Learning languages efficiently.

I've had 6 years of formal spanish classes. When I speak spanish, I need to think of the phrase in english, and then translate each word to spanish, and it's all very awkward with no real fluency or soul. My accent is good, but I think that's just because the Spanish phenomes which are not present in English are present in Hindi.

I've had sporadic contact with Hindi via family members and movies. My Hindi is just as bad as my Spanish in terms of raw communicative power...but the nature of my knowledge is different. I can spontaneously and naturally say entire phrases with all the proper communicative cues (changes in pitch, expression) without any English in my mind. And I can directly understand the meaning of Hindi speech, whereas with Spanish I need to map it to English before grasping meaning.

So, if I said one sentence in Spanish, a Spanish speaker can immediately tell I'm not a native speaker. If I say one sentence in Hindu, for that one sentence I'm reported to sound exactly like a native speaker (but there is very little I can actually say, so I essentially sound like a child who has been speaking sentences for about 6 months. (People find it hilarious)).

So while I can communicate roughly equally poorly in both languages in a pinch, I can do more "natural" stuff like create/appreciate humor in Hindi, which I can never pull off in Spanish.

Given that experience, here are my suggestions:

Immersion substitution: Take a movie which you have seen the English version many times, and watch it in Hebrew. When an unfamiliar phrase appears, pause the movie, say the phrase, and try to figure out what it means (using the dictionary as a last resort). Once you get to the point where you can completely understand one movie in Hebrew, move on to another movie. (Side effects may include: Use of overly dramatic or poetic language in daily talk. This goes double from phrases which you learned from musical pieces). Unless you're totally at a loss, I'd suggest leaving any English subtitles off.

Repeat the phrases aloud. Don't be afraid to babble unfamiliar syllables like a baby. Whenever I go to India, I get a powerful instinctive urge to start babbling, saying random phrases, and repeating what people around me say. This draws weird looks, so I do it under my breathe, but I think it really helps/

Do not mentally translate from one language to another. Try to grab the meaning directly from the words, without going en-route to English. That is, as you think of the phrase, try to not activate the equivalent word in a language you already know, and instead try to strongly activate a non-verbal representation of the concept.

For example, if הַשְּׁקִיעָה means "sunset"...but literally means "the setting", then mentally envision a far-away object going downwards over the horizon. The english word "Sunset" most strongly brings to mind a warm orange glow because of the word sun, but "the setting" may well have a very different connotation to a Hebrew speaker, and might emphasize different aspects (the downward motion, the fact that it's now time to go inside and relax, etc). These small differences will become apparent from taking into consideration the literal translation, the figurative translation, and the context. Actively not translating will help these come clearer, because instead of just memorizing "sunset" you would focus on how close the word is to "שקיעה" (to sink), which you would have previously associated with downwards motions.

To the extent possible, try to do the same when speaking (it's harder because it can be a bit difficult to think in a communicative way without the aid of a language, but it will sound more natural in the end.)

Talk to yourself try to have an internal monologue in the target language, except move your mouth along with it. Movie-immersion is only listening...you need to simulate speaking immersion too, or you'll end up being able to understand but not speak (this has happened to me to some extent with Hindi).

I can't read Hindi, but I felt that reading written Spanish aloud made for a decent "immersion" substitute (in terms of how much I subjectively felt myself learning). You might be able to do that with hebrew if you've got the graphy-phenome mapping down. Writing spanish was much less helpful for me...the slower pace of the writing process had me instinctively using the time to apply the "rules" I had learned rather than doing it instinctively.

(Remember the fact that I can't speak Spanish or Hindi well enough to survive on my own in an immersed environment, when weighing my opinion)

Use spaced repetition software. This is the formal explanation about why it works. The intuitive explanation goes something like:

1. Spacing effect: the less frequently we review something, the stronger the memory.

2. We have computer programs that calculate when we forget things, so we only review them when we're about to forget.

3. This results in less frequent reviews. By (1), this results in a stronger memory, so the computer program calculates that your next review should be later, resulting in a stronger memory, resulting in an even later review...

The best program I'm aware of is anki.

Also, if you read through Gwern's article, you'll find this under External Links. May be helpful.

I've found myself in a very similar situation last year. I had to go from nothing to fluent in Dutch in 7 weeks in order to be able to study there. Already knowing German as a similar language certainly played a role in making this possible.

Here's what worked for me, in order of importance:

• As you probably guessed, conversation is the key. I traveled to different people I knew in the Netherlands for several days each just to talk to them. They were very willing to help. I don't know if you have this possibility, but it would be hugely beneficial. For most of the time I couldn't do this and had to learn in other ways.

• Starting with the most common 100 words. These account for 50% of all communication. Then move on to the most common 200 (75%). Work your way up to 500 or more. These lists can be found online. Learning vocabulary lists other than the most common words can be very inefficient.

• Your most important phrase should be: "How do you say X?" (in Hebrew)

• On reading: Reading can be quite effective. I borrowed some books, read them, and looked up every word that I didn't know on my laptop. I put all the important ones into spaced repetition software.

