31 Steps to Learn a New Language: Step #21

As mentioned before, language needs practice. A learner must devote time to speaking it rather than just memorizing it in order for their tongue to become comfortable with the language. This is where conversing with natives comes into play. One need not fly halfway around the world and live in a strange, foreign land to do this. The internet is abundant with websites that allow the learner to practice speaking or writing skills, or both. These programs are often free and signing up for them is easy.

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It is convenient to find language partners that assist in tutoring and correction on the internet. Skype is also an invaluable way to chat with native speakers. An hour or so of conversation in the chosen language with a native is almost as good as a day spent in the classroom. If the learner lives in or nearby a place where there are a lot of native speakers of this language, it is good to converse with them. Most people are more than willing to help. This experience also provides a large network for the learner to understand their culture better.