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NACOS encourages students not to concentrate
on the 'textbook aspects' of the language, but rather to weave
the language into their lives by communicating and gaining
knowledge through individuals. This means that they set their
own pace for learning based on their personal interactions with
others, making a conscious effort to use the language in their
daily lives. With new experiences and a new language, students
can expand their minds. They may even find that their life direction
or goals change. In order to 'weave a foreign language
into their lives,' we first focus on a clear topic through which
they can learn the language. The topic is based on the students'
career, personal interests, strong points, or special skills.
Within this framework, they actively pursue three main objectives:
 Describe
Yourself
As a starting point, students should
focus on themselves and on discovering the beauty of the new
language. Because everyone wants to be properly understood, NACOS
has each of our students write about their background. First
we help them write it in their native language and then we translate
it into the language they are studying. We call this a 'Self
Portrait.' Students of all language levels should make an effort
to memorize and speak their Self Portrait fluently, even if the
sentences are not completely understood. If students can do this,
they can feel comfortable with the language and discover the
beauty of its intonation and rhythm.
Form a Clear Image of a Certain Person. Students should focus on creating
a clear image of a certain person. In doing so, they will also
discover the power of language to induce certain feelings and
change the tone in a given situation. NACOS will introduce each
of our students to a native speaker of the language they are
studying. They are encouraged to reach beyond language ability
to associate with this person in great detail. With the help
of NACOS, they strive to find out as much as possible about this
person by asking meaningful questions and discussing various
topics with enthusiasm. In this manner, students discard an obscure,
stereotypical image and realize the individuality of this person.
Build
First-Hand Knowledge of Language and Lifestyle. Another focus is the lifestyle
of those who speak the language. There are many new ideas, beliefs,
and ways of doing things that can be learned from those who are
raised in a different culture and with a different language.
At NACOS, students are invited into families who speak the language
and who have a different background from their own. These families
are selected very carefully so that the students are not given
a 'show.' Taking their manners and etiquette into consideration,
students should approach the family and concentrate on the ordinary
daily life. We urge students to discover things which are surprising
or new to them as well as things which are similar in their own
lifestyle and culture. This expands their mind and allows them
to become more open and accepting.Actively pursuing these objectives
will encourage students not to concentrate on the language itself,
but to gain real experience with the language that are related
to their daily lives. It helps them create their own existence
within a new language and culture, allowing them to mold their
very own piece of the language world.
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