閱讀暖身
如何學習外語到「口若懸河」的地步？ 除了採用正確的學習方法，更要避開幾項根深柢固的錯誤觀念。其實學習外語一點也不難，難的是你的態度不正確！
進入本文前，請先想想如何表達以下單字：
a) 不知所措
b) 沉浸
c) 定律
The following are seven common mistakes that will get in the way when you learn a new language.
學習一種新語言時，應避開以下七項常見錯誤，以免它們從中作梗。
Freaking out about making mistakes
“To err is human.” Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes. You can 1) by no means reach fluency without making a raft of them. Always bear in mind that mistakes are the gateway to success.
一說錯就抓狂
不要因為犯錯而氣餒。要能說一口流利的第二外語之前，犯錯在所難免。永遠要記得，「犯錯為成功之母」。
Thinking you’ll never pronounce it right
With hundreds of sound units in the world’s languages, it’s easy to feel a) overwhelmed. Just identify the phonetic rules that make difficulties.Then, make a list of words and try to say them to yourself again and again.
以為自己永遠發不對音
各國語言包含數百個音素，你難免覺得有些發音強人所難。其實只要挑出一些困難的語音規則，然後列出一張單字清單，持續開口練習即可。
Focusing on the wrong vocabulary
Choose the right words for yourself. Vocabulary serves you best when it’s related to your life. Focusing on these words allows you to build a vocabulary that you can use in conversations 2) in a jiffy.
專學不實用的字彙
為自己挑選正確的字彙，最好與生活息息相關。專心學習這些字詞，並立即應用於會話練習中。
Believing immersion is all about living abroad
Some claim that you can only be b) immersed in a language by living abroad. Actually, immersion has less to do with your location than your environment. Create a lifestyle where exposure to your target language is around every corner.
以為住在國外，才有學語言的環境
有人主張只有住在國外，才能完全浸泡在外語之中。其實重點是為自己營造外語環繞的生活方式。
Getting frustrated when listening to natives
When learning a language, you’ll soon notice the lightning speed at which natives speak. You need to train your listening skills to link the sounds of the language to the written form. For example, listen to a conversation while following along with its text.
聆聽外國人講話後，信心全失
學習新語言時，你很快會發現，外國人說話有入迅雷，「有聽沒有懂」。此時可開始訓練你的耳朵，將發音與文字連結。例如聆聽一段會話的同時，眼睛看著文稿。
Having a study-heavy approach
To improve your language ability, you need to study LESS, not more. Don’t lose sight of the reason you’re doing this — to communicate with people around the globe! Schedule time to meet up and practice with native speakers.
懸梁刺股，挑燈夜戰
不要整天埋在書堆中，這無法加強語言能力。千萬別忘了學習外語的初衷：與世界各國人士溝通。安排時間與外國人聊天吧！
Believing it has to be hard
In fact, the difficulty doesn’t lay within the language itself, but in the study methods and materials you use, and your attitude towards the language. Adjust your approach like a scientist tests out new c) theorems. Find the methods that work best for you.
以為學習外語困難重重
其實語言本身並不難，難的是你使用的方法與材料，以及你對語言所抱持的態度。隨時調整你的方法，就如科學家測試一項新定律。找出最適合你的有效學習方式。
口語詞彙:
1. by no means
By no means的意思是「絕不做」、「絕不會」的意思。
This is by no means a good way to solve the problem. （這決非解决問题的好方法）
有by no means也有意思完全相反的"by all means"，想盡一切辦法、努力去做。
You must achieve our goal by all means. (你一定要設法去達成目標)
by all means 還可延伸為「當然」
A: Can you answer the phone for me? 可以幫我接一下電話嗎?
B: By all means. 當然。
注意means後面這個s並不是複數的意思，means本來就是一個單字，意思是工具、方法。
2. In a jiffy
Jiffy是「片刻」、「瞬間」的意思。
Mary is a very efficient employee, as she can always do things in a jiffy. 瑪麗是非常有效率的員工，她做事非常迅速。 | 
