Practising second language skills
Learning and maintaining a second language requires the opportunity to practise
newly acquired language skills. Formal language training often involves a
structured approach, but practising a second language may be done through many
informal and innovative ways. The list below divides various languages skills
into groups and offers some suggestions for practising the particular language
skill. The methods are simple and may be easily incorporated into your daily
activities.
Language skill
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Second language (SL) skill practice
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Reading
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Read a newspaper or book in the SL
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Subscribe to a magazine in the SL
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Try an activity in the SL
- play a board game
- read and prepare a new recipe
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Writing (grammar and vocabulary)
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Correspond with a "pen-pal" in the SL
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Use dictionaries, grammar guides, effective writing guides when doing any
written work
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Refer to and bookmark websites that provide online dictionaries, glossaries,
writing tips, etc.
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Take advantage of online grammar exercises or games
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Listening
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- Listen to the news on a radio station in the SL
- Watch a television program or sporting event in the SL
- Listen to music in the SL
- Watch a movie in the SL
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Attend a cultural performance in the SL
- theatre
- concert
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Speaking and listening
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- Visit a museum or go to a restaurant in the SL
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Take lessons or classes taught in the SL
- tennis or dance lessons
- cooking
classes
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Join a club whose membership is in the SL
- a sporting activity such as a
cycling club
- a book club
- a bird watching group
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Practise speaking the SL with colleagues at work - ask them to correct you if
you make an error
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Try a CD-Rom or other computer software focusing on oral SL communication
skills
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Consider taking your next vacation in a region that speaks the SL
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