I am considering learning a second language. How should I go about this?

Question

I am considering buying those CD's with instructions and other methods. I will likely choose to learn Spanish if anything, though I am open to other languages.

Answer 1

My husband and I have learned Spanish and Russian.
If you would like to explore other methods of learning I would also suggest these products that have helped us. We use BOTH the Rosetta Stone (a computer program) and the Pimsleur Method (audio cd's). These two are the best things on the market.

Each approaches learning the language a different way. And I have found using both really helps round out my learning.

The Pimsleur method is super fast and the best to start with. You are given 30 minute lessons you listen and speak with. You start with basic and keep adding until you are able to have a full conversion.

Rosetta Stone will help with reading and the grammer. I found this to help complete what I was learning with Pimsleur.

If you have to choose only one.. go with Pimsleur. You will be able to have conversations very quickly.

Answer 2

Hey! I think it is great that you are willing to, and want to, learn another language! It is a great idea. First, if you want to learn an easier language for you (considering you speak English) I would go with either a Romantic language or another Germanic language. So, i would suggest Spanish, Italian (both spelled exactly like pronounced, pretty simple, Spanish a little easier), Portuguese, French (many English words are French), or German. If you want a hard one, choose an eastern European language or an Asian language. Anyways, depending on what language you learn, there are many good websites out there. About.com has excelent websites for all of the languages i listed (except Portuguese). Also, Wordreference.com is a good source, the forums are excelent. Also, you definitely need CD's to help with pronounciation. A few books would help too, probably at your local library there are some. If you could take a class at a community college that might help as well. A great technique when learning a language is also to carry around notecards with vocab on them, or to even stick notecards to things in your house to help you remember objects names in the other language. A penpal might also be a valuable resource. Oh, i almost forgot, this website is very helpful for numerous languages: Word2word.com... ok, well good luck!

Answer 3

I teach English and Spanish as a second language and in my experience I can tell you that those CD´s won´t do half of what the constant interaction in the classroom does. Spanish is a very good option, I´m sure you would use it at some point. Being in the classroom is so much fun, just ask my students.

Answer 4

Spanish is the second language that is most spoken in the US. I say go with spanish. I have been studying spanish for 5 years and I can now have a normal conversation with a native speaking spanish person. It's definetly worth learning spanish. It's used almost as much as english. Not too hard to learn either.

Answer 5

i would look into a class. those cd's can be great but they aren't the best because they are generally very basic. in a class you will learn how to carry a conversation and how to conjugate verbs, read and write and such. or make a friend who speaks spanish and ask them to teach you. try watching tv or movies in spanish to get used to hearing the language. i have a friend that learned english by watching movies in english with japanese subtitles.

Answer 6

i think that you should check out some of the community colleges. they offer quite a few choices and will even help you with financing if you need it good luck

Answer 7

Try my link: http://www.rosettastone.com/.
Or call 1-877-718-7097.