Learning a language CDs/self help books.

[The Hypno-Toad]

Christmas present time is coming fast and as I'm thinking about my future employment prospects (ha,ha) I was pondering about increasing my skills base by learning another language.

The idea is start with one of these and then build up to paying for a course if I'm any good and/or enjoying it. Any suggestions?

[crofty1984]

Rosetta stone is good if you already speak some of the language, but maybe not so good for a starter, as it doesn't explain anything. Good if you have some way of perhaps getting it for free, though that's copyright infringement of course, so don't do that.

I use "learn in your car" from penton overseas for italian. that's good. was 16 quid from amazon second-hand. You do feel like a dick repeating all the phrases, but it DOES work.

Plus just google for tutorials on your chosen language. I found a great one.

Also, if you can get hold of them, kids books designed for 5-6 year olds.
Films with dubbing/subtitles are good to reinforce language you already know. If you buy the italian/french/whatever dubbed DVD, they leave on the original english track.