[originaltext]Baker: Since so many of you have asked me about how to learn a la

Baker: Since so many of you have asked me about how to learn a language, I thought that it might be useful to take some class time today to discuss it. Betty, you speak several languages, don’t you?
Betty: Yes, I speak Spanish and French.
Baker: And what helped you most in learning those languages?
Betty: What helped me most...Well, I studied both languages in high school, and I’m still studying Spanish here at the university, but I think that travel has probably been the most help to me. You see, I’ve been lucky in that I’ve lived in Europe. Believe me, I didn’t speak very well before I moved there.
Baker: Hi, Bill, what’s your opinion?
Bill: Betty’s fight. After studying a language, practice is very useful. When you live in a country where the language is spoken, it’s ideal. But, you know, sometimes it’s difficult to make friends in a new place, even when the people are very friendly.
Betty: Yes, I know what you mean, Bill. Especially if you don’t speak the language too well. I had some problems when I first moved to Europe.
Baker: And, of course, some people are shy.
Betty: That’s true.
Bill: Professor Baker, whether or not I’m living in a country where the language is spoken, I always go to the movies, and whenever I can, I watch TV or listen to the radio in the language I’m trying to learn.
Betty: Me, too. And reading is another good way to learn. Books are good, but I think that newspapers and magazines are even better.
Baker: Probably the best way to learn is to combine all of these ideas: traveling, talking with people, going to the movies, watching TV, listening to the radio, and reading books, newspapers and magazines. What do you think?
Betty: I agree, Professor Baker.
Bill: So do I. But I don’t believe that it’s possible to take advantage of practice opportunities without some knowledge of the language first.
Betty: Sure. First it’s a good idea to study grammar, vocabulary...
Bill: ...and listening, perhaps even reading.
Betty: Then practice is very, very helpful.