Continuity, step by step, bit by bit
In my first post I mentioned that I work with the concepts of the 3Cs of Effective Learning – Continuity – Curiosity – Commitment and ‘less is more’ and that I would talk to you about these concepts in future posts.
Today I’m going to talk about the first of the 3Cs – Continuity.
Continuity is the most important element in learning a language. We learn our mother tongue through continuity. We are exposed continually to the language; we listen, we absorb and then we begin to communicate slowly, slowly. We continually make mistakes, we gradually become aware of our errors, we correct them and we steadily make progress – step by step – bit by bit. It’s an ongoing process. Learning a second language is no different.
True progress depends on the amount of exposure we have to the language, to the amount of curiosity we have and the amount of commitment we make.
An intensive course will certainly give us a good push forward but then if we do nothing else to consolidate and build on that new knowledge, very soon we go back to where we started. Language that becomes redundant is forgotten very quickly.
It is no good doing a lot of studying rarely, for example a week intensive or a standard three month course with lessons twice a week, and then on conclusion do nothing else for another year or two. It is impossible to gain confidence in this way, we go three steps forward and two steps backwards (if we are lucky). We certainly don’t master the language.
Continuity is the key. Doing a little every week – week after week after week – practicing continuously, consolidating, building on your knowledge – step by step you’ll become more and more self-confident. You’ll gradually move towards the proficiency you desire.
