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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

  • Marco Bittencourt brings a lifetime of multicultural experience to teaching! April 12, 2023
  • ILI Spotlight: Brian Long, teacher trainer and ILI instructor March 29, 2023
  • Volunteer Spotlight: Emily Soltanoff March 15, 2023
  • 4 Great Reasons Why You Should Learn Spanish in the USA February 22, 2023
  • A guide for beginners on how to learn Spanish February 8, 2023
  • Mayor Honors Past ILI Board President February 1, 2023

Email Newsletter

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ILI on Instagram

We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradis We are honored to be the recipient of the @paradise_city_arts_festivals silent auction this year during the Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29) at the Hampshire County Fairgrounds. Artists who exhibit and sell their works donate items for the auction. This gives you a chance to take part in the fun of bidding on their great creations while supporting ILI at the same time!

Don’t miss free introductory Spanish classes on Saturday and Sunday, right at the show! We'll be holding three 20-30 minute sessions in the late morning and early afternoon, followed by feedback and suggestions on how to find the ILI language course that’s right for you. Classes are limited to 6-8 people per session, so head to the auction tables when you arrive at the festival and sign up in advance. 

✨Calling all volunteers!
Volunteer with ILI at Paradise City Arts Festival! You get free parking and a free pass into the festival on the day you volunteer. You'll assist ILI staff at the auction tables and booth sit for artists while they take quick lunch and bio-breaks. It's lots of fun, and just think of the wonderful art you'll get to enjoy!

➡️Sign up to volunteer here: https://tinyurl.com/ew76y9ee
Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gat Last week the IEP celebrated May Birthdays! We gathered for cake, those being celebrated made wishes, and students sang Happy Birthday in English, Portuguese, Tibetan, Chinese, Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, & Lao! 🍰

Thanks for creating this video, Jo!

#happybirthday #languagelearning #education #languagelearners #intensiveenglishprogram #northampton #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #ialc
Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ, Aimée Hurray Aimée! Pictured with her son, CJ,  Aimée graduated Cum Laude today from @mtholyoke ! Originally from the Congo, it’s been so fun to watch the amazing trajectory of Aimee..from ILI to @gccgreenfield to being selected as a Frances Perkins Scholar and serving on ILI’s Board of Directors and starting @positivelyafricana along the way among numerous other things. We can’t wait to see what she does next! 🎉❤️🎓🚀🌟
Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the stu Giving Voice 2023 brought together many of the students, staff, alumni, board members, donors, and community of supporters that help make ILI thrive. ⭐️ If you didn’t have a chance to make a donation at the event, but would still like to support ILI, visit ili.edu/donate 💌

Thank you to @artifactcider , @provisionswine , @coopersliquors , and @cafebalagan for providing drinks.

The food at #GivingVoice2023 was from restaurants run by former students or student’s family members! Thank you Pangea Sushi, @_azhar_bakery , @masamexicano , and Mosaic Cafe. 🍱🍰

📸 Photos by Paul Specht
Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel feat Last night our #GivingVoice2023 student panel featured Luz Muñoz (Colombia), Canser Bayir (Turkey), and Alina Chirilov (Moldova). The three students are pictured here in the audience before the panel discussion with ILI career and college counselor, Beth Reddish.

Former student Annie Castaño hosted Giving Voice this year and led the panel discussion by asking Luz, Canser, and Alina questions about their experiences. We heard about their backgrounds, what led them to come to the U.S., their experiences since being here, the communities they’ve found and formed, the ways ILI has impacted their lives, and their future goals. We are so grateful to our students for sharing their stories, it was a highlight of the evening! ⭐️

#iligivingvoice2023 #ili #iligivingvoice23 #givingvoice2023 #internationallanguageinstitute #massachusetts #northampton #studentlife #bombyx #studentpanel
A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligiv A stunning cake made by @_azhar_bakery for #iligivingvoice23 🎂
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