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How to Learn a New Language Without Classes

Learn on Your Own Time!

By R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen, published Feb 20, 2008
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I can effectively communicate, write and read in four different languages. Most of what I learned was self taught and with the help of international pen pals. Anyone can learn any language if they are willing to set aside about a half hour per day to study and practice. The Internet and the library are all you really need to begin your journey to becoming multi-lingual.

The Internet

There is a wealth of language learning sites on the Internet. Several sites allow you to download programs (for free) so that you can practice pronunciation, play games to help you remember and do self tests to see what you have already learned. They also provide vocabulary lists, common words and phrases as well as things you should know about the culture.

The Library

Yes, they still do exist and should definitely be utilized when you are learning a new language. They have several textbooks on most languages. Textbooks teach you in detail. They start with the basics and then move into the more difficult stuff. I recommend that you use the library to get a feel for what books will be most effective for you and then go and purchase them at a book store so that you have them and can learn at your own pace as well as have them for future reference,

Pen Pals

There are dozens of sites on the Internet that allow you to search for pen pals. Pen pals are a great option because they already speak the language fluently and can help you learn more as well we help to correct your mistakes. Most pen pal sites are free and give you the option to exchange letters by email or by traditional postal mail.

Additional Tips on Learning a New Language

First and foremost, learn their alphabet and proper pronunciation. This is essential when you begin to practice speaking a new language. Start out with common phrases, questions and words. Familiarizing yourself with these will be an enormous help in the long run trust me. Create flash cards, yes just like you did in school, and carry them with you so you can practice anytime you have extra time.

Takeaways
  • Language learning with no classes
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Great tips :) Sheri

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 6:05:29 PM

 
i am keen on learning languages but failed because i don't have the determination

Posted on 04/21/2008 at 6:04:29 AM

 
I speak enough Spanish to get by, and of course English - proper English. My dad is from England, so I have a couple extra parts of my language that different from everyone else. I have Rosetta Stone French, because I believe I will end up in France in my future - and I want to be fluent. It's just beautiful to me. It's a slow go, but the RS program works very, very well!

Posted on 04/01/2008 at 3:04:12 PM

 
Excellent tips!

Posted on 03/22/2008 at 4:03:11 PM

 
Great tips!

Posted on 03/12/2008 at 2:03:32 PM

 
some great tips. I need to learn Spanish

Posted on 03/11/2008 at 9:03:02 PM

 
good advice!! i always wanted to learn Latin!

Posted on 03/07/2008 at 8:03:59 AM

 
ooo, this is great advice!!!! Awesome article!

Posted on 03/02/2008 at 8:03:27 PM

 
Hey, great advice, but you forgot the easiest one of all - actually go to the place where the language is spoken. A few weeks in France or Quebec is going to teach you French a lot faster than any book or class.

Posted on 03/01/2008 at 2:03:47 AM

 
I'm impressed!

Posted on 02/28/2008 at 11:02:28 AM

 
Wow! Fluency in four languages is impressive. Great informative article!

Posted on 02/25/2008 at 7:02:08 AM

 
Good job on this!!!

Posted on 02/24/2008 at 11:02:54 AM

 
Great tips! I speak four -five languages and one of the best ways is simply to hang out with people who speak that language, or go live there for a while!

Posted on 02/23/2008 at 5:02:27 PM

 
Wow, I've had formal training in two languages and can't speak either. Use it or lose it! Good advice

Posted on 02/22/2008 at 3:02:34 PM

 
Great job, Elizabeth. To learn languages on your own as you have takes not only a good bit of smarts but a lot of fortitude, too! Quite impressive!

Posted on 02/22/2008 at 3:02:49 PM

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