Is anyone else learning a new language?

Mandarin Chinese.... an online study. enjoying!

I'm learning Russian right now. A trick I learned to make it easier to learn new words is to associate them with an image that sounds like the word, so it acts like a cue for the word. The example I was given was the Russian word for waiter is afeetseant, which kind of sounds like efficient, so think of an efficient waiter. Or the word for car is mashuina, and on Malcolm in the Middle a car was once referred to as a "go machine," so I think of that whenever I have to recall the word for car. I didn't think it would work for very long when I first heard it, but it's what I still do after about a year of studying and it makes remembering words really easy. Just go with what first comes into your mind when you hear the word. Another trick I learned is to review the new words I learned that day right before I go to sleep. When I wake up the words I was having trouble with are easier to recall. Above all, practice. The more you encounter the words the quicker you will recall them.

I think Japanese is an interesting language, and I studied Japanese about ten years ago. I can understand a bit, but I am not good at writing or reading. I would like to Japanese again in the future. Good luck with you studies Right now I focus on another language, because I am trying to learn Russian. At first I borrowed some books and some cds from the library, but the books weren't very good, so I have decided to use the internet instead. I have found an online picture dictionary in Russian, and that is a great way to learn new words. I use the site a lot. I have thought about studying Russian at school, but it is pretty expensive, so I prefer to study on my own.

I think it's great that you are learning a new language. I think that the more languages and cultures we know, the better the world will be, because it fosters friendship and understanding rather than isolation and hatred. For me, the best way to learn a language is not only to read what the words mean but also to hear them being spoken. The library may have books and tapes that you can borrow. If they don't, then I know people that like the "For Dummies" books, such as "Computer Programming For Dummies" or in your case it would be "Japanese For Dummies" (I am NOT implying that you are a dummy that is just the name of the series of books!!).

That's so cool! I also taught myself some Japanese. I also am learning the basics of Korean and Chinese. It's a lot of fun. I think the best way to learn is to first try some on your own through the internet. If you think you can handle it, you can go hire a really good tutor. But obviously, the best way is to live in the country so you will be immersed in the language and be forced to learn it well and in the right way.

im not studying any other languages right now, but I would like to study HANGUL, i think its the korean language. but I heard its hard to study this language. Japanese is also one of my choices because I like watching anime, so I know a bit of the language.

I'm currently learning Chinese, Mandarin. I started corrosponding with a wonderful lady in China, via a dating service, and thought that if we evr get together, it might be a big help to be able to speak her language. It would help us communicate, and make it easier for me to be able to teach her English. I'm using a computer program that is very effective, how are you learning?

Wow I would love to learn Japanese, although it just seems a bit too daunting. Are you teaching it to yourself or getting lessons? I speak French and some Spanish (just what I learned in school). I think the best way to learn a language is to speak it, if you have a friend or know someone who speaks Japanese it would help you to practise with them.

I like to watch movies in the language I am learning. I am currently trying to teach myself French. I had a very little in high school, but by watching movies on occasion, most of it has stayed with me! I am hoping to get to be more fluent where I could read/write as well as converse in it. Then switch to Spanish. I've heard the Rosetta Stone programs are excellent. But I've not tried it myself.