You’ve decided which language you’re going to
learn, so how do you go about it? In a classroom, on-line or with CDs and books? A difficult choice when you lead a busy life and making the effort to get to the class each week is going to be hard.

Wouldn’t it be easier to sit in front of your computer and learn phrases parrot fashion? You don’t need to move, you’ve got your home comforts, and if you get bored you can go and do something else and come back later. If you’re leaning towards studying a language in isolation ask yourself the following questions:

Once you’ve considered these questions the answer should be clear. Get yourself to a class where there are others who have the same interests and desire to learn as you. Use the experience of learning the new language to make new friends and interact.

If finding a class is difficult, hiring a one-to-one tutor is the next best thing. They will ensure that you practise your language skills and set you achievable goals. They may visit you in your own home, depending on how close they live to you. Language tutors often advertise in the local newspapers.

Another less well known method of one-to-one tutoring is to hire a tutor over the internet. There are several companies that offer the services of a native tutor, who will hold one-to-one and group discussions in the language you wish to learn. This can be done with through your computer and with telephone tutorials. This may be the happy medium for you, if you’re unable to attend a local class.

However, if learning alone is your only option because of your circumstances (for example you may be learning a rare language where exposure to it is not easy), don’t despair. There are many people who do succeed by using this method. To overcome the isolation why not try and find a pen-pal? E-mail makes this incredibly easy. This will allow you to ‘converse’ in writing with a native speaker. Who knows, this may inspire you to visit them and their country.

To summarise, although classroom exposure is arguably the most effective method of language learning, it’s not the only successful method. If you have the dedication and determination to succeed, the desire to learn should overcome the method.