whats the best way to learn a new language?

Question

french...later possibly japanese?

Answer 1

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

FIRST: Completely eliminate 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 'hit the road' 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 someone 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.

THIRD: Pronunciation can be improved by reciting the names of things you see as you walk about, and holding conversations with yourself in the absence of friends to practice with. (Warning! Don't do this in the vacinity of mental institutions.)

LAST: I cheated. I learnt the worlds easiest language first and now I find I understand English better (my native tongue) and I'm in a better position to learn more languages. I've provided a link below to better explain this.

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.

Not to understate it of course, but listen to and read as much as you possibly can, whenever you can. Immersion, immersion, IMMERSION!

Ĝis!

Answer 2

Although you could go to college and take a course in a foreign language, I think it is best to immerse yourself in the culture of it as well.

I mean, how best to learn spanish for instance than to work with or be around those who speak the language and can teach you at the same time. If you can go the step further you can place yourself in the midst of french by going to France.

Alternative's? Sure, it would be good to learn some French first it's true! You could invest in computer software that teaches you a language faster by it's technique and practice.

Below are links via a Google search on "Master a foreign language".

How To Master ANY Foreign LanguageA Practical Guide On How To Speak And Read A New Language 'How To Master ANY Foreign Language', is written in a easy to follow report format. ...
www.businessportal24.com/en/How_To_Master_ANY_Foreign_103290.html - 26k - Cached - Similar pages

Language learning 200 words a day Spanish,French,German guaranteed ...Especially when you are trying to learn hundreds of new words ... World's Memory Masters make language learning faster & more effective than ever. ...
www.200words-a-day.com/ - 47k - Mar 23, 2007 - Cached - Similar pages

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

The very best way is to immerse yourself in the language (i.e. move to France for awhile to study). Of course that's not always possible. :)

Look around your community for French classes - check the local college and see what you can do. (My friend's mom takes college classes and audits them... I'm not sure exactly how she does it, but she basically gets to take college classes for next to nothing.)

If you can't find something in your area, then order some good software programs you can use at home. Look for books and resources at your public library. Rent foreign films that are in French.

Also, do some asking around the community to see if you can find some native French speakers. Check with the local high school's French teacher to see if she could recommend a contact person to you. Hold conversations with native French speakers and be willing to take risks - just use what you have learned and don't worry about making mistakes.

The more you USE the language, the more you'll feel comfortable with it. USING what you learn is the most important part of language learning.

Answer 4

Find yourself a lover who speaks the language you would like to learn! That's how I learned French and English. It's also the easiest way, because it won't feel like your actually studying the language, you'll be just trying to understand the one you love,and that's always fun :)

Answer 5

Listening to tapes, watching French shows, if possible, live in a country that speaks that language. It takes practice, dedication and patience too.

Answer 6

The best way is to learn is your intrest and an eager want for it,...then automatically u will learn it..

Answer 7

Travel. It forces you to adjust and you learn better. You learn how people in that area talk, you know their vernacular.

Answer 8

Repitition. Keep going over new words and phrases until they stick.

Answer 9

The absolute best....
Have your parents teach you so that you are bilingual from the time that you are a baby!

Answer 10

live in the country where it is spoken.