Efficient Language Learning

How do I learn a language after childhood? Can it be done?

Yes, definitely. Just follow the steps below and see:

1. Isolate the sounds of your language. Have a native speaker record each individual sound (`E` for example) and save it as an audio file. Then have someone who shares a similar accent to you record the same sound. Place both these sounds into a computer program that shows visual output, and compare them. Now listen to each individually and train yourself to hear the differences - you want to attune to the native speaker.
2. Do the exact same as above, only this time you yourself record the second set of sounds. You are training to speak your new language properly, with the correct phonemes.
3. Once you have the sounds mastered (say 80% accuracy over 4 weeks or so, demonstrated hundreds of times each), move on to full words, using the same methodology. Your aim is to be able to hear and produce recognizable sounds in your new language reliably, the same way a native does (so not with a strong foreign accent).
4. Only when you have mastered the sounds, move on to vocabulary. Make a list of the top 3,000 most common words in your target language, and learn them in order. Better yet, use one of the resources that has already done this for you. Use mnemonics, memory tricks and any other strategies that work for you.
5. Use Spaced Repetition Software to remember everything you learn. This is essential.
6. Once you have a good level of the basics (95% accuracy with your 3,000 words), move on to the next most common 2,000 and do the exact same thing.
7. Begin to consume media in your target language - books, audio and video. Add every new word you come across into your SRS program.
8. Begin to notice and actively learn the grammar concepts, in an efficient and effective way.
9. Repeat as needed.
10. Begin correspondence with native speakers, in writing and via audio, as often as possible, and insist that they correct any mistakes you make.

Total time investment - 2 years.Congratulations, you now speak another language!