質問：
What can I do at home to improve my English?
英語力アップのために、自宅で出来ることはありますか？
What can I do at home to improve my English?
英語力アップのために、自宅で出来ることはありますか？
答：
There are many, many ways to do this.
One of my favourite tools are DVDs because you can see the context of the words and because they maintain interest. It is often best if you watch in Japanese first to understand the nuance, and then study the English. Try short sections of useful dialogue. Writing things down and practicing speaking are also very useful. The voice is a muscle, if it is not used then it does not grow strong. Books are a wonderful resource, and although many people find them difficult to use for a long time, they often contain a wealth of useful information. One other thing I suggest is to surround yourself in as much English as possible, turn on the radio, switch your electrical appliances to English, leave English books around the house and read them any chance you get. One last comment is that nothing is gained without effort! You get out what you put in! But, we learn best when we are relaxed and enjoying ourselves, so find a study method that is informative and fun!
There are many, many ways to do this.
One of my favourite tools are DVDs because you can see the context of the words and because they maintain interest. It is often best if you watch in Japanese first to understand the nuance, and then study the English. Try short sections of useful dialogue. Writing things down and practicing speaking are also very useful. The voice is a muscle, if it is not used then it does not grow strong. Books are a wonderful resource, and although many people find them difficult to use for a long time, they often contain a wealth of useful information. One other thing I suggest is to surround yourself in as much English as possible, turn on the radio, switch your electrical appliances to English, leave English books around the house and read them any chance you get. One last comment is that nothing is gained without effort! You get out what you put in! But, we learn best when we are relaxed and enjoying ourselves, so find a study method that is informative and fun!
自宅でも英語力を伸ばすために出来ることは沢山あります。私のお勧めの方法は、DVDを英語で観ること。DVDなら、あらすじに沿って言葉の意味が分かるという利点があります。無理に最初から英語を理解しようとせず、まずは日本語でイメージをつかみ、それから英語を聴くという方法が効果的です。短くて使いやすい会話から初めてみましょう。また、英語で実際に書いてみたり、口に出して話す練習をしてみることも大変効果的です。声を出すということは一種の筋肉運動ですので、使わなければ鍛えることはできないからです。洋書を読むのは難しいことと思われている方も多いのですが、書籍は情報の宝庫ですので、新たな発見が沢山あるものです。もう一つお勧めの方法は、自分の周りを出来るだけ英語環境にするということです。「英語のラジオ放送を流す」「自宅の電子機器のセッティングを英語設定にする」「英語の本を置いて、時間があれば読むようにする」など、工夫次第で身の回りの英語量を増やすことができるでしょう。最後に申し上げるとしたら、「努力無くして結果は得られない」ということです。努力した分だけ自分のものになるのです。それを忘れてはいけません。しかしながら、一番重要なのは楽しむこと。人間は、リラックスして楽しんでいるときこそ、色々なものを吸収できるのです。ですから、ご自身が楽しんで情報が沢山得られる方法を見つけて、試してみてください。
質問：
How can I raise my children to be bilingual?
どうすれば、子供をバイリンガルに育てられますか？
答：
There are many good books about this, but from my perspective the answer is simple. Start young, find a good system and stick to it. To be truly bilingual means to be able to speak both languages in all of life's situations, but it is not always practical or possible to create the necessary conditions for this to occur. My preferred system is to speak only English to them, if you never speak Japanese to your kids they will very soon learn English, they will pick up Japanese from other family members, T.V., school and daily life. This is the system I use and it works, but I have an unfair advantage. If you do not have the English skills to do that then find the next best thing. Kids will learn very quickly if they have enough time and exposure, but they will also forget quickly, so your system must be regular. A reliable routine that maintains interest will work to improve their English, even if they do not become bilingual in the truest meaning of the word. Some families have English days, so that family members must speak English on certain days of the week.It is worth remembering that if you are not bilingual yourself then it can be very difficult to raise bilingual kids. If you have time you should study as much or more than they do. A quick warning: Most kids will become confused by inconsistency, so whatever system you decide to use, keep the rules clear and be consistent.
