What resources, methods, etc, have you all used to learn a second speaking language? I've been trying to learn arabic for some time, but have usually hit walls along the way. It's been an on-and-off type of effort, which I realize is probably the worst way to learn a language, or anything really. I'd like some seriously good suggestions. I've tried a few sites out, most of which were usually a pain to use. Is software like Rosetta Stone worth it? What is?
Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
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Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#2Read read read read. And then do some more reading.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#3I love this blog:
http://www.fluentin3months.com/
He has a number of reviews of software packages and websites, along with his own "language hacking" guide.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#4This is how I've learned English and French:
* Step 1: Learn the grammar and the few thousand most important words. This is the hardest and least fun part.
* Step 2: Read a lot in order to obtain a large vocabulary. A lot.
* Step 3: Listen to the language. TV, Radio, Movies, etc.
* Step 4: Talk to native speakers. A lot.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#5Personally moved in the country whose language I wanted to speak.
Otherwise there is Tim Ferriss method http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/01/20/learning-lan...
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#6The best way is immersion (roommates, television, taking regular college classes in another languages, etc) but if that's not something you can do, the next best thing is to get gigs translating documents. Underbid professional interpreters and be upfront about the time it will take. If possible, start with technical documents such as electronics manuals - they require minimum grammar and vocabulary. It worked for me to get started on English... when you have a paid gig with a deadline, you are much more motivated.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#7I have to learn a language for my graduate program. I have been learning German using the Michel Thomas audio program. It isn't perfect, but I do feel like I have learned a lot with relative ease -- much more easily than I learned Spanish in middle and high school classes.
Advantages:
* Michel Thomas CDs are significantly cheaper than software-based programs
* audio format means you can study on your commute, rather than only in front of your computer, and you can easily use the CDs with a Free OS
* I like that the program is interactive, and there are two other students on the recording -- it feels like you're getting useful feedback that you wouldn't get practicing alone
Possible Disadvantages:
* the program's focus is on grammar, which is useful for me, but it does mean that you don't learn a lot of vocabulary; I am on the twelfth disc of 15, and the lessons have barely touched on the use of nouns. This might be a downside if you are trying to become conversant with native speakers.
* the audio format means you don't always get the spelling of new words (sometimes they are spelled aloud on the recording, but not always); I deal with this by looking new words up in a German dictionary as I hear them
I also bought a book (German Quickly, by April Wilson) designed as a crash course for students needing to pass a language exam. It looks like it will be helpful in filling in the gaps in the Michel Thomas program, but I honestly can't recommend it yet, since I have barely cracked it -- reading a grammar book is so much dryer and more boring than listening to audio lessons!
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#8I moved to France, and painfully became more apt in the language out of necessity.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#9If there are any English speaking Canadian students out there who would like to learn or boost your French, I highly recommend the Explore [1] program. It's 5-weeks of French immersion that you will never forget. Being forced to speak, listen, and live the language is the best way to learn.
Re: Ask HN: How have you learned a speaking language?
#10Personally for me, the best way to learn a new speaking language is by conversing in that language. When I was in college, I'm 'forced' to speak in Mandarin as most of my friends speak Mandarin. Within 3 months I can converse pretty well in Mandarin. I listen when my friends speak, catch the pronunciation and repeat that. The loop goes on until I can speak with confidence.