Vocab

[elisabeth]

Something that's common to all the languages is (if you're not lucky enough to be a background speaker) is having craploads of new words to learn. What methods do you find are good for learning new words? How many do you learn per week?

[*sarah*]

pick out the key vocab
dont try to learn every single word you dont know
make a list and learn approx 20 words per week

[ez_19]

When you have a handful of new words, it's really helpful to write a composition using all of them (and check with a teacher or someone if you're using them in the right context etc), so you're getting used to the words and at the same time practising your writing skills.

[mervvyn]

When you have a handful of new words, it's really helpful to write a composition using all of them (and check with a teacher or someone if you're using them in the right context etc), so you're getting used to the words and at the same time practising your writing skills.

Lots of writing practice is always very good, try keeping a vocab list in an exercise book so that whenever you hear a good word (or even better, a phrase) you can write it down. If you feel adventurous, reading a book in the language is really good, even if you have to use your dictionary a lot.

[Hippy La-Laa]

I could never get the hang of 'vocab' books. I just used to try and use the new words wherever possible. After a while you become familiar with them and it just works it's way into your vocab.

[mishka]

also, reading a lot of the language helps. for instance, with spanish, my teacher ordered these magazines with articles in them and activities to do. it was a really good way to learn the language.

there's also a bunch of online tutorial websites that teach languages, so do a search...