How to Begin

Maybe both the easiest and the hardest part of learning a language is beginning. It's easy to decide you want to learn a language, but if you don't choose the right methods you can stall before you even get started. One of the best language learning techniques by far is the Pimsleur Method. Pimsleur uses an audio repeat-after-me and answer-back technique. (You can purchase Pimsleur Language Programs from iTunes. What's nice about iTunes is you can download them and get started right away!) With Pimsleur, you sometimes simply repeat what the native speakers say, and sometimes you answer questions the native speakers pose to you. In this way, you can practice actually understanding and responding in the new language. New words and phrases are repeated at optimal intervals so that you begin to remember and associate the words without too much effort. The optimal amount of time to spend studying in the beginning is about 30 minutes or so a day, with the possibilty of repeating the same lesson twice in a day if you feel you need to. Most people can muster up at least this much dedication, especially if they are already spending about 30 minutes or so commuting. Just make doing your language lesson part of your habitual routine somehow.

Once you finish the Pimleur Method you will have committed enough time to language learning that you should have enough momentum to move to the next level, although you will certainly miss them. Next best is the Living Language series. At this point, or even in conjunction with your Pimsleur lessons, I would add an Easy Reader. See my recommendations here on the right hand side or visit the Generalist Bookstore. The reason an Easy Reader is useful along with the Pimsleur Method is that you start to see the language in print. Pimsleur provides simple readings along with their course and you should do those as well. Read aloud from the Easy Reader as soon as you can. The new versions of the Easy Readers now come with CDs. I think they are worth it. You can also use the pronunciation tool here if you are unsure of a particular word.

Once you complete the Pimsleur Method and spend a little time with the Living Language series, you are probably an intermediate level learner. See the Learning Tips for how to find the right mix of study aids.