Heidi and Spanish
I have a friend named Heidi who, long before she knew of Heavenletters or Heaven Admin's plans for a spiritual center in Capilla del Monte in Argentina, had dreams of creating a spiritual center in just about the exact same area!
Heidi, too, has not been learning Spanish (though she had studied it in high school or college.) Not long ago, she met a gentleman from Cuba who had been a professor of languages. He's not like any language teacher I had ever heard of! No textbooks. No memorization. No using the mind!
The professor spent an hour and a half telling Heidi how to learn a language. Heidi told me in a few minutes what he had said. The first thing to do to learn Spanish is to listen to Spanish on the radio or TV (but without looking at the screen.) Just to let the sounds work their way in. As I understand it, hours, days, weeks, months are to be spent with this unconscious listening.
As I understood this, it is much of what Chuck was getting at in an earlier comment on learning a new language.
This is very interesting to me, and I did listen to a Spanish TV station in the background yesterday while I was doing other things. When I went to turn the TV off, I saw that I had been listening to a Quiz Show! Of course, I had had no idea.
One thing that was good about listening is that there was more than one speaker. When I had been listening to Rosetta Stone and such, the same voice would get to me, and I just couldn't listen to the voice any longer. This sure didn't happen with the TV Show.
I had said to Heidi, "But shouldn't I be watching the Spanish show on TV? Won't I get clues as to the meaning of some words?" Just listening, I couldn't even pick out a word unless I already knew it. I did hear casa a few times.
As Heidi understood it, I wasn't to watch TV because I would be using my mind.
Some additional good news, Heidi called Franklyn, the teacher, who said he would be delighted to spend some time with us and help us to learn Spanish.
Hmm, I wonder if I just have to mention something on the blog, and then there are more developments! Hmm. I might be on to something!
Note: To see a photo of Heidi, go here:
http://www.godwriting.org/godwriting/decorating-showsdecorating-shows-an...
Comments
Wow, I was just thinking about this same topic! Yes, listening to the tone and sound of the words works. The mind can be a speed bump to the process by trying to figure out meaning to a word. The vibration and playful enjoyment of the sounds of words are far more interesting than their definitions!
We learn faster when we are having fun.
Once I had to teach Japanese clients English. We walked around acting out sentences and words. I asked them to throw down their books and pens at the beginning. Can you imagine the look of concern on their faces, when I asked them to take their shoes off and "tip toe because the baby is sleeping"!
I love your experiences and insights, One.
Your clients must have so enjoyed their time with you.
Interestingly, when I was teaching school, when a 7th grade class would get rowdy, I would say: "Shh, the baby is sleeping." And then those sweethearts would get quiet.