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- Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
- Path: sparky!uunet!uvaarpa!darwin.sura.net!paladin.american.edu!auvm!VMD.CSO.UIUC.EDU!FREE1316
- Message-ID: <SLART-L%93012711272376@PSUVM.PSU.EDU>
- Newsgroups: bit.listserv.slart-l
- Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 10:05:55 CST
- Sender: SLA Research and Teaching <SLART-L@PSUVM.BITNET>
- From: Diana Arya <FREE1316@VMD.CSO.UIUC.EDU>
- Subject: Going Abroad
- Lines: 14
-
- This is in reply to the man who believes that going on a trip and
- getting the language from the environment is far more valuable than
- going and getting the language from a classroom situation. It is
- true that being out in the foreign environment is a richer experience than
- any classroom teaching, but if I had decided to do this in China, my
- trip would have been a disaster. I strongly believe that some sort of
- prep class (a class to inform you on the most important colloquial expressions
- and the most common responses as well as some very important words) is
- essential in China. Those who want to experience the "real China,"
- as opposed to the China that one can see from a Western tour bus,go through
- some form of language training as soon as they arrive. This seems to be
- an accepted practice for Australians. The more language one knows
- before travelling can only make the trip a more pleasant experience. It
- also creates an immediate bond between you and the locals. Food for thought.
-