Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - Effective Language Learning + Learning multiple languages at once

Victor Vikingr · 12-25-2008, 08:52 AM

I'd say classes aren't really necessary, especially since you already have some experience with the language, though it might be a nice way to practise conversations.

This year, I'm taking Spanish classes while studying German on my own. I'm also supposed to study French, but though I read it, I won't say I "study" it so much. I won't say they slow each other down - I actually find that the more languages I learn, the easier it is to learn more.

For the verbs, I like the approach of learning one tense at a time, and all of the conjugations.

I like to swear in other languages. XD Also, I've got a friend with whom I study Spanish, and we often speak it to each other. He has studied German for five years, so he can help me with that too. I suggest speaking the language with people. Definitely a great way to practise.

I like to watch movies in other languages for that. It's more effective if you already are at a fairly communicative level, though. Written language like newspapers are great too, but beware of typos. I don't know if it's just me, but I find newspapers to contain lots of typos. Audio is something I'm unfamiliar with.

Good luck on improve your Italian!

12-25-2008, 08:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
Victor Vikingr Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 190	I'd say classes aren't really necessary, especially since you already have some experience with the language, though it might be a nice way to practise conversations. This year, I'm taking Spanish classes while studying German on my own. I'm also supposed to study French, but though I read it, I won't say I "study" it so much. I won't say they slow each other down - I actually find that the more languages I learn, the easier it is to learn more. For the verbs, I like the approach of learning one tense at a time, and all of the conjugations. I like to swear in other languages. XD Also, I've got a friend with whom I study Spanish, and we often speak it to each other. He has studied German for five years, so he can help me with that too. I suggest speaking the language with people. Definitely a great way to practise. I like to watch movies in other languages for that. It's more effective if you already are at a fairly communicative level, though. Written language like newspapers are great too, but beware of typos. I don't know if it's just me, but I find newspapers to contain lots of typos. Audio is something I'm unfamiliar with. Good luck on improve your Italian!