The inlingua Method
The inlingua Method takes a unique approach to language training. Unlike traditional, less effective ways of language training, this highly effective method is designed to instill in our clients the ability to communicate in the target language as quickly and effectively as possible. The inlingua Method emphasizes the communication skills necessary for practical social and business situations.
Training takes place in the target language: from the very first class, you are taught in the target language only. The inlingua Method encourages you to actually think in the language you are studying rather than translate from your native language. Time spent translating reduces the time available for practicing your new language and interferes with your efforts to think in the new language.
Learning hands on: Because speaking is the quickest route to fluency, the inlingua Method emphasizes not only understanding the target language, but also speaking it. For this reason, classes are structured so that you will speak at least 70% of the time, while assimilating all the grammatical structures and vocabulary you need to function successfully in your new language.
Asking questions: You are invited to ask questions. This allows you to manipulate the structures of your new language, to experiment, and to be creative.
Learning by example rather than by explanation: Knowing how to drive a car does not require knowing how the engine works. Similarly, knowing how a language works is not the same as being able to speak it. At inlingua, we believe that using examples is the best way to communicate the rules of grammar. Because many students subconsciously "tune out" when learning grammatical rules, our language trainers limit theoretical explanations and keep grammatical analysis to a minimum.
The right atmosphere for adult learning: We believe that our clients learn best when they are motivated, interested, and happy. That is why we custom tailor each course to accommodate the individual needs and circumstances of each student.
inlingua Materials
All inlingua language courses take advantage of our own multi-media language learning materials. Unlike traditional “grammar books,” inlingua course materials use the inlingua Method to complement the language skills learned and practiced in the classroom to enhance all four skill areas (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The inlingua course materials, which include a student book, exercise workbook, listening compact disc, and interactive computer software, are designed to be used primarily outside of the classroom in order to effectively extend the time students spend using and interacting in the target language.
The inlingua course materials present the structures and vocabulary of the target language in a natural way by using interesting and relevant examples instead of complicated, theoretical grammatical explanations that are of little practical value. And because all inlingua course materials focus on realistic language use and the development of highly practical language skills, they can dramatically increase the rate at which our clients progress toward fluency in the target language.