Assemble the correct tools and resources. Ensure that you have a dictionary on hand to translate easily between your native language and your new language of study. You''ll need plenty of scrap paper is a very handy for completing exercises or jotting down thoughts and questions. Obtain instruction text books in various levels, from beginning to advanced, to guide you through the process. Consider purchasing audio CDs, videos or DVDs, and literature in the new language to advance your study. Use online resources as well, to familiarize yourself with techniques and tips for learning a new language. Be sure to dedicate a significant portion of each day to full immersion in language study in order to achieve your ten-day goal.
Learn the basics. Start with a beginners book. Learn to speak, read and write the alphabet and the sounds of each letter. Memorize vocabulary and practice forming sentences. Do practice questions and allow your text book examples to guide you in your study. Commit verbs and their conjugations to memory. Use flash cards and other techniques involving repetition and writing to practice what you have learned. Progress through the levels of text as you are able to fully grasp the previous lessons, always carrying what you have learned forward into the next chapter or lesson so as not to forget what you have learned.
Practice listening. Play music, films and television in your new language. Remember that slang terms and accents can be difficult for new speakers, and that the Internet is a great source for translating colloquialisms and expressions. Carry an MP3 player with audio language lessons loaded, or music and video files ready, so as to immerse yourself while on the go.
Practice speaking. Locate foreign language gatherings near you by browsing your local classified ads. Visit foreign grocers, cultural centers, museums and other cultural gatherings to test your skills in real life. Ask native speakers to converse with you and to correct your pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. Engage a friend who knows the language, and enjoy a lunch together speaking only in your new language. Repeat out loud audio lessons from language resources.
Practice writing and reading. Form sentences and practice journaling in your new language. Repeat exercises until grammar rules become familiar. Read books and copy sentences from the text while translating in your head. Be sure to learn all basic signage. Become familiar with abbreviations. Memorize any accents and their use.
Maintain your skills by using them daily. Read native literature or translations of your favorite books in your new language. Obtain periodicals, magazines and newspapers for practice. Subscribe to television channels and rent movies in your new language to play while at home. Get involved with native speakers and practice as often as possible. If possible, visit a native speaking country. Remember, immersion in a language can rapidly increase your learning.