How do you revise and maintain skills in a language you know well enough but start forgetting?
I can't see myself rereading my english grammar books and english dictionnaries but I can't think of another method.
I already read books, news sites and magazines. I already watch lots of movies and series with or without subtitles. I write in english every day, be it long or short texts. I don't do it in purpose, I just like it. However, I notice that it's getting more and more difficult to remember rules and that, while reading or listening, I don't recognise vocabulary I'm sure I've seen before.
In languages where my level is lower, I just read my course materials or I practice with mock tests, but in more advanced levels it feels sort of demotivating to do 'fill in the gap' exercises.
Speaking is not a priority.
As a language learner, do you include old films and litterature in your learning material or avoid them?
Some people believe they shouldn't learn old-fashioned vocabulary because it sounds awkward in conversations. Just like when middle-aged people use what they think is teenage slang. Not cool at all. They also believe it is better to read the latest books and watch the newest films to get an idea about contemporary life in the country where the target language is spoken.
I think that after the beginner's stage, language learners should have contact with all aspects of the language and its culture.
I find older forms of the language are great for fluency and cultural references. They also help a lot with double entendres, colloquialisms, slang, odd vocabulary, writing styles, traditions, cultural misunderstandings, local dialects and all sorts of vocabulary questions.
Even if I didn't like them, I would certainly include them.
Going around carrying cute toddler books? Yes, it does sound demeaning, unless you also carry the toddler to go with.
However, these colourful books are the best for learning the basic and really useful vocabulary: house items, days, months, family members, directions, food, colours, shapes, shops, numbers, clothes... They are also full of example images, which help a lot with visual memory.
I think they are great for beginners who want to self - study a language. I use baby books and fairy tales to study vocabulary and I find they contain much more material than the language books suitable for my level.
I know, I know... There is no way to see the real (insert city/country) in just a few days of vacation.
But what would you recommend to the inquiring tourist? What should I do and see if I visit your country and want to get a more complete idea of the local culture and the memorable places?
