Alirio Beltran

Language Learning and Life Tips 

Since the beginning of the times of the human being, the learning of a second language has been of great importance for the communication between several individuals, becoming a basic necessity for the exchange of ideas, business and the survival of man. In today's world we have great technological tools which facilitate communication between people from different countries. Becoming the learning of one or more languages in the essential pillar for the cultural growth, the personal and professional development of a person. At present, the exchange of raw and secondary materials between countries is very common, which makes it necessary to establish an assertive communication for the development of a country's economy and global globalization.

In Colombia, the use of ICTs (information and communication technologies) has been implemented, which is a government program that has reached the most vulnerable communities in the country, establishing agreements with public entities, where technological tools are provided so that the people have access to education.

This blog, in addition to showing you the importance of acquiring a foreign language, will give you important tips so that you can deepen and learn a second language.

Autonomous learning is important, accompanied by the use of technological tools. For this you can support with the use of graphics, videos and audios. Below, you will find some applications and pages where you can consult and have access from a computer, cell phone or tablet:

• Pages where you can consult vocabulary or perform practical exercises

  - https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/en/learning-english/

  - https://www.esl-lab.com/ 

  - https://www.wordreference.com/en/

  - https://es.lyricstraining.com/app?nr=1&~channel=web&~feature=redirect&~campaign=none&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fes.lyricstraining.com%2F

  - https://breakingnewsenglish.com/

  - http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

• Youtube channels, where foreign people explain the use of the language, pronunciation and grammar rules of the language:

- https://www.youtube.com/user/theteachervanessa
- https://www.youtube.com/user/AmigosIngleses

- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Hg2Ks00kCekyjZG_LxOmg

- https://www.youtube.com/user/learnexmumbai

- https://www.youtube.com/user/ENGLISHCLASS101

•  Applications that you can have on your cell phone:

- Color verbs

- Hello talk

- Open talk

- BBC

- Duolingo

Other important tips which can be implemented at any time of the day. Relying on books, newspapers, technology or others are the following:

• Read short texts of the language that it is to learn about topics that are of your interest such as culture, politics, fashion, education, technology, environment, music, food.

• Start listening to news in another language, you can start with two-minute audio and increase the intensity as the days go by. This exercise can be done in the car, the bus, in the house, waiting for an appointment.

• Watch videos of topics of interest to you, see it for the first time with the subtitles to familiarize yourself with the words. Then play it a second time, but without subtitles.

• Listen to the type of music you like best in another language, be it classical, rock, pop, romantic, reggae.

• Watch movies with subtitles from another language, the most recommended ones to start are the children's ones since they handle a clearer language. When you spend more time doing this exercise you can get to see the movies without subtitles.

Referencias

 Brozek, E and Duckworth, D (2011). Supporting English Language Learners through technology. United States: Long Island. http://www.nysut.org/~/media/files/nysut/resources/2011/march/educators-voice-4%20technology/edvoiceiv_ch2.pdf?la=en

Universidad de Congreso. (07 de 05 de 2014). Obtenido de La importancia de aprender idiomas: http://www.ucongreso.edu.ar/la-importancia-de-aprender-idiomas/