Best way to self-teach a language?
I'd love to learn italian. I don't live anywhere near Italy and can't really get there for a few years, but I'd love to learn it. There aren't any classes offered in my area. I am fluent in French. I've looked at a couple of teach-yourself series. Which method is best? I'm talking about books, cds, kits, websites, etc. Money is not an issue.
Has anyone tried the "Oxford Take Off In" Series? Is it any good?
I love LOVE Rosetta Stone because it immerses you in the language which is the best way for me to learn. It's picture, the word with pronunciation and a speech analyzer that you can use with a microphone to help for your pronunciation. A bit expensive but I think it's worth it. Note: there's an online version too.
I get mixed up in formal education when the English is next to the translated word.
I go further to getting books, music, movies or reading websites in the language that I'm learning plus attending established local language clubs which are really nice because you'll meet people who are serious about learning the language. Start a club if there isn't one in your area or ask your kid,friend or spouse to learn with you. I practice with my baby niece when I'm babysitting her, she may not understand but who cares as long as I'm learning I get better. 
htp://www.rosettastone.com/en
10 Responses to “Best way to self-teach a language?”
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November 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I tried an online course once and had a bit of problem with pronunciation, mainly because of the technology with audio and connection speed back then.
Otherwise it was great because I could study it in my own time. Dont ask me the web site though lol I've forgotten
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November 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
cd's or tapes, with books you never get the pronounciation right
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November 2nd, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I'm probably not the best as far as answering this question…
Foreign languages come naturally to me, I taught myself French at age 8 and I'm learning German now.
It really depends on your age, now. The younger you are, the easier it is. TRUST ME.
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November 2nd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
There is a pretty good program on the www called Before you Know it, acronym BYKI. Google that, and you will get it.
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November 2nd, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Try the Pimsleur language series. I'm learning Spanish through it, and it's fantastic! You really, really learn the words and don't forget them! I've bought quite a few DVDs and CDs and tried websites, but Pimsleur has been the best and most efficient.
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November 2nd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Well the way i learnt spanish was to get a Lonely Planets Spanish phrasebook but you could get another and a dictionary. The you could translate easy paragraphs from like newspapers like the weather or horoscopes, and ask people online like here if they can translate it. And for the phrasebook you write the words you want to know the memorise them and their meaning and ask someone to ask you what the words mean so then you can practise with them the words or even a conversation if they are willing to read what ever language it is!
Enjoy learning italian
cuidate, god bless and
Au revoir
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November 2nd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I've tried everything… I only wish there was a "language pill" that I could buy. Here is what I found that is second best to living in Italy.
"Emersion" (I think that is the word). It means to Emerse yourself in the language. It's true, the only way to LEARN a language is to LIVE IT.
Get a few simple book and tapes on the language and go around your room and LABLE EVERYTHING in that language!
Lable everything but take your time to do a few simple steps while doing it…
Look up each word. Try to use that word in a sentence. Label the milk in your fridge. Think up a simple sentence like, "I love milk" and try to use that during the day… Like tell a friend that you just learned how to say "I love milk" in Italian. Then say it.
You will soon realize how powerful that simple task will be. The action of you finding the word, writing it on the label, trying it out on yourself, remembering to use it during the day, and then actually using it that day,,,,,,that is powerful mental reinforcements.
Repeat those steps for each item in your home, one or two a day. Find a friend who is learning the same language to practise on. Use the language. Study the language. Listen to others using the language. And do all of this on a daily routine (just like you would if you were living in Italy).
Save your money and time on all the books, tapes, cd's, courses, etc… Try this first. You won't hear advice like this anywhere because I just told you to "save your money"…. Anyone who WANTS your money would not give you advice like that…
Enjoy…Gratzi or whatever they say in Italian….
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November 2nd, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I love LOVE Rosetta Stone because it immerses you in the language which is the best way for me to learn. It's picture, the word with pronunciation and a speech analyzer that you can use with a microphone to help for your pronunciation. A bit expensive but I think it's worth it. Note: there's an online version too.
I get mixed up in formal education when the English is next to the translated word.
I go further to getting books, music, movies or reading websites in the language that I'm learning plus attending established local language clubs which are really nice because you'll meet people who are serious about learning the language. Start a club if there isn't one in your area or ask your kid,friend or spouse to learn with you. I practice with my baby niece when I'm babysitting her, she may not understand but who cares as long as I'm learning I get better.
htp://www.rosettastone.com/en
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November 2nd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
For getting to know the language, try getting the basics in books, ans then get lots of songs and movies in Italian. For the songs, get the lyrics and sing along. For movies, watch them with subtitles in Italian and keep a notebook near to you so that you can write every word you dont' understand and check it later. At teh beginning you'll understand nothing, then, it would be easier for you. Also try having pen pals that write in that language
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November 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I think books that come with cd's are better, because you have a reference for pronunciation and grammar.
good luck.
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