The language learning diet

It was great to see so many people at The Language Show this year. It never ceases to amaze me how determined and optimistic language learners are. Language learners, like dieters, are a publisher's dream. They are always in search of the method that works for them. Whereas whilst dieters are looking for loss, the learners are looking for gain. And gain that sticks, not drops away immediately.

My seminar on subliminal learning was jam packed. I hadn't realised that there would be so much interest. But with lives so busy, people are looking to utilise their sleep time. Inevitably the question 'Does it work?' came up. My response is now standard 'Did it work at school?'

Which means that no method is fullproof, it's an additional tool in the language learner's toolbox. Basics must include:

• repetition - the mastery of a skill so that you can use it automatically.
  
• revision - going over what you have learned to increase understanding
• practice - practise what you have repeated and revised

If you have these three, why not try anything else on offer. As long as you like it, then it can't be bad.