Learning a language
 

How feasible is it to learn a new language on your own without taking formal classes? Since I'm working full time, it makes it really hard for me to attend formal classes. I've always wanted to learn French and Spanish.

I've heard pretty good stuff about Rosetta Stone. Any of you have experience with self-studies?

Try living in a country for a few months. Don't go with friends, so you're FORCED to immerse.

Yeah that's totally a fucking practical solution for a guy who just said he's working a full time job and wants to learn something on his own.

Well, it's the best way that I know. It's "more" practical than taking classes.

I've personally found it really difficult to discipline myself to stick to studying Japanese on a regular basis, so if you are anything like me I would say it isn't really too feasible. If you are a motivated, EXTREMELY disciplined individual though then perhaps you may have better luck than me.

I wouldn't bother trying though unless you can somehow devote at least an hour or two to it everyday; only studying once or twice a week probably wont get you anywhere <-- speaking from my experience.

Past a certain age (say, 6 or 7), acquisition of a new language is rather difficult. You can do self-study, but you must also practice a lot - preferably with real people.

I suppose the next best thing to total immersion in said foreign country is to immerse yourself in their media. Watch French/Spanish TV shows and movies, surround yourself with native speakers, and practice a lot.

Use it or lose it.

Of course, if you know NOTHING of the language, buy a beginner's book, but I guess that goes without saying.

Honestly, this is the BEST way to learn a language without formal classes. It'd be the best thing to supplement it with a class or two, or at least a few books while immersed, so you don't sound like an idiot with your improper grammar.

Then again how feasible is it that you'd move to that country?

Regardless of your method of study you MUST find someone who can speak it fluently to practice with. You'll find that even if you're bad they will appreciate the effort (most of the time). Just hearing the way they speak and listening to their responses will help your own speaking immensely. Just trying to learn from books and programs may get you grammar but it wont help you when it comes to speaking casually with someone. Or if you have any friends that speak the language just have them speak to you in that language.

I think I'm biased too and tend to think speaking is the most important in the real world unless you plan on working or writing poetically in another language. Because if you ever get lost reading something you can always ask for help. Though, I think this is because I studied Japanese and just gave up on trying to read and write it successfully and would just ask people instead.

But I agree with Rasputina, a few classes couldn't hurt if you have the time on weekends or something. Just to kick start you if anything.

I actually really like "My Spanish Tutor" for the DS. When learning a new language, a combination of approaches is best. Make sure you have all your bases covered: listening, reading, writing, speaking. You need some method of practice in all areas.

Assuming you:
a) Have a good beginner's resource to give you the basic foundation (A solid textbook of some kind)
b) Have continual access to resources to practice the four areas of usage mentioned above (listening/reading/writing/speaking)
c) Have an absolute devotion to and interest in the particular language and culture
d) Have at least 3-7 uninterrupted hours a week to spend
e) Have the concentration and planning to make the above hours work
f) Don't expect to catch every single social custom and mannerism

I would say it is very feasible but definitely easier said than done.

The best way in my opinion is to immerse in that culture/community... preferably by yourself so you can't cheat your way out by speaking English with your friends.

As far as conversational things go, Pimsleur is a really good publisher of audio programs. The examples have you speaking the words just as they should be spoken (it's easier to pick up the accents with audio examples instead of reading from a book).

If you want to go as far as to dig deep into the language and learn to write it as well as to understand and speak it, then all you need is a good high school/college-level textbook and some motivation.

Rosetta stone is a great resource. It utilizes visual and audio drills in neat little lesson plans. I recommend it.

I have used Pimsleur in the past. Pimsleur is good reinforcement for those with a solid foundation, but it doesn't facilitate the same rate of progress as Rosetta Stone, and not by far.

I have also studied foreign languages in high school and college. Rosetta Stone gave me warm memories of those times. It gets my vote. As with any course, study in conjunction with a good dictionary.

Do you have an iPod? If so, you could download some audio programs that teach you a new language. (Choose one that'll quiz you; i.e. asks you how to say a certain sentence, then gives you a moment to think, then says the answer.) You could listen while commuting to work or while doing chores, etc. This will at least teach you basic conversation skills, though not how to read in that language.

Additional Spam:
Then again, since French and Spanish use the same alphabet as English, and (to some degree) spell phonetically, if you can speak the language, you won't have too much trouble learning to read it.

HERE IN THE YEAR THREE WEEKS IN THE FUTURE WE ARE NO LONGER INTO GIVING ADVICE ON LEARNING LANGUAGES.

WHO USES AN IPOD THESE DAYS

i can learn two languages at the same time and my friends and parents say it is some kind of gift

I'm guessing English isn't one of them.

The cynic in me sees someone trying to get into somebody's FTP...

Could be. His diction makes me think he could be a friend of Maris.

But maris is somehow awesome.