Why You Need a Foreign Language & How to Learn One

Chapter 15 (Excerpt)

Walking, Learning, and Chewing Gum at the Same Time

Multitasking

I have a confession to make: I don't think that I could entirely give up television. Sure, I know that a lot of the programming is pure trash, but some of it is also pretty good. I have a particular weakness for CNN, the History Channel, and the Discovery Channel. In addition, I will grudgingly admit that I have consumed my share of more low-brow entertainment. (Seinfeld reruns are my particular weakness.)  And as for movies--I have my own express lane at the local Blockbuster.

            But my leisure activities don't stop there. I go to the gym everyday. I surf the Internet. I drive to parties and meetings with friends. I even go running, when the fickle weather in Ohio permits.

            My time is also consumed by many activities that aren't necessarily fun. I spend an hour in the car each day commuting to and from my office. I have to clean the house, fold laundry, and prepare my meals. Once per week, I drive to the local supermarket and stock up on groceries.

            Yesterday I got a haircut. I spent twenty minutes waiting in the barbershop. Two months ago I refinanced my house, and I spent about the same amount of time waiting in an office for the loan officer. Last month I went out of town on business, and I spent a total of two hours waiting in the airport.

            I turn all of these situations--from watching a movie to waiting for a flight--into study sessions. This is the principle of multitasking--or doing more than one thing at a time.

            If you are like most people, you confront an endless series of demands on your time. As a result, it may not be practical for you to set aside one or two hours everyday and say, "This will be my language study time." The solution, therefore, is to blend language study into your other activities.....

 (End of Chapter Excerpt)

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