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ILI

The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) promotes intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training.

ILI’s Seven Strategies for Language Learning

ILI’s Seven Strategies for Language Learning

Here are a few simple suggestions that can help you learn more easily.  Try them and see what works for you.

1. Go for the gist!

Don’t try to understand every word, whether you are listening or reading unless you are at an advanced level.  Go for the general idea and respond as best you can.

2. Use language you know.

Use language in the target language even if it isn’t exactly what you mean, rather than be frustrated hunting for language you don’t know.  The point is usually to use the language, not to be absolutely accurate with your information.  If asked a question, answer with whichever words you know.  Indicate that you understand the question or say that you don’t in the target language.

3. Don’t translate as a rule.

Of course you will translate occasionally, but if you translate word for word as a rule, you will develop a crutch that is almost impossible to lose.  Listen to your classmates and it will probably become clear.

4. Use new vocabulary and structures.An icecream cone with scoops representing levels of language proficiency.

Force new vocabulary and structures into conversation so they will become part of what you know and not stay on the list that you keep meaning to study.  Use the lists in class.

5. Keep your verb charts and lists handy.

You don’t have to memorize everything.  Use your lists.  They’re even more helpful if you don’t have everything translated.  Pictures or icons help you remember new words.  Time lines help you remember tenses.  There is no such thing as cheating in our classes! Do what works.

6. Trust your teacher. Trust yourself.

Your teacher will give you a phrase in the target language to use when you’re in a fog or a wall has gone up. Depending on the activity, the teacher may go to the next student upon hearing that phrase. There will be a time for a reality check, questions, feedback.  Jot down problems and questions and go with the flow until those times. Some times the fog lifts and the wall comes down on its own.

7. Have the courage to make mistakes!

This is how we learn and it helps the teacher prepare the class.

Take risks.  Have fun.  Laugh!

ILI News

  • ILI board member Reynolds Whalen earns “40 under Forty” recognition! May 11, 2022
  • ESL classes: What are the objectives and aims of English language students? April 27, 2022
  • The Terrific Trio April 13, 2022
  • ILI international students visit and learn at the Smith College Museum of Art!  April 13, 2022
  • April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! April 12, 2022
  • How should I prepare for the TESOL certificate program?: Top 6 tips March 30, 2022

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ILI on Instagram

Sending a big THANK YOU to all of the students, co Sending a big THANK YOU to all of the students, community members, teachers, board members, @glformayor , @deansbeanscoffee , @annie_runner13 , Mosaic Cafe, @cafebalagan , Mesa Mexicano, Pangea Sushi, @artifactcider , @provisionswine , State Street Fruit Store, @newcitybrewery , @westcountycider , @thaichilifoodtruck , DJ Coqui, and friends of ILI who spent their Wednesday night with us at Giving Voice 2022. ⭐️ It was a special evening and we loved gathering face to face to celebrate resilience & our school.
Giving Voice 2022 is just getting started! Our a Giving Voice 2022 is just getting started! 

Our after party featuring @thaichilifoodtruck + DJ Coqui is outside of 33 Hawley from 7-8:30pm!
Today is the day! Giving Voice 2022 is here! ✨⭐️ Join us at @nohocenterforthearts at 33 Hawley Street for a celebration of resILIence. Admission is FREE with registration- link in bio.

Don’t miss:
• A panel discussion from past and present ILI students
• A presentation that includes remarks from ILI students, ILI Board Members, Mayor Sciarra, & more.
• Presentation of the Andrea Raphael Award
• Appetizers by Mosaic Cafe, @masamexicano , Pangea Sushi, & our Turkish students! 
• Cash Bar ft. drinks from @newcitybrewery , @artifactcider , State Street Fruit Store, @westcountycider , @provisionswine , & more!
• Coffee from @cafebalagan 
• AFTER PARTY ft. A salsa dance party with DJ Coqui 
• AFTER PARTY Food Truck on site: @thaichilifoodtruck 
• & MORE
Congrats to @alisaamador on winning the 2022 @nprm Congrats to @alisaamador on winning the 2022 @nprmusic #tinydeskcontest ! This photo is from January 28th when Alisa opened for @rachaelandvilray at a benefit concert for ILI! 🎶
What does resILIence mean to you? Giving Voice 20 What does resILIence mean to you?

Giving Voice 2022 is just a couple days away! ⭐️ Join us this Wednesday, May 18th at @nohocenterforthearts for a night celebrating ILI and our community.

Admission is free with registration. 🎟 Register here: https://ili.networkforgood.com/events/42456-giving-voice-2022 

#givingvoice2022 #iligivingvoice #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #student #education #celebration #resilience
Today @hiroiwatsuki came to ILI to film a video ab Today @hiroiwatsuki came to ILI to film a video about our school and about the city of Northampton for his YouTube channel! 🎥  We are so thankful he took the time to come say hello and to help us spread the word about our wonderful school!

#studentlife #ili #ilinorthampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton
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