How to make Dear Ole Dad learn foreign languages

Happy Father’s Day – “Happy Father’s Day”

If you’re a dad, then “Happy father’s day“.

Speaking of Father’s Day, what’s your dad’s position on foreign language learning and fluency? Too many people think, “My dad is too old or he has his ways or he’s ‘old-fashioned’ and he wouldn’t be interested in learning another language.

Oh really?

That’s not what I keep hearing from some surprisingly older parents. Unless the dear father is incapacitated for some reason, you might be surprised by his answer, if you ask, that is.

So what in the world could my dad do with a foreign language, anyway?

“Sometimes you hardly want to leave home nowadays”

But baby it’s cold outside

He often says that the weather is lousy. You don’t want to go out with him either, do you? However, how is the weather in Acapulco? (One of my favorite cities for seniors) What about the sights in the spring? All year Quito, another favorite place of mine that I will visit very soon, by the way. Barcelona is also nice this time of year, but in August you can “fry an egg on the sidewalk”. (Yes, you can see them doing it on the local TV news during August)

Foreign language trips abroad for dad (or mom)

Dad travels abroad? Sure why not? Especially if he’s not THAT old. He would certainly enjoy the local atmosphere much more if he mastered a few phrases in the local slang. Okay, he may never address Congress in a foreign language, but that’s not the point, is it?

Why not try a foreign language phrasebook with attached CD or cassette for a truly different Father’s Day gift?

“What language”, you ask?

Well, he’s YOUR dad, isn’t he? If you have no idea, ask him where he “dreamed” about traveling. An Irish pub? A South American fishing trip? An air trip to the French-Canadian wilderness? Relax on a beach in Puerto Rico or Martinique? Buy antiques in Quito? (A great place to do just that, by the way) A gentle nudge in the right direction by gifting dad a foreign language manual that will get him at least a lot closer to his dream getaway might just be the best thing to get some of the ole juices flow and exercise your mind for greater mental acuity. That’s certainly better than just sitting on a couch and watching fishing shows filmed in exotic locations every week.

eating in a foreign language

What about dad’s tastes in food? How about some freshly prepared Chinese food, in China? Or a Mediterranean Diet that starts in Barcelona? (In case you haven’t guessed, I like Barcelona) Do you think “dear dad” would like to try a cup of deliciously smooth Colombian coffee, in Bogota, tropical Cali or maybe Cartagena? how about a big manicotti Prayed Rigatonibut in Rome? The possibilities are almost literally endless: Roast in Trinity, pepper pot in Guyana, snail salad In the Caribbean, fufu and soup in West Africa (you can throw a glass of palm wine with that too), a nice steaming plate of Ajiaco in Colombia or a plate of guatita in Ecuador, kimchee in South Korea, Ratatouille Prayed boulliabaise in France, etc., etc.

Hey, it would definitely work for me!

How dad can learn ANY foreign language

So what is a good way for Dad to start with a foreign language that would be interesting, fun and easy to learn? There are several quick starts that you may find useful, including:

o An online language learning website

o A phrase book with CD, DVD or cassettes

o A short course at a local community college or language institute

o A personal foreign language tutor every week once or twice a week

o Watch a TV show or two every week in the target foreign language

o A televised television program in a foreign language or a series of video cassettes

o A combination of two, three or more of these methods

Unique and special gifts for Father’s Day

So if you find typical Father’s Day gifts to be boring, repetitive or regretful, especially for the man who has seen and done so much, so far, consider a real change in your thinking this year and next too. It’s a safe bet that you’ll probably be surprised by your father’s reaction to the whole concept. Try it and you will see.

And by the way, be sure to give your dad my best wishes for Father’s Day while you’re at it.