How to effectively learn a foreign language?

Question

I am an Indian and have been trying to learn Spanish, simply for the love of it! I have the Pimsleur Spanish software to help me. I have been through the first few chapters of the course but I really doubt if that is enough to learn it fluently. I mean people don't really talk as slow as the dubbings in these softwares!! What should I do to retain what I learn and to get a better hold on the actual spoken Spanish.

I don't have any spanish-speaking people around me and so I can't talk to them either.

Answer 1

My impression of Pimsleur programs is very positive. If you plan for a three month course to take you from knowing nothing to fluency you are a bit on the optomistic side. Actually mastering (becoming conversational, let alone fluent in) a language demands starting with baby steps. Learn a little, and master what has been learnt. Then start filling out the rest (developing vocabulary, mastering rare forms, learning odd idioms etc.)
The thing I like about Pimsleurs is that it demands just such a start: you learn a handfule of useful words, pharases, and constructions, but what you learn (though small) is learnt completely (at least if you do it right); by the end of the program you simply respond to the questions without thinking of the grammar, you just think about what you want to say and say it.

Answer 2

English is my second language and I would like to share how I learnd to improve my English skills.
It is better at first to study with a basic grammar book. It should include both the target language and your native language. The reson for this is that after understanding the grammar of each item, you should try to translate a sentece from your native language into the target language. By doing so, you can absorb the way to make sentence with correct grammar. Most sentences in basic grammar books are those you can use in daily life. So it helps a lot as a start. It is better if the grammar book coms with CDs. Give it a try.

Answer 3

Watch as much Spanish television as possible. Listen to all Spanish radio stations - basically immerse yourself into the language. I can say this, however, I've been trying to learn fluent Spanish for like 3 years! I've never been dedicated enough though. Good luck!

Answer 4

I've learned Spanish, Turkish, and French with Rosetta Stone. I think it's really great =)

Answer 5

Take an immersion course by staying a couple of weeks in Mexico or Dominican Republic.

Answer 6

the military, i've been told, uses Rosetta Stone. It's supposedly easier and faster than other methods, and teaches relevant conversational Spanish.

Answer 7

You have to practice practice practice! And you do that by talking to people in Spanish.

Answer 8

Berlitz.

Answer 9

http://www.mansionspanish.com
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