Probably the best way is to learn as a child, being talked to in both languages.
(If only I remembered what I knew long ago...)

Next to that is take a class, whether it be in school or private classes, you can't really go wrong..., unless you don't pay attention.

After that, learn from a friend/family member who knows the language well. It'll take a while but with enough exposure, you'll get the hang of it.

Lastly, buy some books and CDs learning tools to learn it on your own. That BBC Muzzy I think is good for kids. Rosetta Stone program works too. When the DS versions of the language trainers comes out global, that'll help everyone.


I unfortunately had to learn the dead language, Latin in high school, as it was the only class that wasn't full. If you learn Latin, however, you'll have an easier time learning the European languages.

For Japanese, I'd take the classes or the CD tools if I was you. Multiple ones don't hurt either.


Breaking the barriers around you are handy. You'll have a freer mind to think in.