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Learning a language is not a simple task. It requires a “combination and integration of intelligent thought and feeling” in the brain (Schnelle 12). While extending the scope of this combination and integration and incorporating the five elements of the brain, one is able to understand the concept of experiences. These experiences can be traveling to another country or trying a new food. In any case, experiences lay the foundation for one’s learning of a new language. How can one have the best experience, which may in turn allow the individual to learn a language? Studying a language in a country where the language is actually spoken by many of the people will be a great experience, in the sense that the five elements of the brain will be incorporated much more into one’s daily activities, than if the individual decides to study the language in a classroom setting in his/her home country. Rocco’s narrative is a perfect example of a great experience. It was a great experience simply because he had an excellent perception towards what he aimed to accomplish in Brazil and took definitive action towards accomplishing his goal of playing tennis and communicating with his friends in Portuguese. Rocco also developed an emotional attachment to the language, as Rocco gained a deep appreciation for the language of Portuguese. He even noted that when he “felt the warmth of the Brazilians around [him],” he felt a sense of homeliness, and the anxiety he was experiencing vanished (English). Rocco’s feelings towards learning the language was unquestionably desperate as he adored the language, and he was committed towards devoting much of his attention towards trying to catch on to certain words in the language. All in all, the great experience, rooting from the integration of feelings and the five elements of the brain, allow an individual, like Rocco, to learn a new language.
Understanding that learning a language involves the five elements, one may ponder on the possibility that other factors play a role in one’s ability to learn a language. The claim that Schnelle makes that formal studies “are too limited and inappropriate for practical usage of language” is simply unreasonable (Schnelle 14). How do so many people around the world learn a language from the comfort of their homes? There are programs (formal studies, in a sense) like Rosetta Stone, which allow one to learn it without ever needing to travel anywhere. Of course the experience may not be the greatest, but it could fulfill the needs of many individuals who want to learn a language to get a promotion at their workplace or some other reason. Some individuals simply cannot travel abroad and get the full experience. Though it may not be the best and most efficient way to learn a language, some people are still willing to do it. These every day examples of ordinary people who decide to learn a language without traveling to foreign lands serve as counters to impede the widespread acceptance of Schnelle’s claim.
Experiences like these, however, are worth the traveling, as they make learning the language easier and more fun for most people. Kim, for example, explains that she talks to friends and her roommates, who are very good at English and simply interacting with them has allowed her to speak the language better (Gonzalez 4). Kim had a great experience, as interactions and recreational activities allowed her to unintentionally incorporate the five elements of the brain into her everyday life. This would not have been possible if she had decided to stay in Taiwan, a nation where the national language is Mandarin and where most people do not fluently speak English. Kim decided to come to the United States and learn English for the experience she knew she would be able to obtain.
READY FOR SOME DESSERT?
Heading back home? See you soon!
Learning a language is not a simple task. It requires a “combination and integration of intelligent thought and feeling” in the brain (Schnelle 12). While extending the scope of this combination and integration and incorporating the five elements of the brain, one is able to understand the concept of experiences. These experiences can be traveling to another country or trying a new food. In any case, experiences lay the foundation for one’s learning of a new language. How can one have the best experience, which may in turn allow the individual to learn a language? Studying a language in a country where the language is actually spoken by many of the people will be a great experience, in the sense that the five elements of the brain will be incorporated much more into one’s daily activities, than if the individual decides to study the language in a classroom setting in his/her home country. Rocco’s narrative is a perfect example of a great experience. It was a great experience simply because he had an excellent perception towards what he aimed to accomplish in Brazil and took definitive action towards accomplishing his goal of playing tennis and communicating with his friends in Portuguese. Rocco also developed an emotional attachment to the language, as Rocco gained a deep appreciation for the language of Portuguese. He even noted that when he “felt the warmth of the Brazilians around [him],” he felt a sense of homeliness, and the anxiety he was experiencing vanished (English). Rocco’s feelings towards learning the language was unquestionably desperate as he adored the language, and he was committed towards devoting much of his attention towards trying to catch on to certain words in the language. All in all, the great experience, rooting from the integration of feelings and the five elements of the brain, allow an individual, like Rocco, to learn a new language.
Understanding that learning a language involves the five elements, one may ponder on the possibility that other factors play a role in one’s ability to learn a language. The claim that Schnelle makes that formal studies “are too limited and inappropriate for practical usage of language” is simply unreasonable (Schnelle 14). How do so many people around the world learn a language from the comfort of their homes? There are programs (formal studies, in a sense) like Rosetta Stone, which allow one to learn it without ever needing to travel anywhere. Of course the experience may not be the greatest, but it could fulfill the needs of many individuals who want to learn a language to get a promotion at their workplace or some other reason. Some individuals simply cannot travel abroad and get the full experience. Though it may not be the best and most efficient way to learn a language, some people are still willing to do it. These every day examples of ordinary people who decide to learn a language without traveling to foreign lands serve as counters to impede the widespread acceptance of Schnelle’s claim.
Experiences like these, however, are worth the traveling, as they make learning the language easier and more fun for most people. Kim, for example, explains that she talks to friends and her roommates, who are very good at English and simply interacting with them has allowed her to speak the language better (Gonzalez 4). Kim had a great experience, as interactions and recreational activities allowed her to unintentionally incorporate the five elements of the brain into her everyday life. This would not have been possible if she had decided to stay in Taiwan, a nation where the national language is Mandarin and where most people do not fluently speak English. Kim decided to come to the United States and learn English for the experience she knew she would be able to obtain.
READY FOR SOME DESSERT?
Heading back home? See you soon!