How to take an e-trip to learn a foreign language

The best way to learn a foreign language is to live where they speak the language you want to learn. Total immersion. Not many of us can afford to do that but here's an idea that doesn't cost. Taking a trip, an e-trip to a foreign country on the internet.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer

1. 

   Surf the Internet for a learning location that is completely covered with the foreign language of choice. Using your favorite search engine, you could type in a common phrase in that language. Like Bien or Que hora es? Search the results for one that has interesting information to read or preferable listen to. Try looking for a site that is completely built in that language, with as little English as possible. You need to feel "abroad" on this site, so it needs to be as foreign as possible in what regards its content. As you are reading and you cannot figure out a particular word, then by opening a new window, search for a website that will tell you what the word means in English.

2. 

   Find a forum that speaks the language you want to learn. The subject is not as important as long as everyone is speaking a foreign language. Reading what others have to say about a subject will boost your vocabulary and general knowledge of that language till you finally can start joining in. Please note that just like us, users will use slang or have common spelling mistakes.

3. 

   Visit a live chat channel. Visiting such channels gives you a chance to have conversations with native speakers of the language you're learning.
   Sometimes chat rooms can become repetition or simple, just right for someone who is just starting to learn.

4. 

   There are a few websites that actually show classic movies for free on your computer and many of them are in a foreign language. Take an e-trip to a movie website like Beelinetv and watch a foreign film. If you can find one with English subtitles, that's even better when your first starting to learn the language, but after a while try watching one without subtitles and see how much of the movie you can understand.

Tips & Warnings

• By only perusing the computer in a foreign language and watching only foreign movies. You will be surprised how soon you will be picking up the language. Don't let frustration get in the way as there is a short period of time before it will all start to make sense.

[KnottyFood]

on 9/24/2008 Hi Jerrie,

Love al of your articles ! You know what also helps a lot learning a new language ? Find music in the language your studying and learn the lyrics of the songs. Helped me alot.
Greetings from Germany from

Peter