Rhythm and intonation

I had a first discussion group where we worked on intonation and then discussed it. Satomi and Bruno were there. I will have another session tomorrow on the same subject. I think that rhythm is very important. If you get the feel for the rhythm of the language you will sense which words, prepositions and tenses to use. The rhythm will not sound right if you use the wrong words, I think. Pronunciation will become easier. And the rhythm training may just make you a better language learner. Anyway we will see.

I was doing some rhythm training in my Russian. I would repeat certain phrases on my iPod, listen a few times and then repeat them to myself 4 or 5 times. I placed more emphasis on rhythm in my listening. Then when i sat down to read, I read with more deliberate rhythm. Of course it is only a beginning. I intend to focus more on rhythm in my learning and in my discussions with our own learners.

None of this emphasis on rhythm changes the importance of lots of listening, reading, saving of words and phrases and the review of these words and phrases, and, of course, writing! But the mosts important things is to do things that we like to do, where we feel that the challenge is within our capabilities.