This is my first master-post so I’m sorry if it sucks (I know the header does), but I hope it helps at least someone.
Step 1: choosing a language
Before you actually start studying a foreign language, you actually have to pick a language that you are somewhat interested in and are willing to commit to. Here are some things to consider:
Do you have any experience with the language at all? It’s absolutely fine if you don’t because after all, the goal is to learn a foreign language. If you have briefly learnt anything about the language in question at all, even if it is just one phrase, chances are that because it is not completely new, you will find it slightly easier.
How much time are you willing to dedicate? I don’t know how schools work in different places of the world, but at mine, it was compulsory to take up a foreign language in secondary school. This can get quite hectic as obviously, there are other classes you have to focus on as well, so if you think you want to spend as little time as possible on the language, it would be safest to chose a language which comes from the same origins as your first language. If you want to give yourself a challenge however, choose the language which is the most different to your first language, but remember it will require more time and dedication.
Step 2: approaching a new language
If you’re studying a language for school:
Before starting each outlined section in the textbook, read through/search for some keywords relating to that section
Ask your teacher any questions/doubts/curiosities you have about the language, even if it not relevant to your final. If you’re putting the effort in to learn a language, you might as well do it properly and not just to pass a class.
When in class, try to speak in the language you’re trying to learn at all times. I know it might be difficult, but it will help you learn the vocabulary you would truly use in real life conversations.
Some of the topics outlined in foreign language textbooks see a bit pointless. To make sure they are not, try to think of scenarios where you could use the words and try to incorporate them into a conversation, even if you are talking to yourself.
Even though the best way to learn grammar is by actually speaking the language, if you have test/quiz/assignment coming up that focuses solely on grammar, try to just write sentences using basic grammar principles and get either your teacher or a native speaker to check them (sites to get hold of a native speaker listed below).
General tips:
Practice makes perfect! Try to speak in the language as much as you can, and don’t worry too much about grammar. As you speak, you will start developing an instinct where you will sort of be able to detect whether what you’re saying sounds right or not.
Listen to the language to perfect pronunciation. Not only will listening to music/watching TV or YouTube/listening to the radio/listening to pod-casts help you develop that instinct so you can have an idea of what sounds right and what doesn’t, but it will also help you learn how to pronounce words properly and perhaps even teach you new, more modern words which are used in everyday speech.
Step 3: Finding Resources
Below, I have listed some sites and apps which can help you learn a new language (some of them allow you to interact with native speakers):
My Languages
BBC Language
How to Learn Any Language
Effective Language Learning
Conjuguemos
The Polyglot Project
Linguanaut
duolingo
memrise
interpals
polyglotclub
sharedtalk
couchsurfing
babbel