Introduction to
Walkabout Language Learning™

Walkabout Language Learning™ can help you learn a foreign language. If you are reading this page, you have already learned one language successfully. Perhaps you are exploring different language courses, the information in this website will help you create your own language study abroad program. You can build on formal classroom instruction, or you can create your own study plan and get a great bilingual education.

When you learned your native language, the first rule was imitation. The fundamental idea of turbo-boosting your language learning is to mimic the learning style of a child learning his native language. An infant doesn't have to sign up for expensive language courses, he learns it naturally from the environment all around him. While this technique is most effective when you are immersed among native speakers in their home country, you can do it anywhere you find a group of speakers of your target language.

I once used Walkabout Language Learning™ to study Arabic--while living in Denver. I found a Syrian family that lived near-by. I studied Arabic with the girl in the family who was near my age and we had weekly foreign language lessons. I coupled these language lessons with practice sessions with the other members of the family. For example, we had a family meal together. I expanded my practice by spending a weekend with a Palestinian family (also living in Denver) and went on excursions to the Arabic grocery store in town. I didn't have to participate in a study abroad program to improve my Arabic skills.

Manage Your Own Learning

This approach differs from traditional language courses because you direct your learning, you decide on your overall goals, and you guide your study today, tomorrow, and the next day. Becoming a partner in your learning is an exciting challenge, and the payoff – in learning language and culture uniquely tailored to your needs – is worth it. You don't have to be an expert in bilingual education to succeed with this method.

Walkabout Language Learning™ can be used at any point in your foreign language quest – at the very beginning when you struggle to say a few basic sentences, or later on, during or after formal lessons. You can use it as a companion to formal language courses that helps you hone your skills to meet your special needs. You can use it in your local town or while participating in a study abroad program.

Use the Environment to Learn

A first step is to adopt the techniques of a child-learner, examining the world around you for opportunities to practice, to increase your skill. Come for a short bus ride to see how a child learns to speak.

What can you learn from a child? Do what children do when they are learning their mother tongue? Repeat new words and sentences again and again. Be willing to make lots of mistakes. Practice frequently with native speakers. Combine these with pointing, gesturing, and occasional tantrums … ok, you can skip the tantrums. Add a childlike attitude that includes humility, banishes self-consciousness, embraces a willingness to try over and over, and seeks to be like Mom, Dad, siblings – or other native speakers.

Think of yourself as a child in the new language. Tell your friends, "OK I'm new at this. Help me. Show me what to do." If you have enlisted their support, you don't have to feel like an idiot, even when you slip up on the easiest of tasks.

Walkabout Language Learning Strategies

You may already know some basics, you may have a good foundation, or you may know nothing more than "Hello." No matter your level, with the Walkabout method, you build according to your needs. To do this, you follow three basic strategies.

1. Set language learning goals
2. Recruit mentors - native speakers to help you learn what you need to know
3. Practice your skills in the community.

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