What do you think is the best way to start learning a new language?

1. 71

   mikgioposted 12 years ago

   What do you think is the best way to start learning a new language?
   
   Are there any resources you think are useful?
   
   

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2. 0

   Jade0215posted 12 years ago

   I've heard Rosetta Stone is suppose to work I've never personally tried it though just because of the cost of the programs. I took French classes for 5 years in high school and I've basically forgotten everything. I could read it if I needed to but as far as speaking and hearing someone talk, forget it. Make sure if you're trying to learn a language that you're surrounded by it on a daily basis otherwise it's pointless to learn.

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   1. 71

      mikgioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      yeah I've never tried Rosetta Stone either, I agree with your point, it would be much easier if you are exposed to the new language on a daily basis, thanks for the comment!!

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3. 60

   Vegas Eliasposted 12 years ago

   The best way to learn a language is to befriend a person speaking that language and keep talking to him or her as often as you can. At the same time watching movies in that language will add as a complementary way of doing it.
   
   This is he way infants learn to speak their mother tongue.

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   1. 71

      mikgioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah I'll definitely look into watching movies in the language. Thanks for the comment!

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4. 82

   quicksandposted 12 years ago

   Start with subject-verb-object. Note the word order of that particular language and focus on it. Move on to conjunctions and note the proper way to use them. Learn prepositions next. Learn at least one idiom each day. Do not ever analyze an idiom.
   
   That's about the basics. There's more but you will "get the hang of it" as you progress if you've got a good start." Good luck!

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   1. 71

      mikgioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the advice!

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5. 71

   lburmasterposted 12 years ago

   Rosetta Stone. However, these methods normally cost a lot of money. If you want to learn online for free, try busuu.com.

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   1. 71

      mikgioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the comment I've got the busuu app on my phone! Yet to try it though

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6. 65

   Rebecca2904posted 12 years ago

   I think the best way is to try and learn some basic vocabulary and grammar at home first, or maybe you could take a class at your local college. After you've grasped the basics, however, I honestly believe the only way to truly learn a language is to spend a significant amount of time in a country where that language is spoken, at least a few months or so. I learnt German at school for seven years before I moved here, but I still struggled to have a conversation with anyone or to understand what they were saying for the first month or two. This is the difference between 'school German' (or whatever language you were planning on learning) and the way native speakers actually speak. In school the way people, even the language teachers, speak is very controlled and is meant to be easily understood, but native speakers just speak however they like, normally with a dialect and using slang as well, which can make it even more difficult.

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   1. 71

      mikgioposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the advice! Yeah I've been trying to get accustomed to the basics, I agree as well that its almost impossible to fully grasp a new language unless you spend time in a place where it is spoken. Appreciate the comment!!

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