“Polyglot” 的意思是 “通曉多國語言的人”。你知道他們都有哪些學習語言的竅門嗎？有的人認為，能通曉多國語言的人通常對語言學習抱有很強的動力和興趣；還有人發現，他們中的一些人會從嘗試用口語和他人對話開始學習一門新語言。本文討論 “polyglot” 學習語言的方法有哪些優點和劣勢。
詞匯：language learning 語言學習
How many languages do you speak? For most people, it can be hard learning just one foreign language. Lydia Machova, a Slovakian polyglot and language mentor, is currently fluent in seven foreign languages and says she likes to learn a new language every two years! So how do polyglots like Lydia learn multiple languages successfully, and what can we learn from their methods?
Lydia wanted to find out the different techniques polyglots use, and she found a wide variety of methods. Some use language exchange apps to find native speakers so that they can start speaking from day one. Others watch series they love with subtitles, and some use techniques like ‘shadowing’ – listening to and repeating target language to master pronunciation. Kato Lomb was described by the linguist Krashen as “possibly the most accomplished polyglot in the world”. She was a Hungarian who spoke 16 languages! Her approach to learning focussed on extensive reading and self-study. So, while there are lots of different approaches, in her 2019 TED Talk, Lydia concluded that the one thing polyglots all have in common is an interest and motivation to learn.
However, some linguists argue that viral videos showing polyglots switching between languages often rely on memorised phrases rather than proving genuine conversational ability. Benny Lewis, author and creator of the website Fluent in 3 Months, thinks it’s important to be open and honest about your competency in a language. Hediscusses having varying levels of proficiency in the languages he speaks, from basic conversation to near-native fluency.
So, the professionals say enjoy yourself when learning. We recommend you try some of these suggestions, find the right method for you and stick to it!
詞匯表
foreign language 外語，母語以外的語言
polyglot 通曉多種語言的人
fluent 流利的
language exchange 語言交流
native 母語的
subtitle 字幕
target language 目標語言
master 熟練掌握，精通
pronunciation 發音
linguist 語言學傢
accomplished 成功的，優秀的
extensive reading 廣泛閱讀，大量閱讀
motivation 動力，幹勁
memorised phrase 死記硬背的短語
conversational ability 口語會話能力
competency 能力
proficiency 熟練程度
stick to 堅持做
測驗與練習
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. How many languages is Lydia Machova fluent in?
2. What is ‘shadowing’?
3. What technique did Kato Lomb use to learn languages?
4. Why do some linguists criticise some viral videos of polyglots?
5. True or False? Benny Lewis says it’s important to be competent in a language.
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. I like to practise Chinese with my friend Bo because he’s a _______ speaker.
student linguist native chef
2. My main _______ for learning French is my in-laws – they can’t speak English!
pronunciation motivation competency proficiency
3. My teacher said _______ reading is effective, so now I read novels in English.
memorised extensive conversational target
4. Many people use regular practice to _______ the verb tenses.
stick to master accomplish rely on
5. The rules of the game are very _______. Press X to go and Y to stop. That’s it!
fluent accomplished basic foreign
答案
1. 閱讀課文並回答問題。
1. How many languages is Lydia Machova fluent in?
Lydia Machova is currently fluent in seven foreign languages.
2. What is ‘shadowing’?
Shadowing is listening to and repeating target language to master pronunciation.
3. What technique did Kato Lomb use to learn languages?
Kato Lomb’s approach to learning focussed on extensive reading and self-study.
4. Why do some linguists criticise some viral videos of polyglots?
Because some linguists think that viral videos showing polyglots switching between languages often rely on memorised phrases rather than proving genuine conversational ability.
5. True or False? Benny Lewis says it’s important to be competent in a language.
False. Benny Lewis thinks it’s important to be open and honest about your competency in a language.
2. 選擇意思恰當的單詞或詞組來完成下列句子。
1. I like to practise Chinese with my friend Bo because he’s a native speaker.
2. My main motivation for learning French is my in-laws – they can’t speak English!
3. My teacher said extensive reading is effective, so now I read novels in English.
4. Many people use regular practice to master the verb tenses.
5. The rules of the game are very basic. Press X to go and Y to stop. That’s it!
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