How to Obtain Fluency in Another Language

You want to become fluent in a foreign language. Unfortunately, you can't move to another country for six months; you don't even have a few weeks to devote to a language immersion school. However, if you are determined to obtain fluency in another language, they are other ways to accomplish your goal over time. There are big benefits, too. Research indicates that the brain functions better in people who are bilingual.

Instructions

    • 1

      Join language groups. Find people who are native speakers, long-time practitioners or diligent students of the language you wish to speak --- your target language. Many larger towns have foreign language groups or meetups that regularly gather in private homes and restaurants around town. These groups are for serious students only; if you join a group, you will be expected to abandon English and converse only in the other language. When you first join, you can make the initial encounter more comfortable by planning conversation starters before you go. But don't let yourself become tongue-tied because you are afraid to make mistakes. Just talk; more experienced speakers will help you.

      You can also find language buddies at online communities such as Busuu.com and MyLanguageExchange.com. Using a computer equipped with a video camera, you can have one-on-one conversations with a native speaker.

    • 2

      Watch movies in the target language. Some modern movies allow you to change the original production language (English) to Spanish, Japanese or French, for example. Simply find playback options on the main menu screen and select the language you want.

      Alternatively, you can download or purchase movies in a foreign language and then use an online subtitle service like Subs.to or MySubtitles. Listen first with the subtitles off to see if you can understand the gist of the dialogue. Then switch back and forth between watching with the subtitles and without them, trying to raise your level of comprehension with each round.

    • 3

      Read books, newspapers and magazines in your target language. Children's books are an easy way to get started if you can find them. But leave them behind quickly; you are not trying to become fluent in baby talk. If you really want to get to fluency, you will need to read more advanced materials.

      Whether you prefer romance over literature, or newspapers instead of tabloids, you will be more compelled to master your target language if you read things you already enjoy. Reading in another language will be difficult, at first. But, stick with it and keep a dictionary close by. Read for the gist and then read again to capture the nuances. Keep a notebook and record examples of grammar usage that are unfamiliar to you. In addition to bookstores, you may also obtain your target language books in online auctions and at your local library.

    • 4

      Set aside dedicated time to build strategic language practice into your daily life. Listen to language recordings on your daily commute or while you work out. If you are in an environment where you will not disturb others by speaking out loud, do so. Don't worry that the person on the next treadmill can hear you practicing; he probably has his own audio soundtrack playing. You can also play recordings while in the shower or while you are cooking. There is always enough time if you are committed to your goal of obtaining fluency.

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