Develop a basic vocabulary in your chosen language. Before you can speak or understand anything in the other language, you will need to know at least a few hundred words. Using flash cards or a beginner-level language software program can be a good way to overcome this first step.
Begin learning common phrases in the other language. It makes sense to use a computer program or other learning materials that will guide you through this process in a natural sequence. For example, Rosetta Stone has a good reputation for helping people become conversational in other languages by using a visual/audio method on the computer. If you decide to use a printed book to begin learning common phrases, choose one that has tapes/CDs or other audio for you to listen to the phrases pronounced by a native speaker.
Learn the basics of grammar and sentence structure in the other language. If grammar bores you, note that you don't need to spend a huge amount of time on this -- you can get the best sense of how the language is used by examining it in real-life settings. However, you need to learn the basics of how the words change and are arranged in the other language. For example, the placement of a word in the sentence may determine whether or not it needs a specific ending or prefix. You should read through at least one guide to grammar that is aimed at non-native speakers attempting to learn the other language. If you are taking a class, you may acquire this knowledge as a part of the course.
Practice your newfound speaking ability with another person who is interested in that language. The ideal choice is someone who is a native speaker of the language or otherwise deeply fluent, as this person will be able to help you with pronunciation and word usage choices. Consider taking a class in the language at a local community college or adult education center in order to have opportunities to practice speaking.
Continue building your vocabulary, then begin reading newspapers or books in the other language. This is a terrific way to build up your working vocabulary as you will encounter the words most commonly used in real life. You also should pay attention to the sentence structure and any particularly common metaphors or idiomatic expressions. Keep a dictionary on hand to look up unfamiliar words.
Watch television shows or listen to radio programs in the other language. This used to be difficult for any language not common in the United States, but nowadays it is not that difficult to find radio broadcasts or video clips on the Internet in nearly any common language. Be sure to learn the right search phrases in the other language to find this content in a search engine; you will have an easier time searching for this material while using keywords in the other language since most of this type of online content will be targeted to native speakers. But listening to the language is a great way to build your auditory comprehension of it. Try attempting to transcribe some of what you hear as a practice exercise. Write down unfamiliar words and look them up at a later time.
Look for opportunities to use the other language in real life, such as speaking to others who are fluent in the language or other people who are attempting to learn the language. Make sure to speak the language as well as write in it. Translate short newspaper articles and then ask someone fluent in the language to look your work over for word usage, etc.