Typically, children learn their native language from interacting with their parents ?almost every single dialogue is a lesson in the language. On the other hand, when an adult tries to learn a second language, they¡¯re hit with complex grammar patterns and rules that they must memorize from the very start. Consequently, adults have a harder time learning a second language. This doesn't mean that children are smarter in some aspects than adults ?only it¡¯s easier for children to grasp new concepts more quickly, especially language skills.

When you start out learning a second language, you need to be sure the classes that you¡¯re taking aren¡¯t so structured that you can¡¯t gain any meaning from the rules and patterns. You must be able to learn at your own pace, and it¡¯s important that each piece of the puzzle is given in such a way that it fits into the big pictures. Otherwise, you’ll end up with many pieces of your new language and no way to put them all together.

For example, even though you may be able to recite the rules of grammar, you may not be able to communicate even the most basic of ideas fluently and naturally in your second language. Instead, you need to practice learning your new language in the same way that young children do ?with frequent repetition and natural practice. Although it may feel like you¡¯re completely unable to grasp the very core of another language and won¡¯t ever be able to communicate using it, don¡¯t give up ?it is possible to learn a second language.

One source of frustration for many adults is that most of today¡¯s language courses will have you learning and memorizing grammar and vocabulary, followed by more grammar and vocabulary. You can learn all the words in the second language, but if you can¡¯t string them all together properly, it will do you no good. You must be able to use the language in real situations and not just a classroom setting. So how do you do this?

The best way to learn a second language as an adult is to learn the grammar, pronunciation, and other core rules as you go, but to put most of your emphasis on actually speaking the language. Think about it ?small children learn by repeating words over and over, not by memorizing grammar rules. This means that each time you learn a new verb and how to conjugate it, you need to be speaking in sentences with it. Not the same sentences either ?different sentences with different nouns. This may seem difficult if you haven¡¯t learned all the words yet, but if you learn new nouns and verbs together it will make it much easier to put them to use.

Fortunately, there are several good software programs available today that do just that. While many people prefer the human interaction of a classroom, be sure the teacher is teaching you more than just words and grammar. Be sure you¡¯re learning to put the words together as you go, and spending a lot of time stringing them together in sentences. This will give you a much better chance of becoming fluent in your second language.