How to write in a foreign language as a beginner | My method

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their approach to writing in a new language as a beginner, specifically focusing on Hungarian. They outline a structured process that includes writing freely without a dictionary, identifying and looking up unfamiliar words, and using various resources for grammar and conjugation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of visual tracking to monitor learning progress and incorporates feedback from native speakers to refine their writing. This method not only helps improve writing skills but also prepares learners for speaking practice, highlighting a comprehensive strategy for language acquisition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transitioning from basic vocabulary to constructing full sentences is a major challenge for language learners.
• ✍️ Practicing writing without using dictionaries helps learners gauge their current vocabulary and sentence structure.
• 🎬 Starting with a topic of interest, such as a favorite movie, can make writing more engaging.
• 🔍 Underlining unknown words during the writing process allows learners to identify gaps in their vocabulary.
• 📚 Using a trusted dictionary to fill in unknown words is essential for building a strong vocabulary base.
• 🖍️ Color-coding elements in writing (e.g., pink for grammar, yellow for important words) aids in visual learning.
• 📝 Looking up verb conjugations using resources like Culture Gator helps ensure correct verb usage in writing.
• 📖 Verifying grammatical structures with reliable references is crucial for accurate language use.
• 🔄 Rewriting drafts after corrections enhances writing quality and reinforces newly learned vocabulary.
• 🌍 Sharing written work on platforms like Journally or HelloTalk provides valuable feedback from native speakers.

Q & A

What is one of the hardest transitions for beginners when learning a new language?

One of the hardest transitions is moving from knowing basic words and verbs to being able to formulate full sentences and speak.

What method does the speaker use to practice writing in a new language?

The speaker writes without prompts or a dictionary, allowing them to test their recall of words and phrases.

Why does the speaker underline unknown words in their writing?

The speaker underlines unknown words to create a visual record of which words they missed at that point in time.

What tools does the speaker use to find unknown words?

The speaker uses a trusted dictionary and a conjugation website called Culture Gator to look up and list verbs.

How does the speaker handle verbs in their writing?

The speaker highlights verbs, looks up their conjugations, and creates a list of those verbs to refer to as needed.

What does the speaker do to verify the correctness of their noun cases and grammar?

The speaker checks the cases and grammar structures using a website called Hungarian Grammar Reference.

What is the significance of rewriting the initial draft for the speaker?

Rewriting helps the speaker identify mistakes and produce a clearer and more accurate version of their writing.

How does the speaker type their final version of the writing?

The speaker usually types it on their phone, which makes it easier to include accents used in Hungarian.

What platforms does the speaker use to receive corrections from native speakers?

The speaker uses platforms like Journally or apps such as HiNative and HelloTalk to post their writing for feedback.

What is the speaker's ultimate goal after receiving corrections?

The speaker aims to finalize their writing to practice speaking and improve pronunciation.