As I am quite inquisitive I like to read as many threads on the LingQ forum as possible. I have noticed lately that I understand more and more of the Portuguese posts, a language I have never looked at. I feel a bonus language coming up!
I am writing this at a time when I have hit yet another wall in my quest for ease and fluency, but by now I have learnt to not think of myself as too stupid (well, just a little bit) and to live peacefully with temporary walls instead of trying to bash my head against them. I now look forward to finding out what's behind them. As a matter of fact, I have just signed up for two French conversations and I shall have to do a little bit of writing in order to spend my accumulated LingQ points.
My recipe for reluctant learners: Be curious. Surround yourself with the language, whether you are at home or abroad. The ‘3 Ls': listen, listen, listen. The ‘3 Rs': read, read, read. Persevere, but allow yourself time off, as much as you want or need. Try different approaches and/or different languages if you seem stuck. Use the resources at hand: mp3-player, iphone, whatever technology you like to use. If you can afford it, spend some time in the country of your chosen language, this isn't necessary, though. You can learn anything, anywhere. [Have goals: mine are not specific, but I know I'm there once I read with ease and pleasure.] Marry a well-educated native speaker of your target language (Warning: this could lead to problems if your aim is polyglottery!). Learn to live with and learn from your mistakes, they'll appear funny to you after a while. Remain curious.
Bye!
