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9 Steps to Fluent Jargon - Tackling Specialized Vocabulary In Your New Language
by Nathalie Fairbanks
The most common reasons for reading non-fiction in a new
language are either to research a topic that fascinates
you, or to learn about something you need for your work.
Whatever your motivation to read is, be sure to pick a
topic that you are familiar with in your native language.
The worst you can do is to learn about something completely
new while you're trying to learn a new language.
This happened to me when I had to learn English credit and
banking terminology. Although I had a general finance
background in German, I had no banking experience. Here I
was, my head spinning from all the terms and expressions
that all had a very specific meaning--and I wasn't supposed
to mix them up! The fact that I really wasn't interested
didn't help matters...
If the concepts are already clear in your head, it's only
a matter of substituting the vocabulary in the new
language for the words you already know and use daily.
Now that you've chosen a topic, follow me as I'm trying
to learn more about "language learning" in Spanish.
1. Find the corresponding term for a common vocabulary word
in your field of interest - I picked "aprender lengua" -
"learn language."
2. Do an internet search on the term--google it! (Or use
another search engine you like.)
I first went to http://www.google.es (Google for Spain),
but then decided to go to the Peruvian Google, which is
http://www.google.com.pe
If you don't know what Google in a particular country is,
just search for "Google country," in my case, "Google
Peru."
3. The search term brought up links to a number of articles
about language learning. I sorted through them to decide
which ones looked relevant, and picked five to work on.
Go ahead and do the same.
4. In your articles, you'll find two categories of
vocabulary: 1. "regular," everyday language that can be
applied to any topic, 2. "specialized," or jargon,
that's part of the topic you're learning about.
5. Speed-read through your articles, just to get the gist
of what they're saying. Sort them by how difficult they
seem to you.
6. Start with the one that looks easiest and find the terms
that occur repeatedly. Look them up in a dictionary and
keep track of them, either in a notebook, or better even,
in an electronic file where you'll be able to find them
faster. You can always print it if you like taking it with
you to review while you're out and about.
7. Now that you've got a handle on these terms, re-read
the article and see if you understand the main points.
8. Move to the next article. You'll find it somewhat
easier to follow, as you have acquired some of the main
vocabulary. Look up the words that stand in the way of
understanding and re-read.
9. Go back to the first article. Chances are that you
understand that one better, too, as you probably found some
overlap of vocabulary.
Continue in the same way with all the articles, until you
understand what each of them says.
What percentage of words do you need to understand in order
to make it through a given article? It depends on what your
purpose is. Is the topic you're researching a pastime? Do
you read to gather information that you'll later need to
make an important decision? Does every nuance count, such
as in a legal document, or on technical instructions?
You'd think that for the latter examples, close to 100% is
just about right, whereas for a hobby, you'd have more
leeway.
The advantage you have when you do this on your own is that
you not only get to pick a topic that you're familiar
with, but one that's interesting to you. I can't
emphasize this enough - there is no point in trying to
decipher an article that is irrelevant to your life and
that bores you to tears.
© 2008 Nathalie V. Fairbanks
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You may, as long as you include this blurb with it: SpeakEZ Languages publishes "Language Learning Express," a free bi-weekly e-zine for language learners who are eager to discover the secrets of efficient language learning, transition seamlessly into a new culture and have fun on the way. Get your FREE subscription and your FREE e-book now at http://www.SpeakEZLanguages.com.
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