What is the great way to learn new languages?

I live in a country where I don't speak the language that well (although everyone here speaks English) so I've been trying to improve it. Personally, it helps me if I have classes because it forces me to go and that way I always reserve some time to learn the language in a more structured way.

If that is not a possibility, there are resources online that you can take a look at. Apps like Duolingo, Memrise or HiNative, among others, can help you learn a bit of vocabulary and refresh your memory on things you may have forgotten.

Once you get to a point where you know the basics, then I would suggest reserving some of your time (even if it's just once a week) to work on your Japanese. Watching some series or movies with English (or Japanese) subtitles can help with getting used to the spoken language. Finding a Japanese penpal to whom you can write with in Japanese or English can also be of a lot of help, since it will force you to think and structure sentences in the other language. Some apps (like HiNative that I mentioned before) also allow you to record yourself and have a native person give you tips on how to improve your pronunciation. There are podcasts in Japanese (for example "News in slow Japanese") that can further improve your understanding of the language.

There isn't a clear answer, since each person is different and people learn in different ways, but these are just a few ideas that might help you! In the end is all about spending time with the language and getting to know native speakers.

Hopefully this helps you in some way!

I think one of the reasons why learning Japanese is challenging is the Kanji characters. Don't worry about learning Kanji as many Japanese are also having difficulty in memorizing Kanji in the internet age.

You can use some fun things - music, manga, anime, Youtube or podcasts and simply use the internet dictionary or machine translations and not the flash cards.

I speak multiple languages and find the best way to learn is by practice! Find people that speak the language you are trying to learn- usually there are meetup groups https://www.meetup.com/ with people doing language exchanges or sign up for a local community college class. For meetup groups, if you're under 18, it's good to bring a parent or adult with you. There are also programs that have you go to the country and teach english, but while you are there you can meet people from the country and practice your language skills. https://jetprogramusa.org/ is a program that many people I know have done to each english in japan and really enjoyed but there are many others! I myself taught English in China and learned Chinese from my students. There are also cultural exchange programs as well in other forms (ie au pair, study abroad, etc.). Good luck!

I speak 3 languages and traveling is definitely a great way to learn new languages. Being in a new country where you're surrounded by people who speak a different language helps.  You'll learn about the culture and also accents.

DuoLingo is a great mobile app that allows you to set aside a specific amount of time each day to practice and learn a new language. You can hold yourself accountable and set reminders to practice. I use it during my commute to work!

I'd recommend trying some of the modern apps that exist like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone and others. They work really well and I've had success with it!

listen and observe the people who speak it

I think the best way to learn new language is to make friends with people who speak of the language that you want to learn. The key to learning language is having courage and be fearless, meaning do not be fearful of being laughed at or embarrassed. Practice makes perfect, the more you practice speaking even if badly, the better you will become speaking that language.

Hi Duha, have you tried language exchange? If you are not at the level you want to be in terms of speaking, one of the most effective way is to speak to the locals.