What is the best method for learning a new language?

Question

In high school I took 3 years of Spanish and became pretty good. However, that was 6 years ago I feel like I have forgotten everything. Should I take classes or relearn on my own?

Answer 1

As a speaker of 7 languages and having taught ESL for many years, I have found that the best way to learn any language is to use it. Fluency does not mean that you must be grammatically accurate, it just means that you can communicate fluently/flowingly. People have given you great advice, but immersion or spending time in another country is not always practical. The only "secret" to learning a languages is practice, practice, practice - if you don't use it, you lose it. However, there is very good news for you - since you said that you became very good at it at one time, guess what?, it's still there, dormant in your memory banks. All you have to do to re-activate your knowledge is to start speaking. Find somewhere you can volunteer (ie. a Spanish senior citizens centre, a church, a Saturday spanish school for kids...) At first it will feel like you've forgotten everything and it will be awkward, but you will see how fast it restores itself in your conscious. So, go volunteer somewhere and have lots of fun. PS - I'm learning #8 (Korean)

Answer 2

The best method for learning a language starts by listening and moves on to speaking. There is usually a silent period in which you will listen more than anything else. The best thing would be for you to travel to a country where Spanish is spoken. There are a lot of countries that offer Spanish classes aside from tourist activities. For example, Antigua Guatemala is a prime example of this trend. If you start by associating with those who are native speakers you will soon start to understand what they are saying and as a process you will start speaking (don’t mind the mistakes and don’t mind people correcting you). In my experience and you can also research this, one first learns how to listen, then speak, and finally read/write in a language. So, if you are patient with the process you will see yourself advance from one level to the next and even if you have setbacks you should always keep in mind that, as in life, learning a language will have it ups and downs.

Answer 3

i picked up a copy of Spanish for Dummies and it's very easy to read and follow, especially at your own pace, there's also a cd with the book so you can hear the conversations narrated with proper pronunciation. it basically covers typical tourist conversation, how to ask for things and get directions. get around an airport, restaurant, communicate in an emergency... basic stuff like that but it's a start! i had the same issue, 4 yrs in high school 14 yrs ago.

Answer 4

The best way to relearn it is to live in a country where it is spoken.

Answer 5

The best way is to live with the natives. You learn to hear and speak first, then read and write later just like you did with English.

Answer 6

living in the country for one year.......................I speak Dutch German French Spanish and English fluently.