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Outside this Website:

1. Join the Online Discussion Group "learn-Bemba" on Yahoo.

You are welcome to join if you are interested to talk to others that are either also learning the language, or native speakers, willing to help you with your questions. The site is brand new and be patient for new members to join.

Be curious, surf around to acquaint yourself with the reach of the development.

2. Broaden your horizon

Under the link GENERAL > LANGUAGE LINKS, you will find access to other resources that will be helpful.

 

Inside this Website

Step 1 – Do the Pronunciation

If you are a complete beginner, focus on pronunciation for at least a week -- that is if you spend about 15 minutes here per day. Systematically go through the SPECIFIC FOCUS, and concurrently listen to stories and fables etc. and see how well you do on your pronunciation. Be patient and pay attention to details. Doing so now will build a solid basis that will really pay off. Focus on mastery of each SPECIFIC FOCUS lesson in Pronunciation. Build your inner voice till you can trust your own judgment well. Then move on to the other sections.

It is of great value to be able to pronounce, even if you were not going to master the language. In and of itself, it is a worthwhile activity. Go over the pronunciation nodes more than once. Initially listen intently. Do not immediately jump to production. Sometimes being overly eager might cause you to ingrain incorrect pronunciation if it is built upon a premature perception of the sound. Guess what, perceptions are often shaky at the outset, and if you listen more in the beginning, you form a solid and accurate perception.

Once you have gone through the whole pronunciation unit at least twice, it is time to try your new skills with a native speaker. Take some original text to a native speaker and read to them. They will give you praise (hopefully) and point out some issues you need to work on some more. You can also possibly use Skype to talk to others via the Internet.

Step 2 – Vocabulary

The grammar follows a sequential progression. Do it one lesson at a time, and review old materials before you move on. Reviewing is vital – build it into your schedule. Some vocabulary lists tie directly to grammar lessons (e.g. Question words and the lesson of making questions). With these two domains in particular, the software will be of great use.

The vocabulary section will eventually be divided in a beginner and advanced section. Many interactive exercises will allow you to learn vocabulary. The downloadable copy of FLEXiTUTOR is much more advanced than the online version and allows you to learn in several ways.  It covers vocabulary and grammar thoroughly. If you are interested in getting this Windows-based software, send a message to the author by clicking on the FEEDBACK link at the bottom of the page.

Step 3 – Grammar

The grammar section if vital of course. These materials are not yet developed, and in time will be added to the Web site.

Step 4 – The Contextuary

After the Vocabulary and Grammar sections, the Contextuary will become a useful domain. Here you will engage in divergent activities to test your perceptions. Activities here include skills in conversation, writing, and listening. It contains words t hat English speakers often confuse. It also contains idioms, and sayings. Here will be a focus on communicative competencies.

Step 5 -- Culture

You can read the culture section any time. As you become more familiar with the language, you will want to ask questions, try out your language, and learn about the speakers, etc. When we come to this stage, we will seek for innovative opportunities to make this happen.

(If you find any errors, please click on the FEEDBACK link at the bottom of the screen to send me a message. Please copy the page's URL before clicking on the link and paste the URL in the message, and explain what is not working well.)