KAMMS World Wide Blog

It seems that many people are realizing the benefits of learning a second language, like obtaining a better job, getting a promotion, communicating well with co-workers, customers or neighbors, etc.

But recently, I thought about the many people that tell me all of the reasons that they should not learn a new language. I’ve heard it all: I can’t learn languages. I’m no good at it. I failed that class in high school. Why should I have to learn? I tried, but it’s too hard. I get bored. I don’t need to know another language. And so on…

I’d like to ask these people: If learning languages was completely “easy” would they feel the same way? Probably not. It seems those antiquated foreign language classes in high school and the old school techniques used in most self-paced language programs has put a sour taste on learning a new language.

It’s going to take some undoing, but KAMMS plans to help change the bum rap language learning has earned. People need to understand it’s like anything else; it’s all about how you learn. Just like when you had a bad teacher in school. If they don’t know how to teach, it makes for a bad experience and you don’t want to go to class.

I always go for the simplest, easiest and most direct way to do something. That’s the way people can learn a second language too. I don’t want to digress to a shameless plug for KAMMS, but I don’t want to leave you hanging either. So how can it be easy? Well, that’s the way KAMMS‘ Spanish and English on the Job programs are designed. It can be so easy!

I wish you great success! Stacey Kammerman CEO KAMMS

If you have any ideas about how to change the perception about language learning to show people it is easy and fun, please comment below.

KAMMS’ Language Learning Collection (Spanish on the Job and English on the Job) now available through our new global partner, Franklin Electronics Publishers, Inc. KAMMS joins Franklin’s other distinguished content providers such as: Merriam-Webster, Oxford University Press, Bertelsmann, EncyclopediaBritannica, HarperCollins, Larousse, Langenscheidt, The Princeton Review. Check it out at this link! http://www.franklin.com/handhelds/language_learning/kamms/

Basically, there are two ways we experience language: input and output. “Input” is what we take “in”, i.e. reading and listening. “Output” is what we put “out”. For example speaking and writing. Input is the most effective way to learn (internalize) a new language. When you are first learning a new language, concentrate on listening and reading everything possible in the target language. Once you feel confident that you have internalized the new vocabulary, then start to use “output” and speak and write what you have learned.

For more tips like these visit our newsletters page at: http://www.kammsworldwide.com/newsletters.php

Over 500 million people in the world speak Spanish. It is in the top four most common languages spoken on the planet, along with Mandarin Chinese, English, and Hindustani. In the U.S., over 45 million people speak Spanish and over 6 million more are learning it. There are more Spanish speakers in the U.S. than speakers of Chinese, French, Hawaiian, and the Native American languages combined. We are the second-largest Spanish-speaking community in the world, only following Mexico. Chances are very good that you work with or come into contact with Spanish-speakers every day. Wouldn’t it be great to communicate with them? You don’t have to be completely bilingual to do it. Here’s a little secret: most Spanish-speakers in the U.S. know some English. About fifty percent of Spanish-speakers report that they speak English well, but many more know a little English. If the Spanish-speakers you’re meeting aren’t talking to you in the English they know, there could be a simple reason. It’s possibly because of a language theory called: Language Ego, originally defined by Guiora in 1981.

The general idea of the Language Ego theory is that we feel we have a different personality when we speak in a different language. We also feel less confident speaking in our second language. This is the reason most people prefer to speak in their first language. They’re afraid they will look stupid or will say the wrong thing. The reality is that when someone tries to speak in a second language the listener is usually very patient and thrilled that they are trying to communicate. They’re not concerned at all if it comes out perfectly.

So what can we do about this conundrum? It’s really quite easy; we can speak a little Spanish. It’s like offering an olive branch to a Spanish-speaker. You’re saying: I want to communicate with you and I’m willing to use the limited Spanish I learned to make a connection with you. You’ll be amazed how this will break the ice. You’ll instantly put the other person at ease to speak English with you. Then, before you know it, you’re speaking a little Spanish and they’re speaking a little English. The flood gates of communication will be open!

It really is that simple. People complicate the issue by trying to instantly become fluent in a second language. They try the time-consuming and boring language learning programs that teach the entire language with grammar lessons. Those are great for people with the time to dedicate months and years to learning Spanish. For the majority, this is too difficult and they give up quickly. The key is to start communicating with short and simple phrases. It’s like anything else, the more you do it the more you’ll learn.

