What is the most effective way to learn another language?

Question

I'm trying to learn Japanese.
Want answers from those who have successively learned another language.

Answer 1

Total immersion if possible. That's how I learned and improved my Spanish. I went to Costa Rica and lived with a host family, none of whom spoke a word of English, and during the day I attended a spanish language school. It was a rule there that you cannot speak English, only Spanish. When you place yourself completely in an environment where it's necessary to speak the other language to communicate at all, you acquire the skills faster. The downside of this technique is that it does cost to travel and stay in another country for a few months or so, and not everyone can get away that long.

Answer 2

For myself I speak a few different languages, but my writing skills aren't the best though. For me, I basically either get a book, or get languages on tape. The tapes work really well, since you can actually hear the words. I learn basics such as numbers, hello, how are you and such. Take an hour out of your day and practice, repetition is the key. But like the old saying goes, Use it or Lose it. And for Japanese, that is a hard language to learn from what i've been told. Esp the reading and writing of it. Unless you just want to speak and understand. Repetition repetition. Try taking a class too if its offered at the local college or maybe a YMCA or something.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I can not successively as I am not sure what that means. If it is sucessfully, then I can not think there is much sucess in my knowledge of Japanese. I was in Japan. That is a tremendous help to learn a language. I had many friends who had began to learn it before me and although they could not be thought to be sucessful in it; they knew a lot more than I and were willing to share. Then, you need some books on the grammar and I suggest that you learn the writing and start doing that right off and include it in the pronounciation. So when you see the syllable for a you say a and so on. You must write each syllable in an exact order of strokes. You need to find some place to teach you how to do that; I had my friends. A lot of what I spoke at the beginning and still is in SET PHRASES. You need a whole bunch of politeness and you be greeted by it and so you need to learn a bunch of polite phrases. But, you can do that while you are studing the grammar and learning how to write the syllables.
I have a group that I am forming to study Japanese. and I have some info on my 360 blog's banner that connects you to much on the subject of Japanese. Just click on my avatar take you to it.

Answer 4

Learn Kanji while learning to speak. Katakana and Hiragana are easy. Drawing is drawing. You can learn to copy but never be an artist. If you're an artist, you will have a gift at the beginning. Use language tapes and tape shows on Japanese culture and language. Just remember that Japanese people are not used to anyone knowing their language outside of business and diplomatic circles. Their nature is a little shier and more polite. They are more communal and don't expect non-Japanese to understand what they say. The literal is not literal but metaphorical. Case in point, when they say Irashaimase, it means 'welcome' but translates as something completely different. When they say Douitashimashite, they mean 'Let's Eat' but it's actually a traditional prayer like Grace before dinner. They are very anxious to speak English. They speak it backwards, as reflects the structure and syntax of their language. They also take a lot of pictures of white people like pretty cathedrals or the ocean...

Answer 5

Classes and books or tapes are ok. But what you really need is a native. Someone who is fluent in your language of choice. Seek out and befriend someone who speaks Japanese and you'll be a pro in no time. I'm trying to learn Spanish and also know Sign language.

Answer 6

You have to practice every single day. Your mind remembers things most effectively when you repeat. Repeating over and over is key. Also, it sounds nerdy, but you can go to the library and sign out one of those things that has a book and discs that you listen to and interact with. Or watch shows in Japanese (or english movies with Japanese subtitles). Many times your brain catches on to that. Good luck! Japenese would be cool to learn. I am trying to learn Spanish, but I am in School, so i am forced to learn it everyday.

Answer 7

I'm fluent in spanish and english. I used to teach spanish. The best way to do it is to live in the country that speaks it. If not a possibility, then immerse yourself onto the language, i.e, tv radio and newspapers/magazines. Your brain will be picking up a lot more than you think and eventually. Voila you are holding your own ground and ordering Japanese cuisine.

Answer 8

Well, i am right now learning Japanese and i think the best way to learn Japanese is by coming here to Japan and enroll in a Japanese University that has a Japanese language course. In less than a year you will be speaking Japanese.

good luck.

Answer 9

You have to study it and then practice it with other people. I lived in that country when I was learning their language - so I was able to hear all around me the context in which they used certain words, and the sentence structure, etc. That really helps (but listening, reading, and speaking are all key ways to make sure your brain soaks up the information!) :) Hope that helped! :)

Answer 10

i learned another language by being around people who spoke the language, but if you want to read and write in the language it's best to take a college course