How to learn a language

This page is part of the Wikipedia How-to Series.

First things first, develop a deep desire to master the language. This may seem obvious, but passion often brings the best results.

Table of contents

1 Speaking and understanding
2 Reading & Writing
3 Polishing
4 Children

Speaking and understanding

When riding the train or car, walking down the street, waiting in line, etc. simulate conversations and dialogues in your head. Carry a pocket dictionary/grammar book with you to facilitate the process.
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 phrases or sentences to memorize per day, depending on your schedule. For most people, memorizing 1 or 2 model pattern sentences, everyday is not too difficult.
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) In order to remember the word 'bread' - 'pan,' use the sentence 'I eat bread with butter.' --'Yo como pan con mantequilla.' (Try to imagine that you are eating the bread; can you taste it?) (This is also known as Total Physical Response)
(Rote) Repeat the whole phrase/sentence until you can say it fast with out hesitation like a reflex - just like a karate move. Language is reflex.
For vocabulary, substitute words in your new language into the language you speak normally. This will of course, cause fewer problems if you confine this to conversations with people you have notified of your strategy. E.g. (French) To make a cheese sandwich, put fromage between deux pieces of pain.
When developing a mnemonic, take note that humorous phrases will help you to remember the new words.
Most new languages contain previously unheard-of sounds. Practice them ad nauseam! Make yourself drill sentences full of new sounds and repeat them all the time. For instance, in French, "Il fait du vent" can be used to practice French f's, v's and d's, or "un grand vin blanc" for French nasals.
Watch movies in the language and pretend or imagine that you already understand. Children assimilate languages unconsciously. TV shows and radio broadcasts are also good ways to practice a language.
Speak with a native speaker if possible.
Get the melody of the language by listening to songs you like and singing them. By doing this, you can reduce your accent and almost unconsciously memorize a lot of phrases. Get the lyrics though, it may be very difficult to understand the song without them.

Reading & Writing

Do not underestimate reading. Read in the language as much as you can. Try newspapers and magazines at first. Reading will dramatically improve your vocabulary, your spelling, your grammar and your knowledge of the language culture. It is almost a prerequisite for good writing.

A very good "first read" is the book The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Originally in French, it is easily available in a lot of different languages. In many languages, it is even online (legally), and can be read for free. The book is short, interesting (even philosophical) and contains simple grammar and vocabulary. Another good book, for similar reasons, is The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
Speed reading doesn't help when beginning to learn a language. Lip read so that you can hear yourself speaking. Speed reading discourages vocalization which is important when starting to learn a language. Speed reading of course has its place, but while beginning a language, a lot of 'hard' reading is required. Fundamental words and sentences need to be mastered. When one feels confident enough or is at an intermediate level, speed reading may help or could even be recommended.
Get a computer dictionary. It will take considerably less time to look up a word, greatly easing the pain of beginning to read in a foreign language.

Polishing

When you have reached the point where you feel more or less confident reading, try reading a grammar book in and about the language you are learning. It isnôt as painful as it sounds and will help you with difficult points. It will be both a review of the basic rules and an introduction to the more subtle aspects of every language. The hindsight will make the basic rules sound more clear and natural and you will be presented with a plethora of model sentences to further reinforce them. You will learn (or just review) the most basic and useful linguistic stuff, e.g.: what is a direct object, an adverb, a nasal consonant, an infinitive, a case, etc. Overall, you will end up with a much clearer and organized picture of the language as a whole.

Children

Children have an innate ability to acquire languages, which diminishes later in life. Vocabulary is the easiest aspect of a language to learn, accent is the most difficult; generally speaking, people who learn a language after the age of 7 will nearly always retain a slight accent. Therefore there is a distinct advantage to learning languages at an early age. Contrary to popular belief, babies who are exposed to more than one language should not be significantly delayed in developing speech. In fact, research has shown that bilingual children tend to have an intellectual advantage over children who speak only one language, even in skills seemingly unrelated to linguistic ability. In other words: if you have someone who can talk to your kids in another language, chances are it will only do them good. The best strategy for teaching a language to kids is immersing them in an environment where that language is spoken.