There are many good books about this, but from my perspective the answer is simple. Start young, find a good system and stick to it. To be truly bilingual means to be able to speak both languages in all of life's situations, but it is not always practical or possible to create the necessary conditions for this to occur. My preferred system is to speak only English to them, if you never speak Japanese to your kids they will very soon learn English, they will pick up Japanese from other family members, T.V., school and daily life. This is the system I use and it works, but I have an unfair advantage. If you do not have the English skills to do that then find the next best thing. Kids will learn very quickly if they have enough time and exposure, but they will also forget quickly, so your system must be regular. A reliable routine that maintains interest will work to improve their English, even if they do not become bilingual in the truest meaning of the word. Some families have English days, so that family members must speak English on certain days of the week.It is worth remembering that if you are not bilingual yourself then it can be very difficult to raise bilingual kids. If you have time you should study as much or more than they do. A quick warning: Most kids will become confused by inconsistency, so whatever system you decide to use, keep the rules clear and be consistent.
子供をバイリンガルに育てる方法については沢山の本が出版されていますが、私の個人的な考えでは、答えはとてもシンプルです。「早い時期に始めること」「良い方法を見つけて継続すること」です。真の意味でのバイリンガルとは、人生のあらゆる場面において二カ国語で話すことができるということですが、実際の所はこういった状況を作り出すことは難しいでしょう。私のお勧めの方法は、親が子供達に日本語で話しかけず、英語のみで話すというものです。もし日本語を使わなければ、子供達はみるみる英語を覚えて行くでしょう。日本語は他の家族との会話やテレビ、学校などの日常生活で覚えられるものです。実際私はそうやって子育てをしていて効果を感じていますが、これに関しては、私がネイティブスピーカーですので、皆さんと同じ立場でないことは承知しています。では、親に十分な英語力がない場合はどうすればいいでしょうか。子供というのは、十分な時間英語に触れられていれば、すぐに覚えていきます。しかしながら、覚えたものをすぐに忘れてしまうのも事実です。ですから、英語に日常的に触れられる環境に置くことが大切です。興味を持って続けられる英語環境を作ってあげれば、真の意味でバイリンガルとはならなくても、英語力を大きく伸ばすことができるはずです。「イングリッシュ・デー」として、家族全員が英語で話さなければいけない日を設定しているご家族もあります。ここで忘れてはならないのが、あなたご自身がバイリンガルでない場合、お子さんをバイリンガルに育てるのはとても難しいということです。時間が許す限り、子供と同じか子供以上に英語を勉強する必要があります。注意点：たいていの子供は、不規則なことで混乱します。いかなるやり方であろうと一旦やると決めたルールは、明瞭にして継続して行くことが重要です。
質問：
I know a lot of English, but speaking is very difficult.
英語はよく分かっているのに、なかなか口に出して話せません。
I know a lot of English, but speaking is very difficult.
英語はよく分かっているのに、なかなか口に出して話せません。
答：
This is very normal and the answer is simple; you need more practice speaking. The best solution is to speak with a native who will tell you when you are making a mistake. I do not know any really good alternatives to this, but if you cannot speak to a good native teacher on a regular basis then you might try repeating lines from T.V. or movies. It is possible to buy transcripts for most popular movies, look on the Internet and buy a transcript to make sure you are repeating the words correctly. A transcript is much better than using subtitles. Subtitles are often different to the script. Another point here is that speaking is about communication, not about sounding like a native speaker. In my experience there are a large number of students out there who communicate very effectively, because they try hard and do not mind making mistakes, regardless of their limited vocabulary. Conversely there are many students who know more grammar than I do, but fail to communicate.
Remember what your goals are here, do you want to be able to speak English or recite grammar rules?
