what's the best way to learn a new language?

Answer 1

Here are some ideas many second language learners don't realize.

FIRST: Completely eliminate English idioms when you speak. We use a LOT of phrases that are not understood in other countries, and they use ones we don't understand. Examples: Get to first base. Flip the switch. Hitch a ride.
Even between England and North America, for example 'knock someone up'. In North America it means get a girl pregnant. In England it means knock on their door. So you can see how embarrassing it might be should you stumble on an idiom that means something else.

SECOND: Realize that it is not ALWAYS a one-for-one word exchange when translating. Some languages can express an idea in as little as one word compared to a few, and vice-versa.
Hand in hand with this, understanding that the idea being expressed is what's important, not the way it's said. Just because the sentence wasn't constructed the way we would have said it doesn't make it wrong.

LAST: I cheated. I learnt the worlds easiest language and now I find I understand English better and I'm in a better position to learn more languages.

That language was ESPERANTO. It is designed such that you MUST understand sentence structure, which helps to understand other languages..

Oh sorry. I forgot to mention, listen to and read as much as you possibly can, whenever you can. Immersion, immersion, IMMERSION!

Gxis!

Answer 2

Go to school, learn the basic. Then Speak with that new language everyday. You'll get the improvement while speaking.

Answer 3

Use every possible source: internet, magazines, children's books, immersion in the country, school, chatrooms, movies, novels...use a wide variety of sources and be dedicated to improving.