Often, getting the actual gist, or meaning of a conversation or written text comes before it is processed into the literal meaning.

A skill of language learning is knowing how to ‘talk round’ or ‘write round’ a subject, if you don’t know the correct vocabulary or grammar.

We often know what we wish to say in our heads, but are unable to communicate it effectively, and therefore make mistakes. Making mistakes doesn’t matter – we should learn from it.

A language student learns how to think around a subject by using alternative vocabulary to convey meaning. This is part of the learning process.

There is nothing more frustrating than knowing what you want to say but not being able to say it, as you can’t find the right words. You know you’ve learnt them, but they’re just not there in your head.

If this type of mental block happens try and slow your pace down and calmly think of alternative words to make yourself understood. The person you’re talking to will usually get the gist of what you’re saying, and is likely to correct you, which you should learn from.

Interpretation

We know when someone is angry or happy, because of their manner. It’s the same when learning a language.

Getting the gist of something is supported by tone of voice, body language and expression. Even if you don’t totally understand what someone is saying to you in another language, if you have a basic knowledge of the language, by careful listening you should understand the outline of what they are saying.

Learning the phrases for ‘will you repeat that’, and ‘please talk more slowly’, can be invaluable.

Hearing or seeing the same phrases over and over again can help you absorb a language.

If you’re listening to and watching tapes and CDs as part of your language learning, listen to them several times. Until you are completely familiar with what is being said, go back and listen again and again. You will find that it becomes easier to understand the more you listen.

When reading in a foreign language, scan the text first. It’s unlikely you’ll understand everything the first time you read it, unless you’re looking at a very easy piece of writing. Reading through a text slowly 3 or 4 times should help you get the gist, and then the full meaning.

Look for clues, such as supporting pictures and captions in newspapers and magazines. The first and last paragraphs of a text usually give a clue to what it’s about.