Ventura College
Foreign Language Department

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How long will it take me to speak fluently a foreign language?
We are all unique individuals. Becoming proficient in your selcted foreign language will depend largely on the daily time, exposure, practice and experience you dedicate to the language.

2. Why is grammar and structure necessary?
Basic grammar and structure will hasten the learning of both the spoken and the written skills of the selected language. Learning grammar provides you with the tools and the means to understand new structures, and create your own ideas in the language. You need grammar to acquire accurate insights into how the system works.

3. Would it be better to learn the language in the country where it is spoken?
Possibly, if balanced with some formal instruction. However, even if you are in the country where the language is spoken you need to make the effort to learn. Additionally, we can't always afford prolonged stays in the country. So learning the selected language in an educational environmnet will complement and hasten your proficiency when you do go to that country.

4. "I don't want to sound dumb, so I don't ask questions and I am too shy to speak!"
Many students may feel that way at first. However, the professors at VC understand that there are no dumb questions and are eager to help you in your language efforts.

5. "I understand everything the teacher says but I can't say it"
Comprehension is a receptive skill and speaking is a productive skill. It is not unusual to understand more and be able to say or speak less. Besides, speaking is a complex skill that can only be acquired by speaking. The acquisition of speaking is a skill that is somewhat similar to the way one acquires swimming or piano playing skills, for example.

6. I had 2, 3, 4, years a foreign language in High School and I don't remember much!!
A language is like an instrument, you need to use it to keep it alive or it goes dormant. You need an initial re-immersion into the language in order to "awaken" your previous skills and be ready to acquire faster new levels of fluency.