Learning a new language

Which method do you recommend?

I want to read Rimbaud in French.

[Karnos]

Quote Originally Posted by ukiyo-e cat

Which method do you recommend? I want to read Rimbaud in French.

The easiest, of course, is to get involved with the culture. I speak respectable German because most of the friends I've made here are germans and I've been invited to their parties and hang outs. Plus, I've traveled a lot in and around Germany.

Read poetry too. Not Rimbaud's, but something easy. Try and write small sentences in the language. The more literary, the better.

Read Saint-Exupéry's "Little prince". It's very helpful to learn any language.

Most important, try not to translate from English (or whatever your mother language is) into French, but think in French. It is easier said than done, but the earlier you try it, the easier it'll be.

What I wrote previously about getting involved with the culture is very important. I've been living in Barcelona for seven years now and, even though I read and understand Catalan perfectly, I do not speak it (at least no in a respectable way), partly because it isn't that necessary here (it is the deeper you go inside Catalonia) and because most of the folks I know are not from around. So, if you can find some french speaking society of sorts in your area, you should try and frequent it.

[ToALonelyPeace]

Kato Lomb's advice on learning language corresponds to my experience learning English. There are also more tips here.