How important is “Speaking” in language learning?
Learning a language involves a lot of effort, commitment and consistency. This is because language learning involves learning the pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, understanding etc. But still we love to learn a language and become proficient in it. This is because we love to know about different cultures, people, and their lifestyle and of course we like to travel and converse with people in their language. Once we are able to speak the language well with the natives and understand them well, it gives us a great sense of accomplishment, satisfaction and joy.
To learn a language some focus on mastering the grammar, some like to learn a lot of vocabulary, some focus on reading books in the target language, some learners like to watch a lot of films and episodes in the target language or listen to a variety of podcasts and radio shows etc. All of the mentioned ways are helpful in learning a language but the most important and essential of all which goes hand in hand with all the other tools is “SPEAKING”.
Some reasons why language learners don’t like to practice speaking:
1) Fear of making mistakes.
2) It is because of the discomfort the learners experience while trying to speak.
3) Many learners don’t like to face any embarrassing situations while having conversations in a new language.
4) Some get frustrated by the long pauses they make searching for the right word, tense or phrase.
5) Some learners become disappointed when they cannot follow the fast native speaker’s conversation and hence lose their confidence to speak.
6) Some learners like to acquire a firm basic knowledge before trying their speaking skills.
Why do we learn a language?
In schools and colleges we learn a language for a few years. In those few years we might have reached a good level too in the said language. We might have a strong hold of the grammar, vocabulary, understanding and writing. But when it comes to speaking we fall behind.
The prime most reason we begin to learn a language is to be able to “speak the language”, “communication”. If we are unable to do that then the purpose fails.
So how do we start?
Speaking from day 1 is necessary to learn the language. Even with limited vocabulary and grammar knowledge, a learner must try to speak the target language from the beginning. For example when a learner is learning different adjectives in a language, the learner can try to describe a person, object or place using the adjectives. This will enable the learner to remember the adjective, as well as one can become comfortable using the adjectives. This method will prepare the learner to have easy, small conversations in future without anxiety.
Some ways to practice speaking:
1) Talk to yourself: Initially one can practice by talking to oneself. I know it sounds strange but believe me it is a good and useful practice to overcome anxiety while speaking in a foreign language. This way the learner gets familiar with the words, pronunciations, grammar and phrases in the foreign language. It is an excellent rehearsal before conversing with native speakers.
2) Think in the language: When we are travelling alone or pondering what to do this Sunday we think and plan. In such situations we can train our mind to start thinking in the language we are learning. While thinking in a foreign language we might get stuck with some words or phrases and in this way this method helps to expose gaps in our vocabulary and grammar.
3) Make use of opportunities to speak with a native: A colleague in your office might be a native speaker of the language you are learning, or the man running the grocery shop near your house might speak that language. Utilize such opportunities and talk to them in their language. Even small conversations will do. They will be very happy to hear you speak their language. And the feeling of making even small conversations in a foreign language is unbelievable and exciting. It gives a boost to our confidence and makes us want to improve more.
4) Find a partner or tutor: The most effective way to practice speaking a foreign language is finding a friend, a language tutor, a mentor or a native speaker. Spending time regularly speaking to a buddy can improve speaking skills quite tremendously. A learner can use various language exchange websites to find a language partner or a native speaker to practice speaking in the target language. If learners are not interested in language exchange programs then the ideal alternative is to find a language tutor or a personal teacher. Language teachers are more experienced to make conversations with you according to your grade and interests.
So, I conclude by saying that “speaking” is of utmost importance in language studies. Speaking in a foreign language is an amazing experience. The sense of accomplishment after making a conversation in a foreign language is greater than we can imagine. So, go for it and start speaking.
