Foreign languages: Ilya Frank's method

It's no secret that one can not master a foreign language without constant practice. Ilya Frank's method helps students read fascinating books in the original language, systematically increasing their vocabulary. Discussions about the effectiveness of the innovative approach proposed by the author do not stop, which does not prevent the adapted literature from using ever increasing demand.

Prehistory

Ilya Frank's method is developed by a German philologist, a graduate of Moscow State University, who has a great deal of teaching experience. The future author of the original method even in school years noted the low efficiency of the system of teaching the German language, which was used by teachers. The students were offered basically monotonous grammatical exercises, they had to learn by heart a huge number of foreign words, not applying them in practice. The results of this approach turned out to be very modest.

The method of Ilya Frank appeared due to the fact that the future teacher preferred cramming to reading foreign classics in the original. A few months later he had accumulated sufficient vocabulary for a free understanding of the texts in German. Using the same approach, the young man consistently mastered French, English.

For the first time the books, the basis for the creation of which was the method of Ilya Frank, appeared on sale much later - in 2001. The purpose of literature is to help students in the passive learning of foreign languages.

Ilya Frank's method: features

Adapted stories and stories, unlike usual, do not contain a continuous foreign text. Instead, the books by the method of Ilya Frank offer readers small blocks containing not more than three paragraphs submitted twice. At the top there is always a text containing in brackets the translation of each foreign language phrase or individual words (depending on the situation). Next comes a block of foreign text without any explanation.

Thus, books by the method of Ilya Frank allow students of English (German, Spanish, etc.) twice to read the same text. At the first acquaintance the student learns the meaning of incomprehensible words and constructions, in the second - fixes the studied material.

The method of reading Ilya Frank excludes tedious cramming of foreign words, phrases. Memorization is carried out passively in the process of classes, while the reader sees examples of the use of new expressions.

But what about grammar

The method of reading Ilya Frank has a large number of opponents expressing doubts about its effectiveness. Arguing, they most often emphasize that reading adapted literature does not allow students to advance in the study of the grammar of another's language. Is it true?

The author of the methodology is convinced that to understand his texts the reader does not need knowledge of even the basics of grammar. This makes the literature accessible to users planning to learn a foreign language from scratch. In addition, in particularly difficult cases, the student's attention is offered to the grammar explanations contained in the first text block. Studying French, German, English by the method of Ilya Frank, a person learns grammatical bases passively.

The creator of the method does not call upon his followers to abandon grammar lessons, perform exercises aimed at fixing the basic rules. On the contrary, in his opinion, the best result will be achieved by combining reading and performing grammatical tests.

Difficulties with transcription

Transcription is one of the main difficulties with which people who are learning English are forced to meet. Ilya Frank's method is often rejected by those who believe that reading without a dictionary with transcribed words will not be of use. However, at the end of all adapted text blocks, the transcription of the three most complex words is given. Choose mainly those whose pronunciation is not subject to general rules, is an exception.

The author is often asked why his adapted texts do not contain transcription for each word. The creator of the technique explains that this approach will prevent reading immersion, preventing the reader from enjoying this lesson.

How to use the books

The method developed by Frank is ideal for people who do not want to use the help of tutors. The author promises that his readers will be able to remember up to 1000 foreign words in just a month. To do this, you only need to practice for at least an hour every day. Ideally, you should devote two hours a day to reading, so it's worthwhile to come up with the right motivation for yourself. Long breaks in classes are not welcome, since the basis for success is the regularity of reading.

When starting to work with the book, the reader should familiarize himself with the introduction, where the basic rules of reading are discussed in detail, facilitating the task. The developer of the technique urges users to read the text in a row, not specifically concentrating on places that seem incomprehensible. Do not try diligently to memorize unfamiliar words. They will repeatedly meet in the text, which will help them to postpone their memory in a natural way, without tension.

Advantages and disadvantages

The absence of the need for tiring cramming is one of the main advantages of the method of reading Ilya Frank. English (or other) can be studied without recourse to a dictionary to find out the translation of a new expression. In the memory of the reader not only individual words are postponed, but also whole speech turns.

The methodology is relevant for all, beginning with students from scratch and ending with advanced users. The latter can be advised to focus on the blocks that do not contain the translation, just enjoying the fascinating stories and providing yourself with the necessary practice. Books are good because they allow people to study at convenient time and anywhere - in transport, in the office, on a trip. At the same time, there is no need to carry bulky dictionaries, textbooks and notebooks.

Are there any negative aspects to the innovative methodology? This approach is not relevant for people who want to acquire the skills of communication in a foreign language as quickly as possible. However, they will be able to effectively use the adapted literature to expand the vocabulary, complementary activities. But the author promises his followers first of all free reading.

Is the method effective?

The effectiveness of the unconventional method has been verified and proven by its creator. Ilya Mikhailovich is currently able to read in about 20 languages of the world, two of which he owns as a medium. The author claims that his success is due to a unique development.

At what age can I resort to an unconventional way of teaching? Frank produced adapted stories for different ages, with his books can work for adults and children. The youngest readers should be engaged with the help of parents or teachers, who will explain to them incomprehensible moments related to grammar and transcription. For independent exercises, you can go from about 8-10 years.

A wide range of

English is by no means the only language in which Ilya Frank's unconventional method can help. Spanish, German, French - the stories and stories presented in more than 50 languages are available for students. Among them there are also rare Eastern languages, which are difficult to study. At the moment, the author has produced more than 300 different books for children and adults. Most of the copies are offered for purchase in the global network, in a wide range are presented in bookstores.

Is the innovative technique of Ilya Mikhailovich that has a lot of admirers and opponents suitable for a particular student? It is possible to find out this only after studying the books for a while.