I already know quite a bit of my target language. How can I improve?
Train your brain so that clear, correct, well-pronounced speech becomes second nature.
That sounds painful!
Actually there are several things you can do which are relatively painless.
* Very few people systematically record new language information. Try collecting word families. The word circle can be placed together with the adjective, circular, the verbs to circle, to encircle and to circulate and even the adverb circuitously.
* Try making mind maps where vocabulary relating to a particular topic such as work, school or health is arranged logically on the page with one idea flowing naturally from the other so that you end up with almost a picture rather than a formless list.
* Try mimicking in order to improve your pronunciation as well as making good spoken language second nature. Mimicking involves repeating what someone is saying almost as they are saying it. It is difficult to get started but once the skill is mastered you can do this almost under your breath while watching TV or listening to a radio broadcast in the target language.
Modern technology can also help. There now exist huge collections, called corpora, of real English and French from both text and spoken sources. These corpora are compiled from books, newspapers, radio and TV broadcasts and films and are now available on CD-Rom and, in limited form, on the Internet. If you doubt the correct way to use a word or expression then keying it in will give you up to fifty examples of correct usage.
There is a wealth of material on the Internet either custom-made exercises with instant results or just original material in your target language.
The Internet can also help to put you in touch with people to talk with in your target language. If the thought of corresponding with a native speaker is off putting then find another learner like yourself so that you can help each other.
Where does that leave me regarding language learning?
It seems that the best way to learn a language is to recognise your learning style and then listen a lot, dare to talk, dare to write, organise what you learn about grammar and vocabulary systematically and visually, get to know word families and their best friends but most important of all is to have something to say and to say it!
