In-Kyung Kim's goals are to improve her interviewing skills and her professional speaking skills in English. She is also working on her writing skills for emails, letters to Pro-Am partners, etc. "Kim is already making a lot of improvement and is applying the techniques and skills she learns into her daily life," reports Tomasik.
Recari, on the other hand, is taking language classes to learn Japanese. Her goals are to become fluent conversationally as well as gain an understanding of the Japanese writing system. Beatriz has never taken Japanese before, so Tomasik has started with the basics of the language: greetings, basic conversation, commonly-used expressions for golf and for daily life, and writing the Japanese characters. Recari has learned many languages in the past, so "she has what it takes to learn Japanese quickly and authentically," states Tomasik.
In conjunction with what Kim and Recari are practicing through LTC's program, here are some tips to learning a new language:
1. Meaningful, Authentic, Purposeful - Ensure your language instruction is focused on topics that meet your language needs and learning goals. In doing so, your instructor will bring authentic materials and meaningful activities to class that will help you learn the new language in context with your life. In this sense, golfing and learning a new language are very similar. If you only practice golf by playing via a golf simulator, you will struggle on an actual course. And just like playing on a "real" course, in language learning, you must learn in an authentic context that will prepare you for speaking outside of the classroom.
2. Communicative Environment - A communicative environment ensures you are actively learning the language via an authentic, fast-paced method where you use the language in new and challenging ways. Learning a new language is something you should never do alone. Much like playing a round of golf, you will learn more through purposeful discussions with others around you.
3. Inquiry Based Learning - When you first learn to play golf, you ask many questions about hand placement, feet placement, follow through, and so on. When learning about a new language, you should strive to ask questions so you can dig deeper into the language and learn more about what interests you. Your instructor will incorporate these questions into class to help you grow in your language skills.
4. Tailored Training - Ensure your instructor is aware of your individual needs, goals, and learning style, so that he or she can bring their knowledge and experience to each class in a format that best fits your ideal language program. Much like selecting an ideal golf coach, a good language teacher helps you practice, learn, improve, and have fun!
If you would like to learn a new language that would enable you to better communicate with your favorite golfer or for any other reason, LTC can help. Contact us at 1-888-456-1626; we look forward to working with you!
