Foreign languages classes are a requirement at The U of M, but many dread them more than other classes. Even if someone has the ability to do quite well in foreign languages, it may take some time to adjust to new verb conjugations and different sentence structures.
Keith Cox, a junior math major, agreed.
"My French class definitely took more time than some other classes. You just have to put effort into it. I got a tutor, and that helped, but it still took some time away from other classes," Cox said.
If students feel overwhelmed at the beginning of a semester, there are several remedies to the situation.
Students may actually be in over their heads, in which case they should drop down to a lower level class of that language. However, most just need more experience and practice in the area.
Annette Wagganar, a graduate student in Romance languages, said coming to class prepared, like reading texts before class, is the first step. She also said practice outside the classroom is crucial.
"Students need to be exposed longer to a foreign language," Wagganar said. "For me, learning to speak was harder than writing or understanding someone else."
For those taking Spanish, Wagganar said one of the best ways to practice speaking is through the use of the Spanish Table. Those who participate can converse back and forth in Spanish in a relaxed setting with none of the pressures that a classroom environment can create.
While its time has not been set for this semester yet, fliers should be up soon to advertise for it. Times for the weekly event depend on the leader's schedule. It has been held at the Tiger Den and Garibaldi's in past semesters.
Joanna Kendall, a graduate student in Spanish Language and Literature who will teach Spanish 1010 this semester, pointed out other ways to practice Spanish.
"We have two Spanish radio stations and cable TV that anyone can use as practice. Students should take advantage of these type of resources."
This way of studying and practicing should get dedicated, hard-working students through the foreign language classes at The U of M. However, if fluency and real world use of the language is what you want, classes just give you the tools to use the language, but to practically use it you must go beyond the classroom.
Kendall believes "immersion" into the language and culture is a key.
"To really perfect the language, you need to go abroad where everything around you is in that language," Kendall said.
Paul Reed, also a graduate student in Spanish Language and Literature, said he could not think in Spanish before he went abroad, but improved rapidly in all areas once he "immersed" himself in the culture.
"It was hard for about a week, but after that it got a lot easier. TV, street signs, everything was in Spanish. The only English I heard was when I called home. I once even forgot the English word for what I was trying to say."
