Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of running words in technical texts are typically technical words?
What percentage of running words in technical texts are typically technical words?
Motivation has no impact on how hard one works at learning a language.
Motivation has no impact on how hard one works at learning a language.
False
What should you do with unknown words when studying a new language?
What should you do with unknown words when studying a new language?
Put them onto word cards.
The most frequent ___ words cover around 80% of the words in most texts.
The most frequent ___ words cover around 80% of the words in most texts.
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Match the following types of motivations with their descriptions:
Match the following types of motivations with their descriptions:
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What is the recommended number of high frequency words to learn first?
What is the recommended number of high frequency words to learn first?
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The majority of high frequency words are function words.
The majority of high frequency words are function words.
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How many words and phrases are typically needed to cope with basic tourist requirements?
How many words and phrases are typically needed to cope with basic tourist requirements?
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Half of the different words met in a text will occur only ______ in that text.
Half of the different words met in a text will occur only ______ in that text.
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Match the word categories with examples:
Match the word categories with examples:
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What is the primary focus for someone who is living in a country where the language is spoken?
What is the primary focus for someone who is living in a country where the language is spoken?
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A person interested in a language should focus on written language from the beginning.
A person interested in a language should focus on written language from the beginning.
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What type of vocabulary should a traveler focus on when learning a new language?
What type of vocabulary should a traveler focus on when learning a new language?
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If someone has a partner who is a native speaker, they should start with useful repeated routines like ______.
If someone has a partner who is a native speaker, they should start with useful repeated routines like ______.
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Match the reasons for learning a language with their corresponding learning focuses:
Match the reasons for learning a language with their corresponding learning focuses:
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Study Notes
Language Learning Needs
- Language is used for various purposes. Speeding up learning involves focusing on a specific purpose and the required language.
- Determine the reason for learning the language (e.g., travel, work, personal interest).
- Table 2.1 provides examples of learning reasons and associated learning focuses.
Learning Focuses
- Initial focus: Spoken language.
- List speaking needs: Create a list of necessary spoken phrases and expressions. Start with survival vocabulary.
- Partner/family support: Utilize support if available, focusing on common routines.
- Travel: Primary focus on spoken language for travel.
- Reading material: Directly reference material related to the subject area. Technical words account for a significant portion of the content (20-30%).
Vocabulary Acquisition
- High-frequency words: Prioritize learning high-frequency words initially. These are widely used words in the language.
- Vocabulary size: The most frequent 100 words comprise about 50% of any written text.
- Word frequency: Frequency of words plays a significant role.
- Vocabulary size tests: Assess existing vocabulary knowledge in the target language. Table 2.2 shows how to choose reading material based on vocabulary size.
Concordancers
- Computer tools, called concordancers, can help identify useful words and phrases.
- Examples aid in word/phrase understanding and frequency analysis;
- Concordancers provide insight into word usage in context (sentences).
Amount of Language Needed
- Basic requirements for tourist travel: 120 words/phrases, achievable within approximately four hours of study.
- Basic interactions like greetings, politeness, shopping, directions, etc.
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Description
This quiz explores the various needs and focuses in language learning, emphasizing the importance of specific goals such as travel or work. It discusses strategies for vocabulary acquisition and the prioritization of spoken language skills, along with examples of essential phrases. Test your understanding of how to effectively structure your language learning approach.
