Ever tried to learn a language only to find that your enthusiasm wanes long before you have a firm grasp of the language? Well if that sounds like you then consider the Automatic Language Growth (ALG) method.

I first discovered the Automatic Language Growth method while looking for Thai courses in Thailand. As someone who is always on the lookout for new, easier and more effective ways of learning I stumbled across the ALG World web site.

ALG World challenge the commonly held belief that adults are not able to learn languages as effectively as children.

The principles held by ALG World are:

• Our point of reference or comparison is the native speaker, not other students.
• Children are the best examples of how to learn another language.
• The adult ability to translate, memorize, and practice can NEVER produce as good of results as naturally learning a language can.
• Practice cannot help and in fact it hinders the ability to learn naturally.
• Good speaking ability grows out of a good foundation of understanding. Therefore, understanding is what must be gained, not practice speaking.
• Exposure to understandable, interesting experiences is the key to learning another language.

So how does it work?

At the core of this learning method is what ALG World call the 'Ceiling'. The Ceiling includes three very interesting requirements and it is here you will find the point of difference from many other language learning techniques. They are:

1. Listen for overall meaning rather than individual words.
2. Do not attempt to use Thai in the classroom or in daily life during the first 600 hours of study.
3. Do not use dictionaries or translations of either phonetics or definitions.

These three points may seem at odds with what you are trying to achieve. However it is the natural, childlike approach to learning Thai that makes it work. As adults we need to put our analytical mind asside and simply try to understand what is being said, with the help of the tutor, and what it means in the current context.

After 600 - 800 hours of such learning most English speaking people begin to understand the Thai language naturally. That may seem like a long time, especially since you need to be in Thailand with time and money possibly in short supply. That said, have you ever known anyone to actually learn a foreign language after studying a couple hours per week for 10 to 12 weeks while attending a language course in Australia? Probably not.

During this time you will not learn to read or write Thai. ALG World believe that attempting to do so may in fact harm your chances of learning Thai successfully. These skills are learned only after you are able to verbally communicate in Thai. After all, children don't learn to read and write when they are learning to speak!

Where you can study Thai using this method

The American University Alumni (AUA) Language Center in Bangkok teaches Thai using the Automatic Language Growth method. Take a look at the their course information PDF file.

The AUA accepts students from all over the world, not just the United States.

AUA contact details are:

AUA Thai Program
179 Rajadamri Rd,
Bangkok 10330

Tel. +66 2-252-8170 Ext. 3201
Fax: +66 2-252-8398

Email: info@auathai.com
Web: www.auathai.com & www.algworld.com