This is very normal and the answer is simple; you need more practice speaking. The best solution is to speak with a native who will tell you when you are making a mistake. I do not know any really good alternatives to this, but if you cannot speak to a good native teacher on a regular basis then you might try repeating lines from T.V. or movies. It is possible to buy transcripts for most popular movies, look on the Internet and buy a transcript to make sure you are repeating the words correctly. A transcript is much better than using subtitles. Subtitles are often different to the script. Another point here is that speaking is about communication, not about sounding like a native speaker. In my experience there are a large number of students out there who communicate very effectively, because they try hard and do not mind making mistakes, regardless of their limited vocabulary. Conversely there are many students who know more grammar than I do, but fail to communicate.
Remember what your goals are here, do you want to be able to speak English or recite grammar rules?
これは、ごく自然なことで答えもシンプルです。もっと話す練習をすれば良いのです。一番良い解決法は、あなたが英語を間違えたときにきちんと教えてくれるネイティブスピーカーと話すことです。これ以外に良い方法が思いつきませんが、もし定期的にネイティブの方と話すことが難しい場合には、テレビ番組や映画の一文を真似て繰り返して声に出してみるのも有効です。ほとんどの有名な映画作品には脚本が出版されていますので、インターネットで検索し購入してセリフが正しいかどうか確かめることが出来るでしょう。字幕はしばしば脚本と違うことがあるので、脚本の方が字幕よりずっと役に立ちます。もう一点重要なことは、「英語を話すということはコミュニケーションであり、ネィティブのように聞こえるようにしゃべる必要はない」ということです。私の経験上、限られた語彙力の中でも努力し、間違いを恐れずにコミュニケーションをとれる方が沢山いらっしゃいます。反対に、私より文法について詳しいにも関わらず、コミュニケーションに困難を伴う方も多くいらっしゃいます。あなたが何を目指しているのかを改めて考えてみてください。英語を話せるようになりたいのか、それとも文法について語りたいのかを。
質問：
How can I increase my vocabulary?
どうすれば語彙が増やせますか？
答：
Reading is one of the best methods for doing this. Speaking to a good teacher is a must for your practice, but once you reach a reasonably high level of English you might find that you are not learning new vocabulary quickly enough. Books are a very cheap and easy way to get access to words from a wide range of different people. Once you find a new word write it down, keep a list, practice making different sentences with them and use them when you speak to your teacher. It's a good idea to check how to use your new vocabulary with a native teacher. I often find students who think they know how to use new words make some avoidable and often embarrassing mistakes in fact `I was embarrassing` and `I was embarrassed` are some good examples of this! The meaning of each of these two sentences is worlds apart! Another very good idea is to read books that are not too difficult. Many kids books come in graded levels, find the level that you enjoy reading. Do not try to read books that are too hard, this is a waste of your time!
Reading is one of the best methods for doing this. Speaking to a good teacher is a must for your practice, but once you reach a reasonably high level of English you might find that you are not learning new vocabulary quickly enough. Books are a very cheap and easy way to get access to words from a wide range of different people. Once you find a new word write it down, keep a list, practice making different sentences with them and use them when you speak to your teacher. It's a good idea to check how to use your new vocabulary with a native teacher. I often find students who think they know how to use new words make some avoidable and often embarrassing mistakes in fact `I was embarrassing` and `I was embarrassed` are some good examples of this! The meaning of each of these two sentences is worlds apart! Another very good idea is to read books that are not too difficult. Many kids books come in graded levels, find the level that you enjoy reading. Do not try to read books that are too hard, this is a waste of your time!
読書は、一つの良い方法です。英語を話すことも良い練習になりますが、ある程度のレベルになってくるとそれ以上に語彙が増えなくなってしまいます。本は、手軽に様々な語彙に触れるチャンスを増やしてくれることでしょう。新しい言葉に出会ったらそれを書とめ、その単語を使って別の文章を作ってみたり、実際にネイティブスピーカー相手の会話の中で使って見ることです。時折、よく知っているはずの単語なのに誤って使用している生徒さんをみかけます。気を付ければ避けられるミスですが、意味が大きく違って来てしまう場合も出てきます。一つの例を挙げますと、'I was embarrassing' と'I was embarrassed'です。この二つの文章では意味が全く違ってしまいます。
もう一つのポイントは、難しすぎない本を読むということです。子供向けの本は、難易度別になっているので読み易いレベルの本を探しましょう。難し過ぎる本を読むのは、時間の無駄になってしまうのでやめましょう。
もう一つのポイントは、難しすぎない本を読むということです。子供向けの本は、難易度別になっているので読み易いレベルの本を探しましょう。難し過ぎる本を読むのは、時間の無駄になってしまうのでやめましょう。
質問：
How can I start a conversation with a foreigner?
