Stop Memorizing, Start Speaking: A Better Way to Learn Languages

Ever spent countless hours memorizing vocabulary only to freeze up in real conversations? Incorporating Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) methods into your studying might be perfect for you.

What is CLT?

Traditionally, new languages have been taught in classrooms by focusing on building grammatical skills and expanding the vocabulary of students through repetition. We can see how this has influenced modern day language learners who grind Anki flash cards endlessly in an effort to reach fluency.

In a response to traditional language learning methods, CLT was created to emphasize interaction, with the goal being the ability to communicate in the language being learned. The CLT methods are used in a classroom setting where a teacher acts as a facilitator for student-student interactions. These interactions utilize cooperative learning strategies through activities like role-playing or collaborative problem solving tasks.

Advantages of CLT

There are a few different advantages to using CLT over other language learning methods:

• Many students are learning a new language with the goal of fluent communication which aligns well with the objective of CLT
• Students become more engaged due to the grounding of activities in everyday situations through role-play or problem solving tasks
• CLT exercises are highly variable and incorporate elements of creativity compared to grammar or vocab memorization

Challenges of using CLT

Adding CLT methods into your language practice can be difficult. Some people may find it hard to find a partner with a similar level of ability, and an interest in participating in this non-traditional approach to language learning.

Additionally, creating effective exercises can be time consuming, the CLT approach works best when the activities assure positive interdependence, individual accountability, and appropriate uses of teamwork and interpersonal skills. For language learners who are worried about making mistakes in front of their learning partner, it can also be difficult to speak up or engage in the activities.

Applying CLT methods

It can be tough to start applying this as part of your studying. Here are 5 tips to help you start implementing the CLT methods aka the Communicative Approach in your language learning:

1. Find a partner learning the same language with a similar level of ability
2. Decide on a cadence for meeting regularly to practice together
3. Prepare a variety of communicative activities
4. Focus on fluency over accuracy or correctness of grammar
5. Try different apps or tools that help you create or facilitate CLT activities. For example, the Lingocat AI Language Tutor app is built to facilitate CLT exercises such as Role Play, Opinion Discussion, or Information Sharing.

Example exercises

If you want to get started with CLT, here are a few exercises you can try with a partner:

Interviews

This is a great way to get started with CLT as a beginner, as you become more advanced in a language the conversations should be less structured or predictable. The goal of the interview exercise is to improve the participants interpersonal skills in the language they are learning

1. Before you start create a list of 5 questions that you would ask if you wanted to get to know someone better, some examples:
   • What do you like to do in your spare time?
   • Do you play or watch any sports? Which ones, and why?
   • What’s your typical morning routine?
   • What is one of your favorite foods?
   • What do you like to do when you visit a new place?
2. Take turns with your partner asking and answering the questions on the list

Opinion sharing

The goal of this exercises is to practice conversational skills by encouraging participants to talk about a topic they’re interested in. This can range from discussing hobbies to popular culture.

1. With a partner write down 2-3 topics each and don’t show each other. Some examples could be tipping culture, Luigi Mangione, or marathon running.
2. Shuffle the topics and randomly pick one to start the exercise. You and your partner should spend a few minutes thinking about their opinions on the topic.
3. You and your partner can take turns sharing your opinion on the topic. When you’ve both shared your thoughts, try randomly picking another one.

Role-play

The goal of this exercise is to improve you communicative skills in common everyday situations, like ordering at a restaurant, or asking for directions.

1. Before you start prepare 3-5 scenes (ex: on the subway, in a clothing store, etc), and 3-5 conversation goals (ex: asking where to find a certain clothing item, asking for directions to a landmark, etc)
2. Take turns acting as the speaker (initiator), to start the exercise the speaker picks a scene and conversation goal and starts a conversation with the other participant
3. After 3 minutes end the conversation and switch who is the speaker

Sources

• Cambridge University Press
• Wikipedia
• University of Louisiana Monroe
• Sanako
• What is ELT
• Photo by Art Institute of Chicago on Unsplash