An effective method to learn a language

The Imitum method works the opposite way to teaching in schools or typical language courses. Rather than learning a foreign language word by word and then putting the words together into sentences and larger units, it is much more effective to understand the whole first (a story, a sentence). It is just like a jigsaw puzzle – it is much easier to put together if you know what the final picture will look like. In this way, you use your logical memory, which is much more effective than mechanical memory (rote learning). Moreover, logical memory keeps improving with age, unlike mechanical memory.

Logical memory stores individual words in the context of phrases, sentences or simply in connection with a certain topic. Meaningful sentences and logical units are stored in long-term memory more easily, and so is information with an emotional charge.

The learning materials for the Imitum method therefore contain only complete sentences. The sentences are not isolated – they are part of dialogues and wider contexts (in a restaurant, at the office, having fun with friends, etc.). This way you learn to understand and, over time, to imitate the sentences used in everyday conversations. At the same time, you learn the vocabulary and subconsciously absorb the grammar.

You not only hear the sentences but also see them on the screen, which helps you remember them better:

The purpose of the Imitum method is to teach you to think directly in a foreign language (without translating into your mother tongue).

Where can you find Imitum?

Learning foreign languages with the Imitum method works best with modern multimedia technologies – on a computer, notebook, netbook, tablet or smartphone.

What does learning look like in practice?

While listening to a recording, you see each word highlighted as it is spoken (like karaoke). This way you learn both the pronunciation and the spelling of each word. Each word can also be shown with its word-for-word translation, which replaces a dictionary. Such a “translated” sentence helps you understand how a native speaker builds a sentence, although it may not always look grammatically correct. For better understanding, the translation is sometimes supplemented with notes.

The meaning of the sentence is clear even from the word-for-word translation. In grammatically correct Czech your question would be “Jak se jmenuješ?”, but with word-for-word translations you learn how to think in English.

Instructions for effective learning

Learning with the Imitum method is most effective if you follow this simple procedure:

1. Understand the principle of the method.
2. Listen to the recordings in the background, for instance when doing other things (passive listening).
3. Listen and silently read the text with the word-for-word translation (active listening).
4. Try to understand the situation and the meaning of the sentences (without displaying the word-for-word translation).
5. Listen, read the text and repeat – silently first.
6. Repeat the sentences aloud.
7. Before studying, be clear about your goal.
8. Study for 15–20 minutes every day and relax for a while after each lesson.

A universal portal for English language tests. It is non-commercial and intended for learners as well as for teachers and test authors. Soldiers can also test their knowledge in the same way – according to STANAG (NATO) standards.