どうすれば外国人の方と会話を始められるでしょう？
How can I start a conversation with a foreigner?
どうすれば外国人の方と会話を始められるでしょう？
答：
This can be sensitive. Many foreigners living in Japan study Japanese and would rather speak to you in Japanese. Some foreigners here feel that they are often treated as different from Japanese people, so when you begin to talk to a foreigner it is best to start by speaking Japanese. Another reason this is a good idea is because not all foreigners in Japan speak English! After you begin a conversation, you should 'feel' if they would be more comfortable speaking English or not, it can be offensive to some people if you presume that they would. In many cases they might not understand Japanese, at which time you should politely ask 'Do you speak English?' It is much better to ask if they would like to speak English. You might also suggest that it would be helpful to you, as practice. You might follow 'Do you speak English?' with 'Would you mind if we spoke in English? I do not get many opportunities to practice my English.' Politeness will get you a long way, even if your new friend is not offended by you speaking English to them, which will be most times, but it is better to be prepared!
A final point, most people are happy to talk about themselves and to meet new people, do not be shy and ask many questions, but be aware that they might have a schedule to keep!
This can be sensitive. Many foreigners living in Japan study Japanese and would rather speak to you in Japanese. Some foreigners here feel that they are often treated as different from Japanese people, so when you begin to talk to a foreigner it is best to start by speaking Japanese. Another reason this is a good idea is because not all foreigners in Japan speak English! After you begin a conversation, you should 'feel' if they would be more comfortable speaking English or not, it can be offensive to some people if you presume that they would. In many cases they might not understand Japanese, at which time you should politely ask 'Do you speak English?' It is much better to ask if they would like to speak English. You might also suggest that it would be helpful to you, as practice. You might follow 'Do you speak English?' with 'Would you mind if we spoke in English? I do not get many opportunities to practice my English.' Politeness will get you a long way, even if your new friend is not offended by you speaking English to them, which will be most times, but it is better to be prepared!
A final point, most people are happy to talk about themselves and to meet new people, do not be shy and ask many questions, but be aware that they might have a schedule to keep!
これについては、少々注意が必要です。日本にいる多くの外国の方々は、日本語を学習しているので、むしろあなたと日本語で話したがっているかもしれません。中には、いつまでも自分が外国人扱いされていると感じている方もいますので、まずは日本語で話しかけるのが良いかと思います。それに、必ずしも全ての外国人が英語を話せる訳ではないということも考えられます。話をしているうちに、その方と英語で話すのが良いのかどうか分かってくると思います。最初から英語で話しかけた場合、相手に失礼になってしまう事もあるのです。とは言え、日本語が全く通じないことも多いものです。そのような場合は、礼儀正しく'Do you speak English?'と聞いてみましょう。これは、英語で話したいかどうか尋ねるよりも好感が持てます。さらに、自分の英語の練習になるので嬉しいという旨も伝えると良いでしょう。最初の質問の後に、'Would you mind if we spoke in English?I do not get many opportunities to practice my English'と続けてみましょう。
ほとんどの方はいきなり英語で話しかけても気にしないかもしれませんし、このようなやり方は少々回りくどいかもしれませんが、様々な状況があるものです。しかしながら、ほとんどの方は新しい友人と出会い、自分の話をするのが大好きなものです。恥ずかしがらずにどんどん質問してみましょう。ただし、相手の時間の都合もあることをお忘れなく！
ほとんどの方はいきなり英語で話しかけても気にしないかもしれませんし、このようなやり方は少々回りくどいかもしれませんが、様々な状況があるものです。しかしながら、ほとんどの方は新しい友人と出会い、自分の話をするのが大好きなものです。恥ずかしがらずにどんどん質問してみましょう。ただし、相手の時間の都合もあることをお忘れなく！
質問：
What is the difference between a good teacher and a poor teacher?
