Ana Miranda
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Again. In another language.

29/5/2014

6 Comments

 
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Are you learning a new language?

Living abroad?

Do you love reading?

Don’t you mind reading your favorite books one more time?

Once you’ve reached a certain level you should challenge yourself to read more than textbook dialogues and articles. Reading a story you already know is one of the great ways to learn new words and train your brain to read in another language.

One of the advantages is that you won’t stress about understanding everything – you already know what happens. Besides, if you chose to re-read that book, I suppose you love the story and the experience will be pleasant and relaxed.

When I first came to Belgium I bought the book Mange, Prie, Aime which is the French version of Eat, Pray, Love. I had read it at least twice and also seen the movie, so my transition into reading “real things” in French was very smooth. 

Now that I am learning Dutch and reached a comfortable reading level (past comic books and magazines) I decided to go for my boyfriend’s Harry Potter series. The first one, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is called Harry Potter en de Steen der Wijzen.

There are many a-ha times like “Oh, that’s how you say______!” There are also times when I know a word “in real life” because I’ve read it on the book. Fun and effortless learning.

My only disappointment are the translated names: Hermelien (Hermione), Perkamentus (Dumbledore), Zweinstein (Hogwarts), Malfidus (Malfoy), Marcel (Nevile) and so on. Names are names, for God’s sake!
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Now, for training your listening skills and learning how to properly pronounce words: animations! Choose your favorites and re-watch them in the language you’re learning. The pronunciation in animation movies is very clear and easy to understand. Again: fun and effortless.

A foreign language can be stressful and frustrating, but we can find our own ways to lighten things up. What are yours?

6 Comments
Daline
29/5/2014 12:54:38 pm

Eu acabei de ler o Petit Prince, versão francesa também... achei ótimo, um livro que li quando era criança e que é tão especial, finalmente pude ler na língua original, mas, assim como você fez ainda pretendo ler de novo mais umas duas vezes pra continuar praticando e entender tudo.

Reply
Ana Elisa Miranda
30/5/2014 05:14:53 am

Oi Daline! Obrigada por comentar e compartilhar sua experiência. Bom aprendizado! :)

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Jacqueline link
4/6/2014 01:21:02 pm

As a South African living in the US, I totally get the thrill + stress + fascination + unsettlement of being an ex-pat, but I can only imagine how all that must be amplified if you don't speak the native language.

We're thinking of moving to a Spanish speaking country next year ... so your tips have been very useful.

Thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us.

Bliss-ings,
the goddess known as Jacqui

Reply
Ana Elisa Miranda
5/6/2014 01:37:55 am

Hi Jacqueline!

Thanks for reading and commenting. I'm happy you enjoyed it and I hope your transition next year is as smooth as possible!

xxx

Reply
Liz
2/9/2014 02:40:00 pm

Hi Ana! Happy to see another expat working on language to be more local :)
For me, I use Dutch song and try to remember the lyrics and know the translation in English at the same time. It always help me well :)
Good luck on your dutch and french.

Greetings from Gent :)

Reply
Ana Elisa Miranda
3/9/2014 08:58:31 am

Hi Liz,

We live in the same town!

Thanks for your comment and tip :)

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    Hey! I'm Ana - a teacher who loves reading, writing, traveling and nature. 

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