What is the quickest and most effective way to learn a foreign language?

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

Uhm, I have Rosetta Stone. It teaches you the fundamentals then as you're employed your means bigger, it will get more difficult. But... to this point I spotted I can learn, spell, and concentrate good to the French I've discovered, which I discover potent. Only, I can not fairly talk it. Some factor I can say, however I'd have to perform a little study to make certain I say it proper. Rosetta Stone has visuals, studying, listening, writing (typing) and speech (you speak right into a microphone and say a word or phrase they wish you to mention, and a gentle is going inexperienced while you've stated it proper or it is comprehensible). It does not fairly instruct speech.. I imply you'll say matters however it tells you terms and there is pix and also you must say in French what it's or what is going on. Huge crisis, no translations. You have no idea what you are pronouncing, you must count on the whole lot. If you notice a woman and it says une fille, you must count on it is "a woman" and now not might be little one... you must have the web to perform a little study and yahoo to aid, that is what I"ve performed. But a couple of days in the past I knew not anything of French, and now I recognise plenty extra! It provides on daily! I didn't purchase RS btw. Look up Pimsleur procedure. It's extra of speech. I believe it is main for verbal exchange. They each could paintings good in combination!

Answer 3

Immersion is the way to go. Rosetta Stone is the best way to learn if you are studying independently, but nothing beats living in the country 24/7 and needing to learn how to use public transportation and buy food. :-)

Answer 4

Rosetta Stone..#1 Program for learning new languages.

Answer 5

Hi,
I speak Italian, Spanish, and French, and I advise you to learn Italian. Use this website. http://www.italica.rai.it/lingua/corso.htm It is getting increasingly popular throughout the world because it really works. Click on the blue box, and choose you language of instruction. Good luck!

Answer 6

Rosetta Stone cds. Used by the military and the government. Check Ebay...the cds are expensive.

Answer 7

Full immersion. Live and speak the language.

Answer 8

Live in a country where your language of choice is spoken, and become immersed in it.

Answer 9

i taught myself french easy.watch movies with English sub titles, read up on it, take a few classes, live in area where spoken. find a bilingual pen pal

Answer 10

u need to practice alot. Its not something u learn quick.