Introduction  |   Section 1  |  Section 2  |   Section 3   |  Dictionaries

Part A |   Part B  |  Part C  | Part D | Part E

Section Three, Part C

Let's talk about languages

This course is designed with the person who has never taken a foreign language course in mind. We have begun at the beginning! It may not always seem that way to you, right? In fact, there may have already been times that you have been tempted to use a dictionary to do your assignments...or you may have been tempted to even look online for an online translator to simply type in your work in English and have it give you the responses in German.

So, let's talk about languages. All languages have their own personalities and they were invented by people, not computers. This means that language is not an "exact science" kind of a class. Yes, there are right and wrong answers to the work you do in a language, but languages do not simply translate from one language to another, word-for-word, as you might think. If you attempt to do your activities in this class in that way, your teacher will know right away! Online translators, dictionaries and native speakers will use structures and vocabulary that you are not learning. This course is created with the focus in mind that we intend for the learner to learn what is being taught. Your teacher has the expectation that you will not use dictionaries (outside of the course dictionary), online translators or native speakers to assist you in doing your work for this course.

And, if you get to the point where you think that it is impossible to learn a second language, read something interesting about English! It isn't always logical either.

Practice Your Pronunciation
How do you think your German pronunciation is coming along? It may still seem difficult, but your teacher will give you some pointers if you are having problems. Some activities you can do to practice pronunciation in German all of the time are to listen to TV or radio in German; look for (or ask your teacher for recommendations) of popular music singers in German and listen to their music; find a native speaker in your area and practice what you know with them. Most of the time, native speakers are very happy to see us learn their language.

Volkslied (Folksong)
Another way to help your pronunciation skills is to memorize a song! A B C, die Katze lief im Schnee is a well known German folk song. You can see the meanings below. Click on the title to hear the song. You will be asked to record it and send it to us, either spoken or sung—that is up to you!

A B C, die Katze lief im Schnee

Once you feel that you have listened to the song enough, record yourself either singing (or just speaking) the chorus. This is worth 16 points.

Vokabeln Übungen

Here are the games you played earlier. Try them again to help learn all the vocabulary from this unit.

Go on to Part D!