Laddering for Language Learning
By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft
If you are a language learner, you know that mastering one language can be difficult enough. However, if you have your sights set on mastering multiple languages – laddering is an effective technique to make learning multiple languages easier and more efficient.
In this blog post, we will explore what laddering is and how it can be used to help you learn multiple languages.
What Is Laddering?
Laddering refers to a technique in which two or more related concepts are used together to form a “ladder” of knowledge. The idea is that each concept builds off the previous one, making it easier for learners to understand and remember new material. It’s similar to scaffolding in that it makes difficult concepts easier by providing a framework for understanding them.
Leadership expert Warren Bennis described laddering as follows: “The ladder of knowledge is built on two rungs at a time – first one kind of knowledge, then its application…In the end, when all the rungs have been ascended and descended, the individual knows not only what he or she knows but also what works.” In other words, it helps learners understand not just what they know but also how they can use their knowledge.
Using Laddering for Language Learning
When it comes to language learning, laddering is an incredibly powerful tool.
This innovative technique involves building upon a base language other than your native tongue, giving you a unique perspective on each new language you learn.
Picture this: you’re a French speaker who’s pretty skilled in Spanish, but now you want to conquer Italian. Sounds simple, right? Well, here’s where it gets interesting: with the laddering technique, you’ll actually use your Spanish skills to climb up the ladder to Italian, rather than relying on your native French tongue. It’s all about referencing Spanish words to pick up Italian, and trust us, it’s a game changer. As a bonus it makes you better at thinking in Spanish also.
Benefits of laddering
It enhances your fluency
Not only does this technique help you practice your new target language, but it also gives your original language skills a boost.
It enhances your fluency in your target language AND the language you already speak by flexing those mental muscles. It’s like a workout for your brain, improving your vocabulary and grammar skills while honing your ability to think in the language you are laddering from.
You learn to pay more attention to details.
By learning a new language that is related to one you already know, such as Italian from Spanish, you can improve your attention to detail and pick up on nuances you may have missed before. You’ll notice every accent and spelling variation.
Laddering helps you clarify concepts
With laddering you sometimes gain clarity about certain concepts that would be more difficult to understand in your target language. For example the concept of masculine and feminine nouns is difficult to grasp for an English speaker. And using again the example of laddering from Spanish to Italian, both languages have the masculine and feminine forms.
How to use the laddering technique
Investigate how each target language relates
Take time to really get to know how each target language relates to one another. This can make it all the more easier. It’s like having a secret cheat sheet that only you know about.
Whether they’re from the same language family or not, taking the time to understand the subtle differences can make a big difference in your language learning journey.
It’s all about paying attention to the tiny details that can often get overlooked. So, don’t let those pesky nuances trip you up, embrace them! Once you do, you’ll be on your way to becoming a language master in no time.
Strategize your language learning game plan
Once you’ve determined how your target languages are related to each other, you’ll feel a sense of relief. It’s like finding the missing piece to a puzzle.
Now, putting them in an order that works for you can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, you can approach this in different ways. You can either go systematic and group them by language families, or if you’re feeling bold, go based on how urgently you’d like to learn them.
Regardless of which method you choose, remember that language learning is an exciting and rewarding journey. So, grab a tea or coffee, sit back, and start strategising your language learning game plan.
Polyglots do this.
When using the laddering technique to learn languages, it’s important to know when to make the jump to the next level. Setting a specific goal for fluency beforehand can help you determine when you’ve reached that point.
Keep in mind that this goal will vary depending on your personal language learning goals. So, take a deep breath and trust your instincts. You’ll know when it’s time to move on to the next language.
Conclusion
All in all, laddering is an effective way to learn multiple languages simultaneously without feeling overwhelmed by either one of them.
Learning multiple languages can seem daunting at first – especially if you don’t know where to start. But with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be so intimidating!