It is always a difficult task to master a foreign language well, especially when you are not in a conducive environment.

None of your friends are sharing your interest in the new language that you are mastering. You do not have the money to fly to the country where you are learning the language. You are shy and do not interact much with your teacher and classmates. All you have is the textbooks and notes on top of the CDs that you have bought in order to master this language.

Are you hence losing the motivation to excel in this foreign language?

I would like to teach you few techniques that has proven itself time and again. First, immerse yourself in the dramas. Find one with an intriguing plot which will keep you tuned to the episodes. Otherwise, find one where you are just in love with the cast and will be motivated to follow throughout.

Next, which I strongly recommend is to start a online diary or blog. For beginners, you may want to try writing your daily events in the language. Try to get people to read your blog so that you are motivated to keep on writing. For people who are more adventurous, you may try to conjure up a storyline and try writing it on your blog. Do not worry about grammatical errors in the early stage.

Lastly, pick up some books to read. If writing a whole novel is too taxing, try reading short stories or even comics! Comics could be a good way to start off as there are not many words involved and the pictures can help to alleviate the headaches caused from the influx of foreign words.

Author has learnt Japanese since university days and also worked in Japan before. She is constantly trying to learn new Asian languages though at her own pace. She currently started a travel photo blog at http://travelasiaphotos.blogspot.com and is starting on writing a book. She also teaches basic Japanese online. Feel free to contact her for details.