Re: Texts shaping language

Irina Rempt <ira@...> wrote:
> I *do* write original texts, and they shape the language the way it =
wants to go

I have definitely found that many uses of Aluric, including translating =
texts, writing original texts, and trying to talk to myself primarily or =
exclusively in the language, all have helped both to reveal its many =
aspects and to increase the richness of the vocabulary.  Also, it helps =
me to see Aluric as a living, working language rather than something =
that exists only in theory.  I have also very much noticed that many =
times the language goes the way it wants to, resisting any attempts on =
my part to shape it.  And, the more I use and know the language, the =
more it has a life and direction of its own.

And Pablo Flores wrote:
>I find it difficult trying to write original texts
>(I mean, without thinking them in my own language
>first). I'm terrible at memorizing words, and I have
>to consult my dictionary constantly, but I'm sure that's
>not it -- I guess I think too much about details and
>that slows me down.

I used to find this really difficult, but I've been working a LOT on =
learning the vocabulary, writing my journal in Aluric, translating =
passages of the Bible, pamphlets, advertising, and even newspaper =
articles, making notes during meetings at work, and the all important =
"talking to myself" which is something I like to do while walking out in =
the woods (less people to think I am completely out of my mind! ;-)  All =
of these have helped me to learn more of the language.

I have also done things like developed reports in Microsoft Access that =
allow me to print the entire vocabulary in an English-Aluric and =
Aluric-English format in *VERY* small type so it fits on a minimum =
number of pages and is carryable (useful for those woodland sessions).  =
I have also printed study sheets this same way.

Plus, I wrote up a Visual Basic program at one point that would do a =
multiple choice quiz, either Aluric-English or English-Aluric, so I =
could practice. Although I haven't used the quiz program to its full =
potential, it does help quite a bit.

I never did try flash cards, but I did think about them quite a bit and =
I think they could be useful too.  Anything that gets you *using* the =
language I think is bound to help you begin to *think* in the language.

Just my two cents...

Tony Harris
Community College of Vermont
tony.harris@ccvtest.ccv.vsc.edu