1 - Don’t be fooled into thinking you can’t learn a language. Many people say they are just not ‘wired’ to learn languages, but we all speak at least one language fluently – our mother tongue

2 - There are a number of different language learning solutions on the market, and it is important that you select one that suits you – look around and chose a learning method that fits well with your lifestyle. This way, you will be more likely to stick to it, and see success

3 - Language learning technology has moved on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and there are now many options beyond evening classes and audio CDs. Online and software-based language learning offers learners far more flexibility than traditional methods and is well worth looking into

4 - The most effective way to learn a new tongue is to immerse yourself in the culture and language. This can be daunting, but there are methods on the market that ease the transition by recreating this environment in the safety of your own home. Look for programs that use dynamic immersion learning methods and teach in using only the target language to help you progress faster

5 - Speak! The key to fluency is to practice your new language at every opportunity

6 - Make sure you cover all of four language skill areas – reading, writing, listening and speaking. Even if your main goal is to communicate verbally, having an understanding of written French will put you in a much stronger position for living and travelling in the country

7 - One of the things people often find difficult in learning a new language is adapting to a new accent. One of the best ways to perfect your French accent is to compare your pronunciation against a native speaker

8 - Find the fun – learning French doesn’t need to be a chore. Some learning methods are accessible to all levels and ages, and can be used as a family. Turning it into a game or competition will encourage the kids to pick up the language faster

9 - Try and choose a learning tool that will help you to think in the language, and give you the building blocks to handle new situations, rather than simply teaching you a series of stock phrases

10 - Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – native speakers will appreciate you putting in the effort to speak to them in French. After all, practice makes perfect!

Steven Wines
Managing Director, Europe
Rosetta Stone
www.rosettastone.co.uk

Rosetta Stone is a leading provider of online and software-based language learning products