What's the best way to learn a new language?

Question

I'm trying to teach myself italian. I know that my best bet would be to be around people who speak it, but that's not really an option for me.

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. It has 16 gramatical rules... with NO EXCEPTIONS!
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!
I listen to Esperanto music all day long, just to tune my ear to it.

Any second language makes learning a third easier because you acquire a feel for the differences that other languages might have. Esperanto is the logical choice as the second language because it demonstrates linguistic principles better than most, but more importantly, you can learn Esperanto in months instead of years for any other tongue.

In either case, the first points should help you master another tongue. Regardless of whether you learn Esperanto or not.

Good luck!

Ĝis!

Answer 2

Get a computer software for learning Italian. I myself have this software that teaches you Spanish, French, Russian, Italian, etc. I also have a friend who is Italian. I can introduce you to her. It would be my pleasure. Also look for some places where they help you learn a new language. There's a place at Talbot Center where you can learn a new language. I don't really know if they teach Italian, but its worth the try. I wish you luck in learning Italian!

Answer 3

You're right, the very best way to learn a new language is personal tutoring or visiting the country concerned. or attending an Italian class locally Failing that, try this resource on the BBC website:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/

it will not only help you to learn to speak some valuable phrases, but will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of the language through games and puzzles.

ciao

PS - since you are on yahoo - why don't you try to talk to someone (using IM) in Italy who wants to improve their English - a fair trade

Answer 4

Immerse yourself into the language. CD's, news article (BBC has Italian), even using youtube to check out stuff in Italian will be of great help.

I'm trying to learn Arabic right now, and I've found my past experience with words in English, and other languages I know has helped a lot. So has exposure I've received to Arabic music, recitations of the Holy Quran, and the reading of the Holy Quran I've done myself...

The more you put yourself around it, the more you'll digest of it, and quickly too

Answer 5

Try foreign films with subtitles in the same language, and watch it with a workbook or dictionary. That will also expose you to different accents and pronounciation.

I think the best bet is to use the tools that children use. Try getting some children's books or stories (or even short videos for toddlers as basic as counting, colors, animals, you get the idea), they're produced to teach children language anyway.

Answer 6

Just immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Get books, CD's, and movies in your target language. Maybe get online and chat with other people learning Italian.