How Should I Study in Order to Become Fluent?

Language Proficiency

The best and fastest way to learn a language is by immersion (see "Where should I learn?")

If immersion is not feasible for you, here are some other options:

Classes - You can learn a lot by taking a class. After two years of classroom study, dedicated students are usually at the intermediate level, and four years should put you at advanced. However, at some point you will need to be immersed in the language in order to perfect your listening skills and pronunciation.

Study - Study every day. The effort you put into learning makes a huge difference. If you practice every day you'll learn and remember a lot more than someone who goes to class once a week but never practices outside of class. Like music, art, dance, and pretty much every other skill, practice makes perfect. Even after becoming fluent, you will still need to practice - it's unfortunately very easy to lose your language, even if you were once fluent.

Self-study resources - The internet, software, books, and tapes/CDs are tools that can help you learn, but I don't believe that someone can learn a language using only these methods. You can certainly memorize the rules of grammar, verb conjugations, and vocabulary; learn the basics of reading and writing; and master other such "mechanical" functions. But it is essential to talk to people in order to work on your listening skills (different people have different accents and tempos) and speaking skills (to practice your pronunciation and make sure that they can understand you).

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