2007-02-15 06:17:18 · 24 answers · asked by pixel shREdder 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
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. Hit the road.
Put yourself in the place of a new learner of English and ask yourself if you would really understand the meaning of that when you heard it, or would you litterally try to 'hit the road'?
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 first 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. Plus you end up with a multitude of Esperanto friends; oh the burdens we bear.
Oh sorry. I forgot to mention, listen to and read as much as you possibly can, whenever you can. Immersion, immersion, IMMERSION!
Gxis!
2007-02-15 07:19:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jagg 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Immersion. This isn't always possible, but it's the quickest way. Immerse yourself in a group of people (or actually go to the country) who speak the target language. No speaking English allowed. Many language classes do this, but they're only an hour long. Once you realize you can't do crap without knowing how to speak the language, you'll pick it up quickly.
#1 Where is the bathroom
#2 I'd like a beer, please.
and onward from there...
2007-02-15 06:21:22 · answer #2 · answered by yodadoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Immersion! If you want to learn spanish, go to mexico or spain. If you want to learn french, go to france or eastern canada. Once you're there, do the best you can to speak no english! If you can force yourself to do that, you'll be a pro in no time.
If you can't leave the country, start by taking a class, and try using audio tapes or watching foreign films. It'll help you learn the language and the culture a little bit too.
2007-02-15 06:21:20 · answer #3 · answered by Katie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Total immersion. You need to live in the country of the language you want to learn for at least a year. Take language courses while you're there also.
2007-02-15 06:19:56 · answer #4 · answered by Russell 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Study abroad in another country that has the foreign language that you want to learn as their official language. I want to learn more Brazilian Portuguese, so I'm São Paulo, Brazil this summer for a month. It's the MOST FUN way to learn a language, but it'll cost ya! =)
2007-02-15 07:51:08 · answer #5 · answered by Devin O 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in all honesty, the BEST way to learn is to live in the country that speaks that language. the classroom setting just doesn't compare to being totally immersed in the language and culture. but if you can't do that...do eveyrthing you can...take classes, read books, listen to books on tape and watch movies in the language, and practice speaking it as much as you can.
2007-02-15 06:23:04 · answer #6 · answered by Jane A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go live in a country that speaks it.
Not possible, okay, I'd say that it kind of depends on how you learn best. Having a private tutor would be the next best way...I think the hardest way would be by yourself at home.
2007-02-15 06:20:05 · answer #7 · answered by Tiff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Live in that country and/or be surrounded with people from that country for 6 mo - 1 year (at least).
2007-02-15 06:25:30 · answer #8 · answered by Mark 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its best to live in the country of which the language u'r learning and not have any conact with anyone speaking english. then u'll be forced to speak/learn/understand that language
2007-02-15 06:20:52 · answer #9 · answered by SKINSIS.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what is the best way you learn. Some people need classes, one on one, tapes, internet, the list can go on and on.
I learn best by internet and Tapes/CD's.
2007-02-15 06:20:56 · answer #10 · answered by Andurl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