Use a proven program like Rosetta Stone.
Then while you are learning vocab, grammar, etc., watch movies/videos in that language with subtitles.
Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?
11–15 of 15 posts
Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?
#12I found that using the foreign language regularly was the only way it "stuck". So as you say "immersion".
I've married a Finnish woman, and we go through phases where we speak only Finnish at different times. We also agreed she'd never say "no" if I spoke Finnish, so I started with all the obvious things to say "One black coffee, please", etc.
Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?
#13The best way if you have the opportunity is to travel to a country where you want to learn the language from. This way gives you lots of advantages because you will feel forced to speak to be able to move around. Practice makes the difference!
Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?
#14The best way if you have the opportunity is to travel to a country where you want to learn the language from. This way gives you lots of advantages because you will feel forced to speak to be able to move around. Practice makes the difference!
Re: Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?
#15What way is best depends on your intent. Do you want to speak the language or write it or use it for a particular specialization?
Chris Lonsdale teaches a methodology for quick acquisition of spoken language that he presents in this TEDx talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0yGdNEWdn0
This primarily involves listening, getting the basic meaning first perhaps through body language or other clues, mix up words and expressions, go from a tool box to command acquisitions to pronouns and adjectives to glue words, copy facial expressions, and finally direct connection by exercising multiple paths to the same meaning.