Being brave and the communicative approach to language learning

Many decades of language teaching has meant numerous theories about the “best” way to teach and learn a new language.

Currently, traditional ideas have coalesced into what is known as the “communicative approach” to language learning. Essentially, this theory puts communication above grammar, meaning that the primary aim for teachers and their students is about being able to communicate and be understood in a language, despite perhaps having grammatical errors.

There’s a really interesting article about it on The Conversation, here.

The main problem with this is that of course you need to get your language skills to a level where you can communicate in the first place and this may take a little while to begin with. Additionally, we need to leave our adult shame and embarrassment about getting it “wrong” aside in order to jump in and give speaking a go. This can sometimes be a tricky proposition!

That said, I have found that speaking (or at least attempting to speak!) has really helped my acquisition of vocabulary. Hearing the word said by me and by my conversation partner as well as seeing it written down has greatly enhance my communication skills. Additionally, without exception, I have found people to be very happy to speak to you when you are trying your best. I always think how amazing I find it when someone tries to speak English – yes, they may get it wrong but I certainly don’t think they look unintelligent, strange or funny. On the contrary, I admire them for their bravery.