Little tip for learning languages

Professors at CIC were asked to write something new and interesting here on this blog for a change. I, Boldmaa, English teacher at CIC, am very glad that it is my turn to share experiences here.

Last 2 weeks, I went back to my country, Mongolia. There the official language is Mongolian, so there is no use of English and Japanese of course. But the funny thing is, although Mongolian is my mother tongue, I could not come up with some words, very simple words that I had to say in English instead. How dare I can forget my own language!!!

After 2 weeks, which is now, I am experiencing a same problem, with my Japanese. I do not remember some words, so again I have to say either in English or Mongolian. But why do I still remember English having stayed in a country where English is useless? The answer is: I keep a diary, I chat with friends online, I send text messages all in English! See, how little efforts save your language skills or even improve it!

Here I want to say: We all forget things, even our mother tongue. So do not envy bilinguals or native speakers, do not get overwhelmed by them. What you and I have to do is just make it a habit to use or to stay as close as possible to the language! Why not use it when talking to your own self? Why not keep a diary? Why not watch news and listen to music in that language?

I am sure it will not take you long to dream in foreign languages! Good luck!