You don’t have to become fluent to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking neighbors, customers, co-workers, etc. All you have to do is learn some common Spanish phrases that apply to the situation and voila-you’re communicating. Why not start today? Next time you meet a Spanish-speaker say: Mucho gusto. (moo-chō goo-stō) It means: It’s a pleasure to meet you. Go out there an offer a Spanish olive branch!

If you want to learn more common phrases for specific jobs and situations, check out www.spanishonthejob.com

It’s all about communication! We humans just want to understand each other. No matter what language we speak, the goal is always the same: communication. It seems that most language learning companies forget this simple premise.The majority of companies out there, like Rosetta Stone and Berlitz have this silly idea that the general public wants to learn the entire language and all the boring grammar rules that go along with it. The truth is that less than 4% of the population enjoys learning a language in this way. The result is that most give up or don’t even try.It just seems so simple to teach people what they need to communicate and nothing more (unless they’re part of the 4% mentioned above). If you agree, please help us spread the word that learning a language CAN be easy and fun!

KAMMS’ programs don’t bog people down with useless vocabulary or boring grammar. You learn what you need to communicate ~ and that’s all!

Please give us your feedback or questions in the comment section below. We will promptly reply. Thanks!

Research shows that knowledge of other languages boosts our understanding of languages in general and enables us to use our native language more effectively. Second language learners have stronger vocabulary skills, a better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general. People who learn a second language also gain enhanced listening skills and memory abilities. They show greater ability in areas such as creativity, and higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and reasoning.Additionally, learning another language exposes you to unfamiliar cultural ideas, so you’ll be much better equipped to adapt and cope in a fast-changing world. You’ll learn to effectively handle new situations and it will improve your ability to understand and communicate with people from different walks of life.

If you have children, you can help them learn a second language too. Children who have studied a language at the elementary level score higher on tests in reading, language arts, and math. By you learning another language, you can help your children improve their lives as well!

 Please send us your feedback or questions in the comment section below. We will promptly reply. Thanks!

Check out our sites: www.spanishonthejob.com and www.ingleseneltrabajo.com for the most affordable, convenient and effective audio, video and workbook programs.

Whether you’re traveling for vacation or work; you’ll be able to get around more easily and communicate with people wherever you go. In most countries, people will appreciate your attempts to use their language. You will be able to communicate more completely and have a deeper, more satisfying travel experience.

Being able to communicate in the native language allows you to fully participate in day-to-day life, understand the culture and communicate with the people. When you know the language, you have the comfort of being able to successfully navigate all sorts of situations, like ordering meals in restaurants, asking for and understanding directions, finding accommodations, negotiating cheaper prices, meeting and talking with natives or asking for help. If you don’t know the language, it can be frustrating and downright dangerous. Who knows, maybe knowing a second language will even save your life someday!

Please give us your feedback or questions in the comment section. We will promptly reply. Thanks!

Check out our Spanish on the Job www.spanishonthejob.com or English on the Job www.englishonthejob.net titles today!

Learn another language and you will improve your chances of getting any job in the US today (especially knowing Spanish).If you want a good job you need to know a second language! If you already have a good job, you better start learning one before you possibly lose it!Learning another language will allow you to write “excellent knowledge of (fill in the second language you speak)” on your résumé. Knowing another language is essential for many jobs. You’ll be able to communicate with customers, employees, co-workers, vendors and your supervisor. Knowing a second language will give you that something special that stands out on a résumé.Additionally, all else being equal on resumes, knowing more than one language gives you an edge over monolingual applicants competing for the same job. You’ll have an asset that employers are looking for.Knowing another language also makes you indispensable at work and because of this, you may be able to command a greater salary. You will be the one who interprets for your co-workers, customers and supervisors. You’ll be crucial to the successful daily operations at work. You’ll have an asset the boss won’t want to do without! This creates great job security for you!You could even become a world-class business person.  Many businesses today are international. So if you want to do well in business, you have to know another language — to contact businesspeople, meet them at conferences, read international business newspapers and magazines.One of the most important benefits to knowing another language is simply improving communication at work; you’ll be able speak with your clients, customers, employees or co-workers. Plus if everyone at your job can communicate well with each other, you’ll be more productive and possibly even safer if everyone can understand each other clearly. Besides it being essential to speak another language at work- it’s just plain fun to communicate with someone in their language!As far as excelling in your career and making more money: Knowing another language is simply the best way to increase your chances of obtaining your dream job and earning more money. And this could give you and your family a better life!  Please give us feedback or questions in the comment section below and we will reply promptly. Thanks!Check out our Spanish on the Job and English on the Job audio, video and workbook programs.