If you're talking about actually learning the language, Rosetta Stone is pretty much the best you can use.
On the other hand, I've been amazed at the number of useful phrases available with Spb Software's Traveler. Once you set up which countries you want to track (as far as their local time, weather reports, currencies, etc.) you can access a VERY impressive list of phrases. I've found that program indispensible; it's great for anybody who travels internationally a lot or needs to know what time to schedule a meeting so it's at 9am in Beijing.
The most effective way is to communicate with native speakers. If you don't have such possibility, you can watch movies in foreign language with subtitles, or tv channels in target language. it helps a lot!
The most effective way is to communicate with native speakers. If you don't have such possibility, you can watch movies in foreign language with subtitles, or tv channels in target language. it helps a lot!
Good idea. But it's easier to listen to living language than films or audios.
Learning a language can be quite easy if you just know how to do it. The best way to learn a language is actually a combination of the following techniques: listening and practicing with a native speaker, total immersion, specific language classes, researching the language.
you can try listening to audio cds that teach the language, in you car, etc it's very portable and convenient...and you learn by repetition and it works, especially if you have good memory i get mine on eBay.
Besides the fact that I consider the Rosetta Stone program really great, I think it's a good way to start with the basics such as grammar and then try either having a conversation with a native speaker or watch DVDs with subtitles.