by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 15, 2008 | Language, Montessori
Learning a language is said to be connected to two centers in the brain cortex: Sensorial center and Motor center. The sensorial center uses the ears as the instrument of hearing for the brain. The motor center is related to the production of speech by the using the...
by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 13, 2008 | Environment, Language
If you have just arrived here, do read, Observing Language Development first. This is how I learn my 5th language. No dictionary, no translator, just work with the environment straight away. I use a specific example, grocery shopping. I used to keep a record of all...
by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 12, 2008 | Environment, Language, Learning Skills
I started speaking Bahasa Indonesia in the early ’90s. Back then, I worked as a personal assistant in an international company and the regional marketing manager only spoke English. I was also work as trainer. Then after I got married, my husband was posted to...
by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 10, 2008 | Environment, Language, Learning Skills
If something so natural as speaking takes 2 years for a child to do, speaking a foreign language may take a longer time for an adult. Unless you understand the power of speech your mother tongue has given you, your hidden potentials will remain untapped and unused....
by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 9, 2008 | Childhood, Language, Spanish
Spanish and ‘Batu Lesung’? Over the weekend, I reflected on my childhood learning experience. I took a picture of this pounder (‘batu lesung’) which most traditional Malay families use to prepare spices. It is made of granite stone, carved into a bowl which we use as...
by Hanifa K. Cook | Nov 7, 2008 | Language, Montessori
Here are some basic ways you can achieve good listening habits: Shut down outside stimuli by taking down notes even if you do not have to. Look at the speaker even if you are ready to respond. Even if you have downloaded 6 free lessons, John Reese’s or Frank Kern’s...