良い先生と悪い先生とでは、どのような違いがありますか？
What is the difference between a good teacher and a poor teacher?
良い先生と悪い先生とでは、どのような違いがありますか？
答：
The only difference is whether you learn from them or not! It is important to like your teacher and to understand them, honesty and trust are also good things to look for in a teacher, but ultimately it is a personal choice. Our suggestions are to find someone you think is interesting, kind and a good communicator. It is ideal to find someone who corrects your mistakes, otherwise you end up reinforcing bad patterns. Someone you can relate to and share interests with is a good choice, because they will more easily be able to sympathize with you and help you to explain your way of thinking.
The only difference is whether you learn from them or not! It is important to like your teacher and to understand them, honesty and trust are also good things to look for in a teacher, but ultimately it is a personal choice. Our suggestions are to find someone you think is interesting, kind and a good communicator. It is ideal to find someone who corrects your mistakes, otherwise you end up reinforcing bad patterns. Someone you can relate to and share interests with is a good choice, because they will more easily be able to sympathize with you and help you to explain your way of thinking.
違いは、あなたがその先生から何かを学べるかどうかということです。あなたがその先生を好きになれるかどうか、共感がもてるかどうかが重要だと思います。誠実で信頼できる人なのかという点も大切なポイントでしょう。しかし、最終的には個人の好みによる所が大きいと思います。あなたの興味をうまく引き出すような、コミュニケーションの上手な先生をお勧めします。さらに理想的なのは、きちんと間違いを直してくれる人を見つけることです。さもなければ、矯正されないまま間違った英語を使い続けてしまうことになりかねません。それから、共通の趣味を持っていることも良い選択となるでしょう。なぜなら、そういった先生ならば、あなたの気持ちをよく理解してくれてあなたが自分の考えを説明したい時に、ずっと効果的に手伝ってくれるからです。
質問：
What nationality should my teacher be?
どちらの国出身の先生が良いですか？
What nationality should my teacher be?
どちらの国出身の先生が良いですか？
答：
Again this is a personal choice. As a general rule we recommend finding a native English speaking teacher you can understand clearly and who seems to have an accent you like to listen to. While it is true that differences exist between nationalities, often the biggest difference is in education and experience. The world is global and more and more people travel extensively during their lives. A teacher who has travelled and is well educated is often more likely to speak with a comfortable accent than one who has not. George Mason University keeps an interesting archive of accents, you can access their recordings online at the following address; http://accent.gmu.edu/browse_atlas.php I suggest that you take the time to look at this site, it's very interesting and fun!
Again this is a personal choice. As a general rule we recommend finding a native English speaking teacher you can understand clearly and who seems to have an accent you like to listen to. While it is true that differences exist between nationalities, often the biggest difference is in education and experience. The world is global and more and more people travel extensively during their lives. A teacher who has travelled and is well educated is often more likely to speak with a comfortable accent than one who has not. George Mason University keeps an interesting archive of accents, you can access their recordings online at the following address; http://accent.gmu.edu/browse_atlas.php I suggest that you take the time to look at this site, it's very interesting and fun!
これも個人個人の好みによるところが大きいと思います。一般的には、ネイティブスピーカーであって、あなたがはっきりと聞き取れて、また、聞いていて心地よいアクセントを持っている先生が理想的でしょう。確かに出身国によって英語の違いはありますが、一番の違いはその先生の受けた教育やこれまでの経験によって大きく変わってくるものです。グローバル化が進んだ現在では、多くの人々が世界各地にわたって生活をしています。世界中を旅した経験があり、良い教育を受けてきた先生は、そうでない人よりもずっと心地よい話し方を心得ていると言えます。ジョージメイソン大学では、言語のアクセントについて興味深いデーターを発表しています。http://accent.gmu.edu/browse_atlas.phpもし時間があったら、こちらもご参考になさってください。
質問：
Do I really need a teacher?
