Basically, learning a language involves many things including a learner's aptitude (natural ability) for picking up a language, motivation, a learner's study skills, and exposure to the language. However, exposure to a language is not enough. The learner must become an active participant in the learning process; trying to pick up a language with a box of popcorn, a candy bar, and a drink at the movie theater could certainly lead to greater indigestion (stomachache), but just like any skill, learning means more than sitting and watching the action. In other words, you will improve your speaking AND listening skills by TALKING about what you watch. Listening and speaking go together.

If you live in a foreign country where English isn't spoken, then look for opportunities to study the language formally at a school; if that isn't possible, try visiting Web sites that provide language learning material. Read online newspapers and keep a journal of new words and sample sentences with the words used in context. You don't have to go overseas to learn the language.