What are the secrets to be fluent in a new language?

[Anonymous]

I’m currently learning French at 24 because it’s one of my favourite languages. If I manage to be fluent in French, I will be learning Italian next. But the problem was I couldn’t be an expert in French, Google said it’s takes 3-4 years just to master French. If the person is a fast learner he or she can master it in just 6 months. Another problem was I'm born and raised in Asia, therefore none of the people here is speaking French to each other unfortunately we only speak English and our mother tongue since English is an international language. They do have French classes here but I preferred to learn it online since it’s cheaper in the long run. Is it really true you have to stay in France for several years so you can be fluent in French? I hope it’s not true and I want to know if there are any other ways.

[purplepoppy]

As an Asian your already at an advantage at learning other languages because you can distinguish between sounds than Europeans. But the different alphabet system will make it harder.
What your probably finding at the moment is you know the words but your brain isn't translating them at conversation speed. I'd suggest watching YouTube videos of French childrens shows aimed at very young children. They'll speak slower and clearer so you can hone your skills.

Another trick is to try and talk to yourself in french all day. So when you think "I'm hungry" immediately try and say it in french to yourself. Don't be afraid to substitute words in a sentence if you don't know the french, most bilingual speakers do that all the time.

[Asker]

Thank you 😊

[Agape93]

Using it in daily life.

For example, if you're about to cook steak and eggs, say in that language the actions you're about to do.

[TommyMountainFigure]

It's like anything. If you have a desire to learn something plus any sort of talent for it, you can learn it. However, to learn the intricacies and finer details of a language, yes you have to move there, or at least be around those who have experience of it.

[Asker]

Sadly it’s not a must to learn French here and I agreed with what you said.

[TommyMountainFigure]

When I learned French at school, the hardest thing to learn was calling an an inanimate object male or female, simply because if for example you have a chair, in English it isn't a 'he' or 'she' it is an it.

[Asker]

Yeah that’s true and translating the time was the hardest.

[supcurA]

learn basic words and scentences and talk people online in that language