How to Learn a Foreign Language

How to Learn a Foreign Language http://blog.brainhq.com/2013/07/29/brain-hack-use-brainhq-training-to-enhance-abilities-in-a-foreign-language/In the previous article, I wrote about the Benefits of learning a foreign language ,and the positive impact it will have on both your personal professional life.However, I am always asked this question ” What is the best way to learn a foreign language?”. There are multiple methods or ideas you can use to learn a new foreign language. In this article I will share some commonly used methods that people use to learn a foreign language.IMMERSIONevalMy friend Tom wanted to learn French. This had been on his bucket list for a very long time. He decided to do something about it, and plunge into action.Tom inquired with the local schools colleges and sought their advice . They recommended French Immersion if he was serious.The local school suggested that through Language Immersion, Tom will be able to accelerate his learning of French.Through the program, the school will find a family in Quebec with whom Tom can stay for few weeks or months, and during that stay he will learn the language. In other words, immersing himself in the environment will motivate him to quickly grab the language.Tom took the suggestion and headed to Chicoutimi Quebec and stayed with a local family for couple of months. He had no choice but to speak French because the locals in that town mostly only spoke French.After his 2 months, Tom was glad that he took the program. It was a valuable investment of his time money. Since he was away from home, and he did not have anyone to speak English â€" he learnt French quickly.There are many resources available for this online. Most schools universities provide resources/directions regarding language immersion. If you can invest the time If you find the Immersion process to formal ,the other alternative is to travel A friend on mine, Rob went to Thailand there for a vacation, then he realized how much he loved the local language and cult ure After thorough research I chose a Martial Arts School in Nicaragua. My plan was to stay there for 2 months and train non-stop all day. I spoke to the Program Director, booked my trip and then packed my bags and headed out.I knew that Nicaragua was a Spanish speaking country, but I was under the impression that English also was spoken there I learnt French in High School â€" try speaking 2 sentences to me in French, I will probably stare you at like a Deer caught in the Headlights. Guilty as charged, I haven’t practiced French in 14 years.In his book First 20 Hours : How to Learn Anything Fast, Josh Kaufman explains in-depth about the differences between Skill Acquisition versus Education.“Skill acquisition requires practicing the skill in question. It requires significant periods of sustained, focused concentration. It requires creativity, flexibility, and the freedom to set your own standard of success” â€" Josh KaufmanLanguage Exchange groups or meetups are a great way to hone your language skills. Repetition and practice sharpens your skills, and helps you retain all the vocabulary you acquired. Nothing beats live interactions with a real human-being.5. TECHNOLOGY TO THE RESCUEEver seen the famous iPhone ad in 2009 “There is an app for that”. Exactly!! there are apps for learning languages. Thanks to technology, you don’t necessarily have to enroll in a structured classroom type of environment.evalRosetta Stone has set the gold standard for audio/video based Language Learning. You can learn pretty much any language using their CD or DVD programs. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. I personally have never used their programs, but they have a strong reputation.Duolingo is a free mobile app and website (and my favorite) for learning languages. Although, the choices are limited regarding how many languages are available â€" you can’t beat the price. FREE!!The app consists of many tests, courses also uses Gamification to speed up the l earning process. And you can also compete with your friends.Duolingo came to my rescue during my stay in Nicaragua. I am currently learning Portuguese on Duolingo. It is my biased opinion â€" to quickly learn new words, sentences,etc. this app cannot be beat. However, you still need to go out an practice conversing in that language.I hope you find the above list useful. What are some other methods you have used to learn a new foreign language? I am curious to hear you ideas.Feel free to share if you found this article resourceful!!