やはり英会話の先生は必要ですか？
Do I really need a teacher?
やはり英会話の先生は必要ですか？
答：
It is possible to learn many things without a teacher, but there are some dangers to this. From my experience there are three major categories of learners who do not use teachers. The first group have lived overseas and feel they no longer need tuition. The second group work using English or have English speaking friends, and the third group study themselves using CD's, books, DVDs and the Internet. Any of these systems will give you results, but what they do not offer is a way for students to be corrected and this creates many problems. I have met a number of people who have immense pride in their English but make a lot of mistakes. When you do not have a teacher who will correct your mistakes you are in danger of learning incorrect expressions. To my mind, nothing is better than face to face learning with a teacher you respect. It is a big investment to learn from native teachers, but the rewards are there, how much do you value your education?
It is possible to learn many things without a teacher, but there are some dangers to this. From my experience there are three major categories of learners who do not use teachers. The first group have lived overseas and feel they no longer need tuition. The second group work using English or have English speaking friends, and the third group study themselves using CD's, books, DVDs and the Internet. Any of these systems will give you results, but what they do not offer is a way for students to be corrected and this creates many problems. I have met a number of people who have immense pride in their English but make a lot of mistakes. When you do not have a teacher who will correct your mistakes you are in danger of learning incorrect expressions. To my mind, nothing is better than face to face learning with a teacher you respect. It is a big investment to learn from native teachers, but the rewards are there, how much do you value your education?
もちろん、他人に頼らず英語を学習することは可能ですが、それにはリスクも伴います。私の経験からすると、先生に頼らずに英語を学習する人には３通りあります。まずは、海外に住んだ経験があり、授業料を払ってまで学習する必要がないと感じている人。次に、英語を使って仕事をしているか、英語を話す友人を持っている人。それから、CDや書籍、DVD、インターネット等をつかって独学している人です。このいずれの方法もそれなりに良い結果をもたらすことでしょう。でも問題は、どの方法もその人の間違いを訂正してくれないという点が挙げられます。
実際に、英語に非常に自信を持っている方でも、たくさんの間違いをしている場面にであったことが少なくありません。あなたが英語を学習していく上で、間違いに気付いて直してくれる先生がいないということは、不正確な表現をそのまま使い続けてしまうというリスクが伴うのです。あなたが、尊敬できる先生と向かい合って学習することに勝るものはありません。ネイティブの先生から英語を学ぶのは高額ですし、大きな投資かもしれませんが、確実にその価値はあると思います。
実際に、英語に非常に自信を持っている方でも、たくさんの間違いをしている場面にであったことが少なくありません。あなたが英語を学習していく上で、間違いに気付いて直してくれる先生がいないということは、不正確な表現をそのまま使い続けてしまうというリスクが伴うのです。あなたが、尊敬できる先生と向かい合って学習することに勝るものはありません。ネイティブの先生から英語を学ぶのは高額ですし、大きな投資かもしれませんが、確実にその価値はあると思います。
質問：
Keeping it Fresh:
常に新鮮であるために。
Keeping it Fresh:
常に新鮮であるために。
答：
One difficulty of learning is to maintain your focus, so you need to find a way to keep yourself interested. If learning is forced it is difficult to retain and becomes a negative experience. The very best kind of learning is when you are relaxed and inspired to learn. If something is good fun it is difficult not to focus! At such times, learning becomes second nature, we are not aware of it, but we are learning a lot! On the other hand, if learning is uninspiring, it is slow, tiring and dull. There is nothing wrong with having fun while you learn! Find a method that is exciting and interesting, you might not realize it, but chances are you will learn very quickly.
