There are not many countries where the people aren't absolutely delighted for you to try out their language. If you use just the word for 'thank you', they'll be impressed. If you know more about their language, even if you are not fluent, you'll find yourself learning more about the real people, not the ones shown to us in movies. They are exactly as curious about us as we are about them.
I completely agree. If you cant take a course about the langauge before you go, try to buy a phrase book and learn phrases. Staying with a host family will also help you to improve your knowledge of the language and the culture. I would highly recommend trying to stay with a host family. Also, when watching television try watching english channels but read the subtitles, this has really helped me to be able to read Danish signs while i ma studying abroad in Copenhagen. also try cultural activities. Go to a play or the opera, or hang out in a cafe and absorb the culture around you!!!!!
It is also a good idea to get friends that are in the program with you to talk in that language with you this way you guys can help each other, some mistakes you may be having they have had previously and can help you figure it out. This also helps you with your spoken vocabulary because you will use phrases that you normally use but in your host country's language, it helps you to be more comforatble speaking in genereal.
well said and i think learning languages is an art with the help of which we can gain edge over others...so if we can easily learn other languages then there is no harm in it...this is really good effort and we all should try to accomplish it
