I Want To Learn A Language - Fast

[Hubertus]

So I want to learn as much Polish as physically possible in a year. I've got the spare time for it. Do you guys have any recommendations for how best to learn this/a language in the most efficient way possible?

I don't have much money to devote to it at present; I can buy books, but I'm not so sure about programs or classes. But I'll still take suggestions regarding those.

I know there's Rosetta Stone, but like I said the money situation isn't great for me right now. And I've never used Rosetta Stone, but I would prefer a classical-type of education that teaches me about word conjugation, proper grammar, and emphasizes vocabulary so I will be able to express myself more.

So, any ideas? I would greatly appreciate any of them!

[Tally Marx]

Get a pen pal/chat pal from Poland.
They are free on forums, and since they are smarter and more experienced than a computer program, they can help you out more. You might want a dictionary for basic vocabulary, first, though.

[TheUbiquitous]

[url="http://livemocha.com/"]http://livemocha.com/

I[/url]'m doing Pimsleur Russian once I get my MP3 player working, but that program is also expensive. Trouble with language programs is that they're only ever a start. You always need to talk to native speakers.

[Amppax]

Read this article, this is a really good way to learn any language. [url="http://lifehacker.com/5903288/i-learned-to-speak-four-languages-in-a-few-years-heres-how"]http://lifehacker.com/5903288/i-learned-to-speak-four-languages-in-a-few-years-heres-how[/url]

[Norseman82]

[quote name='Hubertus' timestamp='1346526823' post='2477243']
So I want to learn as much Polish as physically possible in a year. I've got the spare time for it. Do you guys have any recommendations for how best to learn this/a language in the most efficient way possible?

I don't have much money to devote to it at present; I can buy books, but I'm not so sure about programs or classes. But I'll still take suggestions regarding those.

I know there's Rosetta Stone, but like I said the money situation isn't great for me right now. And I've never used Rosetta Stone, but I would prefer a classical-type of education that teaches me about word conjugation, proper grammar, and emphasizes vocabulary so I will be able to express myself more.

So, any ideas? I would greatly appreciate any of them!
[/quote]

If you have the money, move to the NW side of Chicago.

[Hubertus]

[quote name='Tally Marx' timestamp='1346527306' post='2477247']
Get a pen pal/chat pal from Poland.
They are free on forums, and since they are smarter and more experienced than a computer program, they can help you out more. You might want a dictionary for basic vocabulary, first, though.
[/quote]
Yeah, I'm going to need to really focus on the vocabulary. I do have a Polish friend who I can attempt to converse with, but I'll need to get a start first.

[quote name='TheUbiquitous' timestamp='1346527338' post='2477248']
[url="http://livemocha.com/"]http://livemocha.com/

I[/url]'m doing Pimsleur Russian once I get my MP3 player working, but that program is also expensive. Trouble with language programs is that they're only ever a start. You always need to talk to native speakers.
[/quote]
I tried livemocha for a bit, but it seemed like it was just a bit of a shallow education.. It can't really get me to the fluency I'm hoping for. Let me know how you like Pimsleur though! I'm seeing lots of entries for Pimsleur audios on Amazon, and it seems to be in my price range.

[quote name='Amppax' timestamp='1346529978' post='2477263']
Read this article, this is a really good way to learn any language. [url="http://lifehacker.com/5903288/i-learned-to-speak-four-languages-in-a-few-years-heres-how"]http://lifehacker.co...years-heres-how[/url]
[/quote]
Dude, Amppax, you are amesome. This article pumped me up, and gave me just the direction and advice I need! Now I just need to look around for the right Polish vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar resources, which I can probably find on Amazon.

[Hubertus]

le double post

Edited September 1, 2012 by Hubertus

[Hubertus]

[quote name='Norseman82' timestamp='1346532684' post='2477286']
If you have the money, move to the NW side of Chicago.
[/quote]
[quote]I don't have much money to devote to it at present[/quote]

[Norseman82]

Well, let's test your aptitude for Polish. Pronounce these words and phrases:

jeden
dwa
trzy
cztery
pięć
sześć
siedem
osiem
dziewięć
dziesięć

(that's one to ten in Polish)

Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku (Happy New Year)

chleba naszego powszedniego (our daily bread)

współistotny (consubstantial)

[Luigi]

Amppax's link provides a good overview of the tasks required in learning a language (expressive & receptive, written & spoken), and some good recommendations.

It's easier to read & understand (receptive, written) because you can take the time you need to figure out what it says, and you can use resources - dictionary or whatever. I find online translation dictionaries particularly helpful. So scout around on the Internet for Polish newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Then scout around on the Internet for Polish radio & television broadcasts to practice receptive, spoken. If Poland has a state-run radio/TV system, you can download podcasts without commercials. You don't have to understand every word you hear - rather, listen for meaning, summarize the main points (later, the supporting details, too) of what you hear. REpeat phrases, look up words you recognize but can't remember.

[Norseman82]

How about this: attend Mass in Polish. Here is an online copy of the Polish misallette Pan Z Wami:

[url="http://liturgicalcenter.org/pdfy/Publications/CAN_e1.pdf"]http://liturgicalcenter.org/pdfy/Publications/CAN_e1.pdf[/url]

[Hubertus]

[quote name='Norseman82' timestamp='1346534962' post='2477304']
Well, let's test your aptitude for Polish. Pronounce these words and phrases:

jeden
dwa
trzy
cztery
pięć
sześć
siedem
osiem
dziewięć
dziesięć

(that's one to ten in Polish)

Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku (Happy New Year)

chleba naszego powszedniego (our daily bread)

współistotny (consubstantial)
[/quote]


^ This is my reaction every time I see Polish in written form.

[quote name='Norseman82' timestamp='1346537038' post='2477320']
How about this: attend Mass in Polish.[/quote]
Been there, done that, like 8 times already.

[quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1346536670' post='2477317']
Amppax's link provides a good overview of the tasks required in learning a language (expressive & receptive, written & spoken), and some good recommendations.

It's easier to read & understand (receptive, written) because you can take the time you need to figure out what it says, and you can use resources - dictionary or whatever. I find online translation dictionaries particularly helpful. So scout around on the Internet for Polish newspapers, magazines, and websites.

Then scout around on the Internet for Polish radio & television broadcasts to practice receptive, spoken. If Poland has a state-run radio/TV system, you can download podcasts without commercials. You don't have to understand every word you hear - rather, listen for meaning, summarize the main points (later, the supporting details, too) of what you hear. REpeat phrases, look up words you recognize but can't remember.
[/quote] That's some good advice! Thanks!

[4588686]

Learn a real language.






































In all seriousness though, why Polish?

Edited September 2, 2012 by Hasan

[Norseman82]

[quote name='Hasan' timestamp='1346547617' post='2477394']

In all seriousness though, why Polish?
[/quote]

Maybe he's trying to impress a Polish lady?

[Norseman82]

[quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1346536670' post='2477317']
Then scout around on the Internet for Polish radio & television broadcasts to practice receptive, spoken. If Poland has a state-run radio/TV system, you can download podcasts without commercials. You don't have to understand every word you hear - rather, listen for meaning, summarize the main points (later, the supporting details, too) of what you hear. REpeat phrases, look up words you recognize but can't remember.
[/quote]

Here's a Catholic Polish TV channel - TRWAM:

[url="http://www.tv-trwam.pl/index.php?section=videosite"]http://www.tv-trwam.pl/index.php?section=videosite[/url]