3 More World Cup Champ Lessons for Language Learners

While Spain still savors its World Cup Championship over The Holland Orange till the next meet in Brazil in 2014, there are three more lessons for language learners from the big game.


1. Teamwork - As the video clip of Iniesta´s winning goal demonstrates, team play is a winner in most endeavors. Language learners may often feel isolated in their quest to acquire a new language.

However, when the learner engages in a community of learners, easily by Internet chat, email, LiveMocha, video, and various social networks like Facebook and Twitter, the isolation fades. Like Iniesta´s teammates who set up his goal, students develop their own personal learning network which makes language learning fun and more enriching.

2. Ball Control - In its wins, Spain dominated control of the soccer ball and thus controlled the pace and tempo of the game. So language learners must do the same!

The student is in control of his or her language destiny. If a class level is not adequate (or an instructor), the student needs to ask for a change. Students can negotiate with his or her teacher the content of a private class, a bonus for both student and instructor. Teachers should encourage autonomous learning among students because the entire language learning process ideally centers around the pupil, not the school or instructor.


3. Discipline -The Spanish team was very disciplined and the breakdown by Holland resulted in an ousted player and resulted in a goal for Spain. So language learners must be disciplined in their studies. The time invested in their studies, classes, and homework will pay off in the long run!

In sum...
Sports can teach a lot about life. A triumph over obstacles is possible with a good game plan and the ability and skills to execute it. The same goes for language learners. Here´s to you scoring your language goals!
*** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please call Professor Winn at 6135-9024 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

4 World Cup Champ Lessons for Language Learners

Spain´s soccer team, La Roja, (The Red), topped Holland 1-0 to win the 2010 World Cup yesterday.

La Roja exuded 4 key qualities langauge learners need to score their own goals.

1. Confidence - The Spaniards seemed to never doubt their ability to win. Language learners must be confident in their ability to use their chosen language. Study, practice, and hard work are required. While a teacher can help a student, the teacher will not be there when the learner needs to communicate to give a presentation, order a sumptuous meal, or simply find a restroom.

2. Patience - Spain´s team played patiently instead of going for a quick score. Competent language learners are not made overnight. Students must invest time in exploring the culture, people, language, and other non-linguistic aspects to fully understand their chosen language.

3. Consistency -World Cup Champ Spain faced each team with consistent formula for success. Successful language learners are consistent in their practices from reviewing on a daily basis their notes, doing exercises assigned by teachers, and participating actively in class.

4. Persistence - The Spanish team lost its first game against Switzerland. As often in life, it is not where you start, but where you finish. The team did not quit after a bad day. It pushed forward to the next games. Language learning is not a linear progression, either. Some days are better than others. However, winners always find a way to win. The one down day at the start is now a distant memory.

The Final Score
Languages are full of surprises for learners, but a concerted effort applying confidence and patience in a consistent and persistent manner is a winning combination as evidenced by the new world soccer champion, Spain.
 *** If you are in São Paulo and need English lessons, or Elite English Services including translations (Spanish/French/Portuguese to English), please call Professor Winn at 11-6135-9024 or send an email to mrenglish101@gmail.com for a prompt evaluation. Buy your English-language texts today!

World Cup Lingua Franca ? English!

How do all the referees keep the players and coaches in check as the teams play their hearts out to reach the final next month?

When the world´s best come together to compete in soccer´s "super bowl," what langauge is used?

They use the world language - English - as explained in a column by Soo Ewe Jin in the Malyasian Star online.