I'd like to learn foreign languages such as French, Hungarian, Germany, and a few others before I walk into these countries. What's the best and quickest way to learn a language? Please share your experiences and any apps/software you use. Thank you!
What's the best way to learn a foreign language?
(5 posts) (5 voices)
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You have big plans!
It so happens that with French, Hungarian and German you have choosen three languages that each have different roots, so they don't compare much. I'd say that for an English speaker German is the easiest to learn as those two languages come from the same root.
I have no idea what's the quickest way to learn a language, as I have learned my languages at school, from the age of 12.
If you do want to speak a bit of a language, I would personally just buy a good travel language book (or whatever they are called) that give you frases from English into the other language etc. That way you can always point at a sentence for people to read and understand.
Worked for me in Italy.Posted 1 year ago # -
I have to agree with Dutchie - that's a big task you've laid out for yourself!
Everyone learns differently, some do better listening to audio lessons, others like flash cards, and some like a classroom setting, but I think most people will agree that the "immersion" technique works really well - which is simply spending time (lots of it) with people who natively speak the language you're wanting to learn. Generally speaking, you can usually find someone (or a family) in your area that speaks whatever language you want to tackle by using tools such as Craigslist.
I really like the lessons offered at Transparent Language - I'm in the middle of brushing up on my French as well as learning some Spanish using their software, and I think I'm starting to get pretty comfortable with both.
Other people swear by Rosetta Stone, but that's fairly pricey.
Good luck - I'd love to hear how it goes for you!
Posted 1 year ago # -
I'd try Rosetta Stone. I want to learn French so I took a chance to see if one of the libraries had it -- they did. Unfortunately, the wait list is extreme, and I was bumped off of it. Oh well! I'll try again. I want to learn many different languages as well. I'd start learning one at a time -- just in time for your travels. Good luck!
Posted 1 year ago # -
There are a lot of language classes offered online. Some just give you sample programs to entice you to sign up (and pay!) for the full course. Still, you can learn enough if you try several courses. Also, check with MIT -- they offer full courses for free in many subjects.
Also check with community schools to see what claasses they offer. Our local school district offers evening classes in Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish.
Immersion is the best way. Get a good phrase book and use it once you land at your destination. Hunger is a great teacher! I spoke better Chinese after living in Beijing for six months than I spoke Spanish after five years of classes -- and I was a Spanish major in college!
Posted 1 year ago #
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