe, what a dope :) That policeman must've been fighting hard to control his laughter.
So, you are really shite at this?
On the contrary. Mistakes and all their embarrassing emotions are the things which solidify something in your head (the context has such a strong emotion,motivating you to remember the mistake and correct it). I will never forget these errors. And if I ever make them again, no doubt my mind will remember and correct itself. Embarrassment is a friend :)
This 'policeman' incident also shows the workings of the mind. I had two expressions usable in this scenario: “donde es el calle Peru?” and “como puedo llegar a el calle Peru?”. Of course my brain fumbled and mixed them. Sound familiar? Happens all the time. No need to get stressed and freak out, but an opportunity to better define things.
Next week?
More comics, more authentic dialogues, more vocabulary, more, more, more!!!
Chau
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