Making friends is a GREAT way to learn the language…in all three examples you give, because you will be practicing, and that is what you really need. Intercambios are a great help, if you want to practice your target language, while helping someone else learn their target language. There are lots of internet sites which you can sign up for an intercambio, or attend an event to meet one. I found that practicing as much as I could, in class, on the street, out at night, and while I was shopping, helped me greatly. I did make a few friends (friends of my roomates, friends I met while walking around, and also classmate’s boyfriends/ girlfriends who were locals) in Spain who also practiced with me whenever I wanted. This was great because they made me feel comfortable, and only spoke to me in Spanish.

There are many types of people who will help you with your conversation skills- just remember to always be willing to try.

It does seem a bit awkward at first to try to talk solely in a new language, but with practice it starts to sound natural. If you are in another country you should automatically try to speak in that language, whenever you can.

As you have said, it helps that the language will be surrounding you- whether you are taking a bus ride, looking at a menu, shopping at a clothing store, or watching a movie. As you do more and more activities and spend time thinking in that language, your speaking skills are going to improve.

Studying does have to be a combination of learning and practicing in order to turn out positively. Talking as much as you can in the new language is the best way to go about it. Asking lots of questions, and practicing answers (whole sentences) does help. I remember when I was first learning Spanish; I did try translating things people were saying, and then I thought of my answer in English, and then thought how to translate it into Spanish. This process took way too long, and I realized after a short while that I already knew what the phrases meant that people were saying. I didn’t have to translate them, I just had to actually think in Spanish, and that way I could answer back quickly.

I always thought of it this way- I already knew that “¿Cómo estás?” meant “how are you”. I didn’t have to think about it which meant that I automatically answered, “Bien”. I just had to start understanding/recognizing other phrases, without translating them first, in order to speak quickly. Might sound a bit tricky, but this knowledge does come quite quick and you will honestly be able to speak in a natural sounding way.

I really enjoyed this post!