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Just occasionally, you get the chance to meet one of your heroes. Over a decade ago, the author of this blog used Tony Buzan’s accelerated learning techniques to amaze his A level teachers and get into his first choice university. Last year, at the launch of the Join Martin language learning challenge, I got the chance to interview learning expert and world famous author, Tony Buzan about language learning and the launch of his new Collins Language Revolution product range.
How did you come up with the idea of combining Mind-Maps with language learning?
The Collins Language Revolution product range was created as a result of a giant Mind-Map. Many people have come up to me during my lecture tours and told me that they can’t learn a language. The irony is that, in order to tell me that, they first had to learn a language. It was during the lecture tours that people started asking me how to apply Mind-Maps to language learning and, when Collins approached me about launching a product range, the idea blossomed.
We started with French, Spanish and Italian editions, as these are the most requested languages. Beginner level editions have been released first but intermediate and advanced versions will follow soon. In time, we’ll be expanding the range to feature: German, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic and Portuguese. Learning a language isn’t just about learning what to say when you go on holiday. It gives you the opportunity to meet the multi-linguists in your neighbourhood and the Collins Language Revolution range will give you all the tools you need to get started.
When learning a language, is it best to start young?
Yes. After all, a baby is the best language learner on the planet. But the truth is: anyone can learn a language. I’m over 60 and I’m still learning. The essence of the product range is that anyone can do it. Why would evolution design a brain that stopped learning languages; that stopped learning to communicate with people? The only thing that stops some people is: atrophy. They’ve got out of the habit of learning. The good news is: the Collins Language Revolution range makes language learning easy and gives you the tools you need to learn anything and improve your knowledge.
What are your thoughts on language learning in schools?
Teachers have, in my opinion, been asked to teach languages the wrong way round. They’ve been asked to follow the traditional approach to language learning. That approach starts off with ‘key words’. What follows next is: ‘connections’ and then it’s on to ‘associations’ and ‘complex grammar’. The worst part is: making mistakes is classed as a: ‘bad thing’. People become frightened of making even the smallest errors and this tends to create stress in the learning environment.
You’ve got to learn to laugh at yourself when you’re learning a language. We all make mistakes. I make mistakes. Whilst learning Spanish, I had difficulty in rolling my r’s for a while but that didn’t stop me learning. In the Collins Language Revolution approach, we want you to make mistakes.
If you step outside the classroom and chat to people in the language you’re learning, it’s fun and a good idea to make mistakes. People don’t speak in perfect grammar. Making mistakes and laughing about it shows that you are strong enough mentally to have a sense of humour about yourself. If you go to a foreign country and want to chat-up or flirt with someone who speaks the language you’re learning, you’re bound to make mistakes and that’s ok. So long as you have a sense of humour about it. Remember: humour is the most seductive thing in the world.
Learning a language is no longer compulsory for children in UK schools once they reach the GCSE option stage. What are your views on this?
Language learning should be a significantly important part of any modern education system. It just shouldn’t be a stressful experience. The traditional approach has focused on things going wrong and this has led to pressure and stress amongst pupils. If you were to write a two thousand word essay and make only a few spelling errors, you’d probably get the essay back after marking and discover the words: “spelling errors” written all over it. A much more encouraging response from the essay marker would be: “Spellings: 1980 out of 2000. Well done. Great achievement. Here’s how to correct those errors”. Language learning should be a positive experience.
Could you tell me more about the online support available for users of the Collins Language Revolution range?
Yes. Some language learning products cut the learner adrift. You’re given the product and expected to go off and learn on your own. The online support for the Language Revolution range creates a sort of Mind-Map family. A learning club. People can chat to one another about language learning, chat to each other in the language they are learning, discuss accelerated learning, practice their learning skills, get product support and, if they wish to, develop friendships with fellow learners. The product range will evolve as a result of the feedback we get from the online support area and forum. Purchase the product and head to www.collinslanguagerevolution.com for more information.
Is the Language Revolutions range suitable for business travellers?
Yes. After all, I am a businessman and I travel. The learner gets the tools they need to demonstrate their grasp of the language and their intelligence. The Language Revolution range gives the business traveller all they need to chat in the language they’re learning, ask questions, order in a restaurant or hotel, book tickets and so much more.
Finally, do you have any advice for me whilst I’m on my language learning challenge?
Yes. Learn one language at a time. If you’ve got into the rhythm of Spanish and you suddenly whip over into French, your brain will take time to move modalities. Have a sense of humour about yourself, enjoy making mistakes and you’ll be sure to get the most out of the learning experience. Good luck with it.
Buy Collins Language Revolution Products Here!
Visit Tony Buzan’s website: www.buzanworld.com
Mind-Map is a registered trademark.
He’s Coming… One of the first people to wish me good luck on my language learning challenge was author and learning expert, Tony Buzan.
Interviewing Tony was an amazing experience. Way back in 2000, I astonished my A Level teachers by achieving much higher grades than they had predicted and getting into my first choice university. Do my achievements belong to Tony as I used his techniques and ideas? No. The achievements are my own. I used techniques and ideas but I sat the exam and I am responsible for my learning. There really is no quick fix in this life and some things work better for some people than others. But Tony’s approach to learning is refreshing, exciting and energising and I know that his techniques and ideas helped me learn so much.
If you’re not willing to invest in your learning then you’re not willing to invest in yourself and you won’t get much out of the experience of learning. But if you are willing to put in the time and the effort then Tony’s techniques, ideas and products will help you. You have to decide what you want to get out of your learning experience and you have to decide what you use to enhance your learning experience. It is, after all, your mind. But please keep an open, educated, informed mind about things because there are so many good things out there than can help you achieve a great deal. They help, you achieve.
For various reasons (not least the insect infestations, the horror of living where I lived last year and the fact that I had to move house in a hurry), I have not published my interview with Tony Buzan but that interview will be published on this blog soon as part of the “Marty Meets” interview series. Stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled.
He may look like Lurch from The Adam’s Family (that or the second in command vampire in the first episode of Buffy Season 1) but I am beginning to quite like Garou’s music and it’s always nice to have a song to cheer things up. To make this about language learning, go on line and search for the English version of the lyrics of this song. Otherwise, just enjoy the music.
Note: A basic understanding of French and/or at least a couple of French lessons should be gained/experienced before viewing this video.
