How I did it: Make friends, get books, use free websites, and study and talk. Choose 1 or 2 languages you are really motivated to learn. Meet people who speak this language well. Use Internet & free online language training. Schedule a language-immersion visit to the country or even to a community closer to you where the language is spoken. Speak, speak, speak! Also participate in online written forums in your new language, and write letters, articles, and maybe even books!

Lessons & tips: Get practical phrasebooks and everyday grammar guides. Try to pick a language that you can practice face to face with native speakers.

Resources: Handy language guides, free websites and online translators. I like reverse.net and others. I'm interested in trying Rosetta Stone but it's VERY expensive. Try attending or organising language gatherings in your area via MEETUP.com!Also try joining & participating @ LiveMocha, Myngle, and other free language-learning Web2.0 sites!

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Jan 28, 2009, 05:14PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer