I think in any language you must slow down and study the smaller things liek pronunciation of vowels then work your way up to everyday words then onto small sentences and so forth. I took a few classes and have a few cd's and about 3 books. I try to read and listen to them. At the Hokaido I often eaves drop conversatins so I can here the words..
When I visit Japan I pick up words quickly only to forget them as quick. Now I find my self thinking and making up sentences for fun.
Start slowly and as B-dawg says it doesn't come overnite.
Joe
