Learning a second language

[shane_c]

Just wondering what the best way to learn a second language is? I would like to learn French. I have my Grade 12 french so I have a bit of background but grade 12 was 10 years ago. About 3 years ago I picked up some French CD's and used them for a bit along with some workbooks. I found them pretty good but found it hard to stick with and only completed about 1/4 of the CD's. I have a bit more time now and ride transit for 2 hrs a day so I have time to read the books and stuff. I'm guessing that taking classes would be the best way to learn and I can take them for free here at the university but they are in the evenings and I want to go home afterwork and not stick around. Has anyone successfully taught themselves another language with the CD's?

[4X4]

I could see cds working - if you can repeat out loud. I know I remember something better if I repeat it.

"My name is Sally"

"Hi Sally, nice to meet you"

If I don't repeat someone's name, or a phone number I won't remember it.

I've never heard a lesson on audiotape or cd, but I imagine that they don't just keep rattling off words & sentences without a space that you are supposed to repeat what you heard.

I could see you sitting on the bus with your earphones on, then suddenly blurting out some french phrase...

[Crazy Flamer]

The best thing to do would be to go and live somewhere where French is constantly spoken, although that is not always a possibility. Getting to know someone who speaks French and trying your hand at conversations with them may also help.

[moon]

Originally posted by Crazy Flamer@Aug 12 2005, 12:51 PM
The best thing to do would be to go and live somewhere where French is constantly spoken, although that is not always a possibility. Getting to know someone who speaks French and trying your hand at conversations with them may also help.

Yep. From experience and everything I have heard from those that have learned a second language as an adult, living in a place where they speak the language is by far the best way to do it.

Of course not everyone had the flexibility to do so.

[shane_c]

Originally posted by 4X4@Aug 12 2005, 07:48 PM
I could see cds working - if you can repeat out loud. I know I remember something better if I repeat it.

"My name is Sally"

"Hi Sally, nice to meet you"

If I don't repeat someone's name, or a phone number I won't remember it.

I've never heard a lesson on audiotape or cd, but I imagine that they don't just keep rattling off words & sentences without a space that you are supposed to repeat what you heard.

I could see you sitting on the bus with your earphones on, then suddenly blurting out some french phrase...

That would be funny! But I would only be reading the workbooks on the bus and train not having a conversation with myself.

I guess I could listen to some french radio while at work to become more familiar with it. There are a few people in our department who speak it so I can practice with them.

[Eastern Girl]

Yeah I speak French fluently. I originally tried using the CD's but it didn't work for me. I guess I don't learn well that way. I prefer to have someone teaching me so I can ask questions and that kind of thing, so I got a tutor. One on One I think is the best way to learn. Also, it helps that I live in Ottawa where there are opportunities to use the language outside of the tutoring. So, I would suggest either taking a class or getting tutoring.