How To Learn A Foreign Language

The rhythmic series adopts several principles that make languages easy to understand, and even easier to store in your long-term memory. (Double) click on the "Play" button below to listen to a sample track, and then you can compare for yourself the content of the demo recording, with the principles outlined here.

1. Word groups: The songs focus on essential word groups that often appear together, rather than individual words. In this way you get exposure to logical language groups that you will most frequently meet in the real world.

2. Music & Rhythm has been used for thousands of years to support memory and learning. When information is presented with music, your brain goes into a relaxed and receptive state. Scientific research into accelerated learning has shown a 20-50% increase in the number of words remembered when they are introduced using music and rhythm.

3. Memory Hooks: If you’ve ever remembered something because it was funny or ridiculous you’ll know what a “memory hook” is. In the albums we created “memory hooks” to link the target language sounds to things you already know in English. We've created memory hooks for over 60% of the content of the albums. You can find these in the bonus program. Have a listen and see how well these hooks help you move the new words into long-term memory.

4. Starting with what you know: If you’re hearing a foreign for the first time, without knowing what it means, this can be frustrating. That’s why all the materials in the albums are presented with English first. First you’ll hear English, then you’ll hear the target language. So, rather than trying to guess what the foreign sounds might mean, you simply relax into noticing how the target language is put together to communicate the meaning you’ve already mastered.

5. Foreign Language Logic: The word order, the grammar, and components in foreign languages are different to that of English. To help you understand this logic, we often present the initial English phrases to you using that same logic. The phrases may seem strange in English, but you very quickly see how words are strung together to make meaning in the target language. In this way you pick up foreign language rules with minimal effort.

6. Rational Overview: As an adult learner you probably also want some rational ideas of how Mandarin is put together. These are included in the bonus material. We also give tips and hints that help you avoid the most common mistakes that new learners of Mandarin tend to make. You won’t waste time stumbling around trying to work things out.