What is the best way to study a language?

Answer 1

Total immersion by living and working in a place that uses a minimum of your native tongue. I have used this technique and have managed to gain a working knowledge of French, Welsh, Spanish and Malay and make a successful career in the process. It requires dedication, determination and a certain attitude in not being afraid to make an idiot of yourself. If your first language is not English then learning English is one of the most difficult tasks you will encounter.
Go for it!

Answer 2

This is a really good question.

The very best way is to go to the country where they speak it. I went to France for two months and learnt about as much in that time as in two years of study.

That said, this just isn't always an option - besides learning a language in your own country is fun.

At beginners' level you need a class to go to. This will keep you motivated and help you progress.

When you get more advanced, there is nothing like looking up things in the new language on the internet, or reading books in the language. It's really good fun.

I live in London and I regularly meet up with some French people for a language exchange. That is a lot of fun and it keeps me motivated, so I recommend it.

I used the Gumtree website, if you are American I think there is something called Craig's List which is pretty similar - and good for meeting people for a French exchange.

Some people find learning grammar speeds up their language acquisition, that just isn't true for me. I learn much quicker from reading/listening/speaking.

Answer 3

From experience the best way to study a language is to be in constant communication verbally with persons who speaks the language. This way the brain will better register what is been said.

Answer 4

It depends what sort of learner you are. Some people find books/audio the best way. I myself find immersion the best way. Ie if you wanted to learn Polish and went alone to rural Poland for three weeks, you'd learn Polish pretty quickly! This is because when you are depending on it, your brain will get a whole let better at learning language. Another method, which is how I learnt Latin, is to start with kids books- see Jane run- etc, and work your way up. That's a good way. And it reminds your brain of how you learnt language in the first place, so it easier to remember.

Answer 5

The best way to study a language, I would say, is to practice speaking it with someone DAILY. Sooner or later it will stick to your head. For example, when you were a baby you had no other alternative but to understand the language you parents spoke because you knew no other one.

Answer 6

Three ways: 1. Live in the country concerned. That way you get immersed in not only the language,but the general culture and way of life etc.
2. Take a CD Course,and teach yourself.
3. Go to Evening classes.

Answer 7

I was in Japan for 3 years which gave me a good start on the language. I came back to the states and found a class in night school that I didn't like and I ended up with some roommates from Japan and learning Japanese all over again. I learned that my pronounciation wasn't that good and I was able to improve upon it. But, that was some 10 years later. I took some classes to get credit for what I already knew and the classes helped me with reading and writing. I spent time with Japanese and worked in Japanese resturants and still after 40 years I consider myself a beginner still.

Answer 8

For speed of acquisition, immersion is fastest. Go somewhere where everyone is speaking the language and no-one knows your language. However, this can be stressful and expensive, since you will require several months to learn the language.

To maximize motivation, acquire a lover who speaks that language and doesn't speak your language. Bingo, you have a free tutor whose company you enjoy.

Answer 9

get a book for the basic grammar, verbs like "to be", "to go" and "to have". Learn them well, since they form the basis of all tenses. In French, for example, to indicate the future you say "I will ...." and for the past you say "I have ...", so the "have" and "go" verbs are really important. I'd write out them and put them in the loo, you will always have five minutes a day with that as your only reading material and you would be surprised how quickly you learn it.
Find a radio station in your chosen language and tune one radio in the house to it. You won't understand it but you will get an ear for the language ... try it, it does work.

Then, a visit to the country and an enforced stay with people who don't speak English.
Good luck.

Answer 10

the best way to study a language is by hearing it a lot. it really helps if you are in that country where that language is spoken by people.