Ask HN: What is the best way to learn a language?

11 points by nahcub 11 years ago | 12 comments

A spoken language, that is. I know immersion is the best way overall, but what's the next best way if that's not an option?

stevekemp 11 years ago |

I 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.

x13420x 11 years ago |

I recommend against most tv and movies because the level is too advanced. You want material that is slightly beyond your level. This is why I recommend reading books. There are graded reading books. Eventually you also need to find a native speaker to practice with. You can do a language exchange or offer something else in return.

Brantt 11 years ago |

The 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!

languagenerd 11 years ago |

Assimil is superb.

I have used their system for multiple languages. Far better than Pimsleur, easier than Linguaphone and pretty cheap. Small bite sized lessons entirely in the target language, with parallel text. Quirky humour.

hoboon 11 years ago |

I once heard about a system based around a game: Where Are Your Keys? (http://www.whereareyourkeys.org/)

vellum 11 years ago |

You should give Duolingo a try. It can take you to the A2/B1 CEFR level. After that, read native language books and watch foreign Youtube videos.

danielkyulee 11 years ago |

Use a proven program like Rosetta Stone.

Then while you are learning vocab, grammar, etc., watch movies/videos in that language with subtitles.

GmeSalazar 11 years ago |

Livemocha is pretty cool. They offer lessons to help you exercise the four major skills -- reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

siliconian 11 years ago |

Watching movies/TV in that language with subtitles (also in the language you're trying to learn) really helps

le_meta 11 years ago |

Have someone Spanish read you a story every night before bed.

khyryk 11 years ago |

Get a bilingual significant other. :P

a3n 11 years ago | |

My French teacher in the eighties told us the best way to learn French is in bed with a native speaker.