What's a very effective way to learn a new language?

Question

I want to pick up something like french, portaguese or any language which follows from spanish, but need advice on what i can do to help myself learn a new language.

Answer 1

Dude, if you're a Spanish speaker and want to learn another romance language, you'll find it very easy since the linguistic similarities among them are huge. However, eventhough it's relatively easy (which wouldn't if you wanted to learn Mandarin), you do need to have a look at some aspects of the language that are not explicit to your brain if you learned English and Spanish unconsciously (living in Miami, for instance).

Taking classes would be a good way. Get yourself a course with a well-structured syllabus (list of topics, functions of the language, grammar structures, notions) to grasp the fundamental and functional aspects of the language that you want to learn (Target Language) in its four basic skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

In addition, and if your money allows you to, you could do some immersion, but I recommend it to you only after you've had some experience with the language to avoid learning it in its most informal, street fashion (usually ungrammatical and academically wrong), which may lead you face problems if you wanted to use it in an academic or professional area.

I hope this will be useful

Answer 2

Its is possible, but an inherent problem with learning a language completely on your own is learning it incorrectly. This can manifest itself in your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary ... and it is very hard to correct once you've imbedded the language incorrectly in your head. This isn't to say it is impossible ... I've met people who have only studied languages out of books and can speak near natively in a foreign language, but this is the extreme exception ... not the rule. In my experience (I can speak 6 languages) I've noticed those who study on their own tend to have numerous glaring flaws in their fluency. The best way to go is to live where the language you want to speak is spoken naturally. Granted, this is not always possible in most cases, but it could be as simple as just staying around a couple Lithuanians and listening to them talk. I've known people who have studied French for 8+ years in high school and college and still have horrible pronunciation, and make frequent grammar mistakes ... simply studying a language for a long time does not necessarily equal proficiency in a native environment. I've had the same experience with those who have studied Spanish, Portuguese, and Swedish for several years ... they "knew" the language but couldn't really speak it fluidly. I don't want to discourage you from studying Lithuanian on your own, but I should caution you to the pitfalls of doing so. It is completely possible you might have a natural aptitude toward Lithuanian, and it won't be a problem, but I'd estimate the chances of that happening being extremely unlikely. Even if you have learned other languages learning a new language is still a challenge ...

Answer 3

The most effective way is to be immersed in the language, so if you can go to a country where the language is spoken and live with a family for a while, that would be the most effective way. Combine that with formal classes and you should do well.

EDIT
Wow, CJ, we gave almost the exact same answer!! My daughter did French immersion for a summer and became quite fluent in French.

Answer 4

If your country has a BERLITZ center, consider that. Its very effective and you have the support of a teacher to motivate you and guide you. The best way to learn is not to focus too much on grammar, try to learn it as you did your first language, so practice, practice, practice. Grammar tends to confuse, and as you can see from using your native language, it's not necessary for communication. You can also try chatting with people from places that speak those languages while you are online. Don't be embarassed to speak out.

Answer 5

Immersion. If you can go to a country that speaks the language for a month or more, or live with a family who speaks it for a period of time, or attend a club or association that speaks the language regularly. This is the best way. A class is good, but, if you don't get out and use it in real world situations, you'll lose it.

* Imaka, great minds think alike. :)

Answer 6

I am a Spanish teacher....and forever will be a Spanish student. You need to emerse yourself in the language. Surf the web in that language, watch tv, make friends, read the newspaper....there are tonssss of things out there available. Aside from the class you choose to take, use the language outside of class every chance you get....even if you don't know much at the time...ask people on IM how they are..what their name is, etc. It really helps to get it into your brain. Also..falling in love w/ someone from that country helps...It will make you want to learn it more and you will be able to use it with him/her and their family and friends

Answer 7

take a class or buy one of those Rosetta Stone self-learning programs. You really have to want to learn though if you're going the self-taught route. In my opinion though, the best way to learn is immerse yourself in the language with native speakers by enrolling in a summer course in a country that speaks the language you want to learn. I know such programs exist in France in conjunction with french universities and can be combined with a home stay... by the end of the summer you should be fluent enough and your accent really good too.

Answer 8

well, i suggest something new and dead - like Latin - just because there is many derivatives in this language for Spanish. If you stick with Latin for a year or two, my guess would be that you will not only improve in Spanish, but also English as well. Many Spanish words have derived from Latin. Of course you need to speak it with a friend or a teacher, and come to visit Rome someday, which will enlighten your experience upon travelling. Good luck now!!! -Tram

Answer 9

The absolutely most effective way is called "immersion". Basically you are placed in an environment where no one else speaks any language except the one you want to learn. The key to this answer is "most effective", not quickest, etc...

Answer 10

Practice speaking it with a native speaker of the language.