The How to learn a language reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

How to learn a language

-Develop a deep desire to master the language.

This is obvious but is is really followed?

-When riding the train or car, walking down the

street, waiting in line , etc.. simulate 

conversations and dialogues in your head, 

as much as you can or all the time.

Carry a pocket dictionary/grammar book with you.

-Speak with the native speaker if possible.

-Repeat and memorize whole sample phrases and

sentences which embody grammatical rules.

Grammar requires calculation before speaking.

It is easier to use a memorized sentence 

pattern as a basis, instead. Make a 

quota of one or 10  phrases or sentences 

a day depending on your schedule. 

-We think in whole phrases and with emotions

So don't just memorize words but memorize a 

whole sample phrase with the evoked  emotion. 

E.g. (Spanish)not just 'bread' - 'pan' but 'I 

eat bread with butter.' --'Yo como pan con 

mantequilla.' (feeling like your are eating 

and recalling the taste)

- (Rote)Repeat the whole phrase/sentence until

you can say it fast with out hesitation like reflex 

and just like a karate move. Language is reflex.

-Speed reading doesn't help in learning a language.

Lip read while reading in the language you are 

learning.Hear yourself speaking. 

-Watch movies in the language and pretend or

imagine that you already understand. Children 

assimilate languages unconsciously.

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