Has anyone ever taught themselves a language?

Question

I relize what I'm asking is a pretty tall order, but if you could just tell me a rough outline of how you accomplished this I would really appriciate it.

Answer 1

I've been working on learning Welsh (one of the world's oldest languages,) via book & tape, but have to admit that it SURE would help to have a teacher!

Answer 2

I taught myself Spanish. First, I got a Spanish/English Dictionary. Then I learned the Spanish Alphabet, which gave me the ability to pronounce words in Spanish. Learning to pronounce words correctly will help you to remember the word when learning it's meaning. Basically, I was able to read in Spanish without really knowing what I'm reading.

Then I started studying about 20 Spanish words a week, which became a bit hard. So I cut it down to about 10 because with my schedule it was very hard to do. On the other hand, I started learning words that I deal with everyday...like work, days of the week, months, things around the house, etc. Naturally, I picked those up really easy.

The key after that is to use the words you learn as much as possible. Repetition is very important. After I learned a decent amount of words, I found a free website that taught me to form sentences and proper Spanish grammar. I work long hours (12 hour days) so I would make up silly sentences in the proper grammatical forms and write them down on paper. I'd write a page full on one grammar form then start the next page on another.

I've been study this way for 8 years and now my vocabulary has grown to the point where all I speak at work is Spanish. I can hold any conversation and also when I have to type in chat rooms. Most people who learn a language can't write in the foreign language that they learn.

The key is to expand your vocabulary and learn proper grammar. From there you will have success.

Answer 3

It relies upon on the guy besides via fact the language, I taught myself French and it took me approximately 2 years to advance into fluent in it yet whilst i've got been to benefit Icelandic it could take me a protracted time via fact its fairly weird and wonderful (no offence to and icelandic people). Its on no account too late to benefit a clean language, whether that's alot less demanding to benefit them as a toddler than an grownup, yet nevertheless available.

Answer 4

Yes, I have taught myself German.

I used the German Immersion CDs. They work pretty good. But in order to really learn the language fluently, you really have to immerse yourself in a country where tha language is spoken.

I was fortunate to live in Germany for six years.

Answer 5

Almost everyone in the world has taught themselves one language, it seems to be the second one that is hard. If you can learn two then learning more is also easy. So, how do you do it--make yourself.

Answer 6

Well, I learned how to speak Spanish and Japanese in high school and college, respectively. At one point in time, I learned - and conveniently forgot - French. I've tried to teach myself German, Russian and Vietnamese.

Answer 7

I started learning German using a T.V. program, but I couldn't keep doing it cuz they showed it too late at night. I learned a few words though.

good luck.