Learning a second language can create new career opportunities, enhance the travel experience, or simply enrich one’s life through greater cross-cultural awareness. Short of total immersion in a foreign language setting, what are the best ways for adults to start learning a new language and work towards fluency?

A native of Montreal, Canada, Carla Khacha has 14 years of experience in foreign languages as both a teacher and translator. She currently lives in Los Angeles, where she is the District Instructional Supervisor for Berlitz, a company that offers language instruction, cross-cultural training, and interpreter services for both individuals and corporations. Here she fills us in on some of the most popular and effective ways to learn a second language:

• Classroom programs. A formal classroom program is probably the best way to get started in learning a second language. You can choose to attend a specialized language school, enroll in a university or local adult-ed program, or take classes offered by groups like the YMCA.

• Audiotapes. To supplement in-class instruction, you can use one of the many recorded language programs available on tape or CD. These can be bought, rented or even checked out of the library and are convenient ways to bolster your official instruction. Listen to them on auto commutes, while jogging with a portable player, or even when working around the house.

• CD-ROMs. Computer software and interactive CD-ROMs are also a good way to learn, and can offer the chance to improve pronunciation by emulating a conversation between two characters.

• Find your style. The bottom line, according to Khacha, is that different people learn in different ways. Look into the various educational opportunities available to you, find out which will best suit your schedule, budget, and style, and start learning a foreign language today!

Berlitz
www.berlitz.us/default.htm

Foreign Language Learning Homepage
www.foreignlanguagehome.com

I Love Languages
www.ilovelanguages.com

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence: Foreign Languages
www.ed.gov/free/s-forlan.html