by Alexa Payne

Created on: March 22, 2007   Last Updated: December 07, 2009

The No-Nonsense Guide to Learning a Foreign Language

1. Grammar.

If you don't want to learn grammar, you don't want to learn. Period. So-called conversational methods that teach phrases will give you the ability to have a very stilted and inflexible "conversation." Grammar will set you free. Instead of having to memorize phrases you will be able to immediately put any verb or noun you learn to use. Find the most rigorous grammar book you can and embrace it. It is your friend.

2. Vocabulary.

If you build it (your vocabulary) they will talk (to you). The average 3 year old knows 1,000 words. An average 6 year old knows 10,000. If you would like to have a conversation with the sophistication of a 6 year old or greater, you've got to pack on the words. Laminate them and put them in the shower, hang them on the bathroom mirror and across from the toilet. Put them in your car to look at when you are at a red light. Better yet, listen to music or tapes in the car. There are so many wasted minutes in your life. Use them to beef up your vocabulary. Put a list in your pocket and quiz yourself in the grocery line. Or bring a pocket dictionary and look up the name of every item you are buying.

3. No nonsense doesn't mean no fun.

Eat, drink and sleep your language. One of the best ways to do this is indeed to date a native speaker. But it is not the only way. Immerse yourself to the extent you can. Visit little Italy, Chinatown, Russian Hill, whatever it is. Use the Internet. There are great games out there, quizzes, music, radio programs, pod-casts, and TV shows. Immersion alone is useless, however. Don't go to a country as an adult and expect to "pick up" the language, you won't. Maybe you'll get "please," "thank you" and "where is the bathroom"? down, but that is about it. Grammar and vocabulary first, then immersion.

4. Throw away your inhibitions.

Take a good hard look at your fear and toss it away. It is a barrier between you and mastery of your language. If you meet someone who speaks the language, be brave and speak. Don't worry about mistakes. Just try to communicate.

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