Learning a Language

There are three main stages of learning a new language.

Stage One:

Vocabulary: This is the first thing any learner needs. Ex. cat, dog, elephant ...

Grammar: This is the second thing focused on. Ex. How much is this? May I go to the bathroom? I forgot my notebook. I'm fine, thank you, and you?

Stage Two:

Accent: This is always important, mostly during the vocabulary phase.

Pronunciation: Actually, this starts right at the beginning. You need to learn to say "cat" instead of gad or ka-teu. This becomes the focus after the basic sentences.

Stage Three:

Listening skills: Make sure your sentences are short and clear. Ex. Find the page that has the map of South America and circle Brazil. Also use natural hand gestures.

Fluency: It is not a level of skill but a skill in itself. How quickly can someone respond in his or her second language? Sharpen their ability to respond with emotion and to speak clearly.
All stages are necessary and valuable at all times during language progression. You should shift toward the later stages as the learner advances.
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