What is the best way to learn a foreign language?

The fact that there are dozens of different language learning methods, each with its own supporters, makes it clear that there is no simple answer to this question. It depends very much on the learner and why he wants to learn. An extrovert will be probably learn better with a method that involves lots of role plays and participation in unstructured discussions, whereas a quieter, more reflective person may prefer written exercises with plenty of grammatical explanations. Someone who is only interested in being able to communicate well enough on holiday in the foreign country will require a different method of learning than another person who wants to study at a foreign university. For the general language learner an eclectic mix of several different methods is often the best approach. In fact, however, method is usually not the most important factor in whether someone will learn a foreign language or not. A key issue is motivation. If you have a good enough reason for learning; if ...  more