• On spaced repetition: If you have to learn stuff very quickly, you can get the software to ask you earlier than scheduled. I personally used Phase 6, which is a German program, but this should be possible in Anki too.

• On grammar: I personally spent very little time with it. It just came by itself, although I did spend some time on dutchgrammar.com. Don't necessarily take this as advice, since I may have had a big advantage - German and Dutch grammar are quite similar.

• If your Hebrew is enough to write something, write texts about anything and get a native speaker to read it and correct it for you. This has been immensely beneficial for me, because this way I could see the specific errors I was repeatedly making.

• As mentioned in another comment, listening to children's music can help. I personally found listening to children's audio books very useful (Disney stuff), which could be found online. Later I switched to science podcasts.

Basically, spend all of your time with the new language. Always think in Hebrew. When you get stuck thinking, because you miss a word, look it up in a smart phone app or pocket dictionary. After a long day your brain may feel like it has melted. Aim to get that feeling every day.

Here's is a pretty good article on learning a foreign language. It contains some of my tips: http://markmanson.net/foreign-language

I am an interpreter. Immersion among native speakers is unbeatable for learning fast. If fast is the priority, stop using any other language but the target language by the end of this sentence.

Some stuff that helped me (I speak decent Chinese, some German, and basic Japanese and Esperanto):

• Immersion, of course, especially if you can insinuate you can't speak English (I'm French, we don't have a reputation for being great at English - so I can just say the equivalent of "me from the France" in the target language and I'm less likely to be answered in English)

• A high tolerance for embarrassment (not having much of a peer group around probably helps, e.g. shopping alone or talking on the internet)

• Instant Messaging with young girls of the target language - a good way of getting your brain to notice how valuable stringing basic sentences together is. Video chat would probably be even better, in my days we had to stick to ICQ (you may want to follow a different strategy if, for example, you are more interested in boys than in girls)

• Anki, or other Spaced Repetition software. Enter everything you learn in it (rather than using pre-constructed decks), and review it daily.

• Reading comic strips or other light reading in the target language (Ideally: those that talk about daily things (not space dragons - I liked "Detective Conan", because of the frequent and repetitive reference to household items), and that you've already read in your language (in my case, Tintin and Dragon Ball)) (mildly useful, I found it easier to stick to than reading actual books)

• Listening to songs in the target language (I like some Disney songs - I already know the meaning in English - or other musicals) (I don't know how useful this has actually been, but it has drilled some basic vocabulary in me, and has been enjoyable. Probably not as effective as the other options above)

• If you can't get any total immersion, organize lunches with people in the same area who either speak that language or want to learn it, with learning as an explicit goal.

Listen as much audio spoken by native speakers as you can. My guess is that children programs are best. Maybe some Hebrew dubbed cartoons that you are already familiar with. First priority is to get your brain trained on the sounds of the language.

Speak with a native speaker that knows English. You can use http://livemocha.com/ for this.

Speak badly but speak.

From my personal experience, biggest hurdle in learning a new language is actually using it. Getting past the "shame" filter of your brain. If you accept that mistakes are unavoidable and just start speaking, you will get a lot of practice and you will improve. Of course, it's nice having a professional aware of the fact that you are a beginner, giving you clear and precise feedback. :)

Try Pimsleur. It's an audio-based method of language learning which incorporates spaced repetition.

Also, Rosetta Stone.

Immersion is not an option for me currently.

Whatever you do, immerse yourself as much as possible in your circumstances. This most likely means having radio blaring in Hebrew most of the time when it's not actively obstructing whatever you're trying to do; plastering your living space with labels, adding Hebrew blogs to your blogroll, seeking social activities outside your comfort zone such as volunteering at a retirement home with lonely seniors or attending insipid school plays at your local center for Hebrew language and culture.

Memorize songs you like. Best way to learn vocabulary. I brought my Hebrew from weak to strong by learning all the songs of Poogy.

But the only way to really learn a language is immersion, which I have only seen happen at work, army, or university (making sure that you are not around English speakers). It is very rare for people to find immersion opportunities by just seeking to hang out with speakers of another language.

After experiencing the government-sponsored Hebrew programs, I totally refuse to accept such a ridiculously inefficient and traumatic method of teaching a language.

The Ulpan system is famous for rapidly bringing a wide variety of new immigrants up to speed. What did you find lacking?

Look at what LW has on spaced repetition, procrastination, and pomodoros. If you have the money I would suggest hiring a private experienced teacher.

Obviously it's too late now but next time you plan a drastic life change with steep prerequisites you should probably make sure to give yourself plenty of time to finish the prerequisites. Planning fallacy and all that.

Speaking from experience: there is no substitute for immersion. You can pick up a simple language like Hebrew in a couple of months if you are OK with languages in general. Also, IDF has a lot of experience getting foreigners to speak Hebrew really really fast, ever since the early 1990s. Failing immersion, you can try Rosetta Stone, which is generally considered the best language-learning software out there. Also, Scott Young of "all of MIT CS in one year" fame has been discussing his experience learning Portuguese and now Chinese on a very accelerated time frame on his blog and has a bunch of pointers. Also, what others said: memorize songs, sample conversations, repeatedly watch movies/shows.

