In the 1960s and 70s governments the fashion was to learn a language by audiotapes, repeating mindlessly.
Then language classes became popular, including games and songs, and the dreaded textbook.
As a linguist and language teacher myself I have come to seriously dislike desks, and textbooks in particular.
What are the alternatives? Well, self-study is good, but can only get you so far. Getting past stumbling blocks like bad pronunciation, repeated errors and grammar mistakes that are hard for the individual to spot is difficult, if not impossible.
I have started having Spanish and Portuguese skype language classes. These skype language classes are truly amazing. I get to chat to someone else in a language I want to learn but I don't have the negatives of traditional classes. I choose when I want to study, and where. I've even had my skype classes from a beach (I had a dongle- wireless internet on the go for those unsure of what a dongle is..).
Also, my teachers get one on one time with me, they're interesting people and I get to chat to them about their country, traditions and culture. The lessons are really good for those wanting to get better at languages fast. Skype spanish lessons are quite cheap- I'm getting them for £10 an hour with
eurolanguageholidays.
Their website is: http://www.eurolanguageholidays.com/skype-lessons/
I just had a lesson with a guy from Costa Rica- a nice chap by the name of Miguel!
Ciao all..
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