Second language programs can help people learn a language to increase their chances of being hired or just to better communicate with others. Audio compact discs (CDs), courses taken in mandatory or higher education, and computer software are all types of programs. In most cases, they are carefully designed to gradually introduce the student to a new language and help him or her move onto a more advanced part of the program. There are many upsides of learning a second language, but the downsides are basically the sometimes daunting amount of money, time, and effort needed to successfully become fluent in the chosen language.
Educational CDs are a kind of program designed to help people learn more about a subject. They are generally purchased in sets, for example beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The person trying to learn a second language listens to the CDs in the car or while on the computer at home. Mostly, the speaker on the CD says a word, phrase, or sentence and then asks the listener to repeat it. This method of learning does not work for some people, but there are several other ways of teaching a second language.
Second language courses can be had in many schools around the world. There are usually multiple courses of varying difficulty, so students start where they are most comfortable and move up as they learn. Many people opt to take second language programs when young, either for fun or to make themselves more employable once they graduate.
Another kind of second language course is one that teaches the primary language of the student’s current country. In many situations, second language programs are offered to people who already know the primary language but want to learn a second language to communicate with foreigners. In some cases, however, people go to a country without knowing the language and proceed to take classes there. Young children pick up new languages more easily than adults, but adults can speed the process of learning a new language by immersing themselves in it.
Language-learning computer software teaches a person an additional language at his or her own computer. In general, second language programs such as these require only a computer, patience, and sometimes a headset to speak into. Learning a new language independently can be tedious, and it may be difficult for the student to stay motivated. In addition, software programs that strive to make a person fluent in a second language are usually expensive. Inexpensive second language programs typically only teach the student basic words.
