*** Human Mind VS. Language ***
When I was 5, we had Chinese neighbours. I would sneak out of our house and visit them daily! Whenever I was missing, my mom knew exactly where I was. However, just a few months ago I was teaching English to 2 boys and they had a private Chinese teacher. She didn’t know a word of English and I didn’t know a word of Chinese. I was starting to think that we will have a huge communication problem. Yet, as she spoke, I understood what she was saying! Ahhhh &^%$ was my first reaction!
I felt like Doctor Dolittle, a physician who rediscovers a very special gift he has suppressed ever since he was a young boy - the ability to understand and talk to animals (Dr. Dolittle - Directed by Betty Thomas).
Conclusion: The human mind is like a memory bank which stores almost everything! I guess my experience proves some theories of language learning/teaching wrong. Language is not always about loads of practice; instead it is about forming the right base to give opportunity for improvement.
P.S. I understand Chinese!
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February 27th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Wooow how many years passed before you noticed you understand chinese????? almost 19!? amazing.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
My German language grades were high but now I have no memories of German language but still somehow when I hear German language, I can understand what they mean.
March 2nd, 2007 at 9:50 am
Hey I remember those Chinese.
Remember when they burnt their food and we thought the house was on fire? Maybe you were too young to remember but I sure did. Regarding learning a language, age dont matter too much, its the fearce urge the extraordinary aspiration thats important.
March 3rd, 2007 at 4:12 pm
i liked how uyou said that some theories are proven elsewise because it is true. not all theories about teaching is correct! it also relates to the students too.