Learning to speak a new language

[marine02]

Can anyone give me any advice on general tips on learning to speak a new language? How much time a day should you spend practising?

[Caladon]

The younger you are the better, as the brain is more suseptable to taking in information...however a more developed brain can work out and store the information on more of a concious level.

I recommend an hour a day, though it depends on how quickly you want to learn it and how much effort you are willing to put into learning.

basically...more time the better, but have rest breaks inbetween...also get someone else to learn it with you.

worked a treat when i was re-learning french.

bonjella, ce var? wee, ce var ate two?

[marine02]

Thanks Caladon :)

[Janetex]

A good tip is to "think" it - translate your thoughts into that language until it becomes second nature.

[Tat]

label stuff in your house in the languge you are learning (tea, milk, radio, anything and everything). put up lists of vocab by the loo or anywhere else you may be with nothing else to do or look at. anytime you are doing something brainless (on the bus, making a cup of tea) go through all the words and phrases in your head, or out loud if alone or if you don't care if you look crazy! also try and find a native conversation partner, one with minimal english is better as then you exchange 'lessons' and won't end up accidentally speaking english. but really the only way is to go to the country for a bit and not know any english speakers. hope this helps, good luck!