One difficulty of learning is to maintain your focus, so you need to find a way to keep yourself interested. If learning is forced it is difficult to retain and becomes a negative experience. The very best kind of learning is when you are relaxed and inspired to learn. If something is good fun it is difficult not to focus! At such times, learning becomes second nature, we are not aware of it, but we are learning a lot! On the other hand, if learning is uninspiring, it is slow, tiring and dull. There is nothing wrong with having fun while you learn! Find a method that is exciting and interesting, you might not realize it, but chances are you will learn very quickly.
学習を続ける上で難しいことに一つに、集中力があります。学習者は、つねに興味を持ち続けることが大切です。もし、無理に学習を続けるようであれば、すれはネガティブな経験にしかなり得ません。最も良い学習スタイルとは、あなたがリラックスして、やる気に満ちている状態にあることです。なにかとっても面白い事をしている時、集中するのは難しいことではありませんよね。そのような時は、おのずと学習に身が入り、気付かないうちに沢山のことを学んでしまっているものです。反対に、もし学習に気乗りがしていなければ、それは、ダラダラと退屈なものになってしまいます。楽しく学習できることが一番です。あなたが楽しく感じることのできる学習方法を見つけてください。みるみるうちに英語が身についていくはずです。
質問：
Many words seem similar, I am often confused which word to use:
沢山の似ている単語があって、どれを使っていいのか迷ってしまうことが多いのですが。
Many words seem similar, I am often confused which word to use:
沢山の似ている単語があって、どれを使っていいのか迷ってしまうことが多いのですが。
答：
Language is very similar to music, the same song can be played or sung in many different ways. A song played on piano will sound very different played on a guitar. The guitar might play a few notes differently to the piano, and perhaps at a different speed, pitch and timing. Language is the same; people use it differently because of many reasons. If you are finding that it is difficult to understand when and how to use some words, the best answer is 'ask a native teacher and then copy what they say'. Sometimes it is important to study a language, and sometimes it is important to simply listen and repeat it. The important point here is to think about the context of the language, and imagine the words are music. Kids listen to language in context and then try to repeat the language in the same context, it is a useful practice at all levels of language study.
Language is very similar to music, the same song can be played or sung in many different ways. A song played on piano will sound very different played on a guitar. The guitar might play a few notes differently to the piano, and perhaps at a different speed, pitch and timing. Language is the same; people use it differently because of many reasons. If you are finding that it is difficult to understand when and how to use some words, the best answer is 'ask a native teacher and then copy what they say'. Sometimes it is important to study a language, and sometimes it is important to simply listen and repeat it. The important point here is to think about the context of the language, and imagine the words are music. Kids listen to language in context and then try to repeat the language in the same context, it is a useful practice at all levels of language study.
言語は音楽ととても良く似ています。同じ歌が、様々な形で演奏されたり歌われたりしていますね。ピアノで演奏された曲は、ギターで演奏されると全く違ったものに聞こえます。ギターで演奏する時には、ピアノと違った早さやピッチ、タイミングで演奏されているからです。言葉においても、これと同じことが言えます。人々は、時と場合によって言葉を使い分けているものです。
もし、どのように使って良いのか分からないときは、ネイティブの先生に聞いて、その使い方を真似してみるのが一番良い方法です。言葉を学習する時、辞書等で調べる事も大切ですが単純に耳で聞いてリピートするのもとても大切です。その場の状況を考え、音楽と同じように言葉をイメージすることが重要なコツとも言えます。子供たちは、その場その場で聞いた言葉を、また同じ状況になった時に真似しながら使っていきます。この方法は、言語を学習していく上で、その習熟度に関係なくとても有効な手段だと言えるでしょう。
もし、どのように使って良いのか分からないときは、ネイティブの先生に聞いて、その使い方を真似してみるのが一番良い方法です。言葉を学習する時、辞書等で調べる事も大切ですが単純に耳で聞いてリピートするのもとても大切です。その場の状況を考え、音楽と同じように言葉をイメージすることが重要なコツとも言えます。子供たちは、その場その場で聞いた言葉を、また同じ状況になった時に真似しながら使っていきます。この方法は、言語を学習していく上で、その習熟度に関係なくとても有効な手段だと言えるでしょう。