9 Ways to Learn a New Language in Retirement

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When I arrived in Panama I couldn't speak Spanish at all and had to rely on translators. After buying property, moving here and building an eco-resort and restaurant in Boquete, Panama, NOT speaking Spanish was not an option any longer since in Boquete English is not as common as in Panama City. Habla Ya in Boquete is popular for learning Spanish here http://www.hablayapanama.com/
For more information on Panama and Boquete surf to the section 'area info' on http://www.ranchodecaldera.com

GinaT 4:29PM July 10, 2011

Understand how you learn best - also, I think 'listening' is underrated but essential, no matter what type of learner you are, more listening (with reading or visualising) will help.
Reading - with today's technology it's easier to turn reading material into 'listening' material as well, just by recording articles that really interest you. This should be easy to do, especially if you're living in the country.
Another suggestion, is to use crosstalk when you're starting out. This is a little counter-intuitive, as English speakers will use English to converse. I'm currently using this with Dutch. I speak English, the Dutch person speaks Dutch and we use non-verbal communciation skills (gestures and drawings etc) to make the conversation comprehensible. This exposures you to a lot of the language you're learning. The conversation is more flowing than if you were using the target language - more about it here - http://orangeeasy.blogspot.com/2011/06/crosstalk-update.html

Chris 2:27AM June 29, 2011

I run a Spanish course personally and fully agree with your suggestions. They work!
Personally and from the feedbacks, I find writing journals in a foreign language helps a great deal too :) It helps one to think beyond the surface and to deepen the learning.
We should keep learning.

Jonathan 10:05AM June 28, 2011