In recent years, it has been suggested that foreign language acquisition is facilitated by interaction with native speakers. This finding has important implications for language teaching and learning, as it suggests that one of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to interact with native speakers.
Traditional methods in which foreign languages have been learned by individuals have involved classroom teachers who may not always be a native of the language that is being taught due to demands or resources that are available, whilst many will be provided with textbooks to read from and learn as best, they can.
However, as technology has evolved over the years, it has become a lot easier to acquire a foreign language in an effective way. Indeed, the advent of the internet has made it possible to learn French online, instead of having to read from a book, whilst learners can now utilize audio and video resources where they can hear natives speak the dialect that is being taught, thus giving the learner the opportunity to hear it as it should be said.
Naturally, it should be rather easy to understand that there are a number of reasons why interaction with native speakers may be beneficial for foreign language learners. This article will look of them in-depth and reveal why they can be considered to be of greater benefit than traditional methods that once existed.
Authenticity
As mentioned, foreign language interaction can provide learners with an authentic context in which to use the language. This is important because it allows learners to practice using the language in a real-world setting, which can help them to better learn and remember the material.
Additionally, it would allow learners to understand how certain words are pronounced, and how they are used. There are many foreign languages that will have different words that can be used for the same thing; however, it will completely depend on the scenario or situation that is being faced.
A better understanding of culture can be developed
There is an argument that interaction with native speakers can also help learners to develop a better understanding of the culture associated with the target language. Indeed, this is important because it can help learners to avoid making cultural mistakes when they are using the language in a real-world setting, thus ensuring that they do not get themselves into trouble and are in a better position to be able to respect the cultural values of the environment that they are in. Each country is very different from each other, so what is acceptable in one place will not necessarily be as accepted in another.
Interpersonal skills can be developed
Linking to the above point, interaction with native speakers can also help learners to develop stronger interpersonal skills. This is important because it can help them to better communicate with people from other cultures, which can be beneficial in a variety of situations.
Examples of the benefits of being able to communicate effectively could be personally, or they could even be related to business, especially as globalization continues to make the world appear to be smaller, and the ability to conduct business internationally has become easier – and in some instances – necessary.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it is rather easy to understand that foreign language acquisition is facilitated by interaction with native speakers. As mentioned, this would appear to have important implications for language teaching and learning, as it suggests that one of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to interact with native speakers, rather than sitting in a classroom with a textbook open and learning via this rather outdatedresource.
