(noticia) Practice makes perfect

Foreign language experts agree continued practice, conversation, exposure to culture helps retain skills
Posted Tue March 14, 13:30:16 PST 2006
By Ryan Giordano of the Campanile

Students exposed to a language at an early age are more likely to retain the ability to speak the language; practicing speaking and understanding the culture are also crucial to triggering memory.
Jeanette Lee
Students exposed to a language at an early age are more likely to retain the ability to speak the language; practicing speaking and understanding the culture are also crucial to triggering memory.

Taking a foreign language for at least two consecutive years is a popular decision for students at Palo Alto High School, but what does it take to retain this pragmatic knowledge?

There are several approaches to maintaining proficiency in a language. One of the more obvious and effective methods is continued practice — the more the better. Knowing how to communicate in another language is an extremely useful skill, but how can high school students ensure they will retain this vital ability for years to come?

At the Stanford University Language Center, researchers have developed what they feel is an accurate measure of the rate at which we forget how to use a language.

According to the researchers, for every year a student does not study a language, he forgets a quarter of a year's worth of material. (...)

This can include anything from food, to foreign television programs, and even regional dance. For example, several Spanish classes were present at a Flamenco demonstration on March 2 in Paly's dance studio. Students watched as two performers danced to a guitar and mellow singing.

After the performance, students were invited to stand up in front of their classmates and learn the basics of Flamenco.

"This is a perfect example of how we want students to be involved," Masuda said. "This way, they can improve their understanding of the culture." (leer más...)

Fuente: [paly.net]