Learn a Foreign Language

If you are interested in learning one of these foreign languages, click on the relevant link for an introduction to and overview of the language concerned:

Italian, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Thai

If you want to learn to speak Italian confidently and accurately, my e-course Accurate Italian is exactly what you need! Check it out; you've got nothing to lose and an enormous amount to gain.

Some general advice about how to learn a foreign language

1. If you really want to learn, give your study priority. Unless you're disciplined and work at the language regularly, it can take a long time to make significant progress. Don't try to do too much because you'll just get fed up but set yourself realistic targets and make sure you stick to them.

2. Use the language as much as possible. It doesn't matter if you make mistakes, just speak! This is a good habit to get into because the more you speak, the more quickly you'll learn. In the end, language is about communication. If you keep it to one side and treat it as an academic exercise, it will take you much longer to get going.

3. Find someone to talk to/practise with. If you're starting from scratch, it's usually a good idea to get some lessons at the beginning but, if you're an experienced linguist and/or can't afford lessons, do find a native speaker of the language you're learning and exchange language sessions with him/her.