Keys to Success When Learning a Language is Your New Year's Resolution

While a New Year's resolve for self improvement may prompt a person to learn a new language, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute has found that what fuels them to continue their language studies can be as unique as each individual.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2004 -- Each January, the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute enrolls more than 250 beginning students studying one of more than 25 language courses offered. While a New Year's resolve for self improvement may set a new student's action in motion, Dr. Karin Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, has found that what fuels them to continue their language studies can be as unique as each individual.

At the New Year, our school always grows by 15% which is more than any other single term," says Dr. Fallon, Director of the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute. "All who embark upon learning a language are aware that such an endeavor requires diligence, passion and tenacity. Yet for the more than 550 students that continue language studies, their drive toward an ever-deepening knowledge of the language seems to spring from other imperatives."

As an example, six of the original 10 students in the Institute's Monday French class who began 2004 knowing hardly a word of French, have now progressed to the Intermediate II level. As they enter their second year of study, their resolutions have transformed into true resolve, inspired by their fellow students, their teacher, and by the learning environment.

- Sara Dash's husband gave her a gift certificate for a BHLI language course as a Christmas present – perfect timing to start the New Year. French is the most beautiful language, and my motivation for learning French is to become a more well-rounded person."
- Geri Arnais is preparing for her move to Marrakesh, Morocco. "I'm afraid if I stop, I won't continue to learn French on my own. I need this class to keep learning. We have such a wonderful time."
- Nell Taylor-Woods spoke French as a child but lost the language as she grew older. It's an exciting class and makes me want to learn more."
- Aniko Tuzko decided to learn French in order to converse with her best friend's family at the annual holiday festivities. After twenty years of longing to learn French, I'm finally doing it."
- Gabriella Keller was equally inspired by the Institute's ubiquitous and colorful flyers and her instructor's pledge that she could attain fluency if she stuck to it for two years. It's always been a great desire to speak French."
- Bunny Stivers is learning French to fight off old age. I have two things I want to accomplish before I leave this life: go back to the piano and learn to speak French."

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute suggests there are four things to keep in mind when learning a language:

Follow your heart: Choose the language you will love learning and using. Your resolve will be fortified by the depth of your motivation: a pending trip abroad, expanding your business into new markets, cultivating your cultural roots, or kindling relationships with neighbors, new family or in-laws. As your knowledge grows so will your connection to the language, the people and the culture.

Just a little every day: If you study ten minutes a day, you can accomplish a lot. Consistency and perseverance pays off as learning a language is a building process. Spend the time not only memorizing new vocabulary and practicing grammar, but also having fun with the language by formulating little conversations, translating whatever you can in the world around you.

Seize the opportunity: Avail yourself of the wealth of opportunities in Los Angeles to immerse oneself in any one of an extraordinary array of languages. Television, radio, films, restaurants, festivals, newspapers, neighborhood streets all present possibilities to at least listen and absorb, if not also speak and practice. The internet also provides a direct line to resources in the language of your choice. Of course, conversing with friends and family is the very best local immersion

Stick to it: By attending class once a week for a single year, you will build a solid foundation of vocabulary, grammar, idioms and cultural knowledge through active conversation, practice and review. Your teacher has the expertise to lead and encourage you through a well-structured, dynamic curriculum which will take you from the Beginning I to Advanced, but your tenacity is the key—the key to a new world, rich with new possibilities. A year of weekly classes accumulates into a greater knowledge that opens doors.

Prior to starting the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, Dr. Fallon, a former teacher with a doctorate in education administration, was director of the Lingual Institute of Philadelphia, which the Wharton Business School named as best language institute in the community. The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute, founded in 1996, is a continuation of her successful approach of recruiting top professional, native speaking instructors, using the best of current college text books and curriculum, and creating a warm and intimate environment conducive to teaching and learning.

The Beverly Hills Lingual Institute offers 32 different classes each night, with instructors and students representing more than 40 nationalities and ethnicities.

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