Oh, and unrelated, do you really want to serve in IDF? I can't see anyone except a committed zionist doing this voluntarily, given that you are likely to be called on to threaten or shoot at people who hate your guts and would rejoice in having you and your family dead. Is your identity that large?

There are a lot of good suggestions in the comments already. I'd like to emphasize immersion (films, audio books etc.) and especially lots of practice talking (!). Try to find as many possible ways to increase your talking time in the target language. E.g. by talking over skype, seeking out a local Hebrew club or whatever.

Also I'd like to point to http://www.fluentin3months.com/ because Benny (the blogger) has a lot of good tips for language learning.

A friend of mine used a video chat service that is similar to Chatroulette to talk to people in other countries. She helped them with English, they helped her with French and Italian. It might have been this. Or possibly this.

Related question:

Suppose your goal in learning a language was not to acquire conversational fluency, but rather to read untranslated literature in its original language. For example, nobody learns Latin in order to go to a country where Latin is spoken. What might you do differently in this case?

1) Remember that there many different techniques for learning language, and only some will work for you. For example, I haven't found 100% immersion useful. I like to ask questions in my native language about the target language. That helps me learn faster.

2) Recognize you're actually learning several skills: Speaking. Aural comprehension. Thinking in your target language. Writing. Reading. I find learning to read in the target language first to be the most helpful for my learning style.

4)This link may be helpful to start: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2007/11/07/how-to-learn-but-not-master-any-language-in-1-hour-plus-a-favor/

As someone who moved to Israel at the age of 25 with very minimal Hebrew (almost certainly worse than yours), went to an ulpan for five months and then served in the IDF for 18 months while somehow avoiding the 3 month language course I certainly should have been placed in based on my middle-of-ulpan level of fluency:

Ulpan (not army ulpan, real ulpan) is actually pretty good at doing what it's supposed to. I had a great time - it depends on the ulpan but I haven't heard of a single one that would be psychologically damaging. Perhaps your experience with a less intensive system as a minor has coloured your views? I know that I got put off Hebrew by the quality of teaching I had around the age of 11-13. I'm not sure if you could get benefits to do a free course (it would depend on your status) but that would certainly take off the pressure to learn Hebrew quickly. You'd have to delay your draft date, which is usually possible.

'Army ulpan' is, according to my friends, a bit of a joke, but that's three months you'd be with a bunch of Anglos, being taught by 19 year old girls, and going on semi-regular day trips, which is fun, rather than jumping straight into basic training, which sucks. It's also three months less time being bored to tears at the end of your service doing the same thing you've been doing the last two years.

You can't learn spoken Hebrew by reading. No way. Not only do you need grammatical knowledge to know which vowels should be used, but the spoken and written forms become quite divergent above the most basic level. You need to speak and hear Hebrew for most of the day, every day - which could be a pretty lonely experience in the US. Think Hebrew pop music, armed with a copy of the lyrics and the translation. Learn the songs and what they mean - it's just repetition - and you'll automatically pick up the most common vocabulary. Hebrew grammar isn't that hard for an English speaker, the verb conjugation is traditionally considered the hard part, and that's mostly just memorization. Genders are a pain but not knowing the gender of a word won't impair comprehension if you guess wrongly.

The language you use to talk about something influences the way you think about it. If the chemistry you’re talking about is truly something new, then a fight over terminology may be quite an important part of getting to understand that chemistry better.

Jay A. Labinger

You can never be loved for your successes-only for your vulnerabilities. People may be attracted to you and may admire you if you are a great success. They may also resent and envy you. But they can never love you for your success.

David Burns in "The feeling good handbook" Page 126

Genuine self-esteem is based on humility and an acceptance of your shortcomings.

David Burns in "The feeling good handbook" Page 69

If you try too hard to fight a problem within yourself or someone else, the very act of fighting will often create resistance. Sometimes when you accept the problem and stop trying so hard, things will suddenly begin to change.

David Burns in "The feeling good handbook" about the "acceptance paradox" Page 67

I'm in a foreign country for at least the next three months. It's for work but I've been considering partnering with someone to try teaching them English while they teach me the local tongue. One problem though is I don't know a lot of people here. I may have to make first contact. :) I've also been considering Rosetta Stone for extra practice.

Immersion is not an option for me currently

Are you sure it's not an option? Hebrew's not a particularly obscure language, so if you live in an area which isn't particularly obscure, it should to be possible to set something up without spending money?

Obviously getting literature on language acquisition is out of the question. I wouldn't even know where to start.

I'm not sure I understood this part. Are you saying that the general advice, "Read stuff about how to learn languages" is not helpful because you wouldn't know what to read? Whereas, if someone had a specific recommendation for something to read, that would be the sort of thing you're looking for?

(Note that I don't actually have a recommendation, I'm just following the somewhat questionable policy of always asking for clarification when I don't understand something someone has written :P)