[originaltext]M: Since so many of you have asked me how to learn a language, I

M: Since so many of you have asked me how to learn a language, I thought that it might be useful to take some class time today to discuss it. Betty, you speak several languages, don’t you?
W1: Yes, Professor Baker, I speak Spanish and French.
M: And what helped you most in learning those languages?
W1: What helped me most ... well, I studied both languages in high school, and I’m still studying Spanish here at the University, but I think that travel has probably been the most help to me. You see, I’ve been lucky in that I’ve lived in Europe. Believe me, I didn’t speak very well before I moved there. What do you think of this, Jill?
W2: You’re right, Betty, after studying a language, practice is very useful. When you live in a country where the language is spoken, it’s ideal. But, you know, sometimes it’s difficult to make friends in a new place, even then the people are very friendly.
W1: Yes, I know what you mean. Especially if you don’t speak the language too well. I had some problems when I first moved to Europe.
W2: And, of course, some people are shy.
W: That’s true.
W2: Professor Baker, whether or not I’m in a country where the language is spoken, I always go to the movies, and whenever I can, 1 watch TV or listen to the radio in the language I’m trying to learn.
W2: Me too. And reading is another way to learn. Books are good, but I think that newspapers and magazines are even better.
M: Probably the best way to learn is to combine all of these ideas: traveling, talking with people, going to movies, watching TV, listening to the radio, and reading books, newspapers and magazines. What do you think?
W1: I agree with that, Professor Baker.
W2: So do I. But I don’t believe that it’s possible to take advantage of practice opportunities without some knowledge of the language first.
W1:Sure. First it’s a good idea to study grammar, vocabulary...
W2: ... and listening, perhaps even reading.
W1: Then practice is very, very helpful.