Make comments online

To start writing in another language and develop that skill, one could begin by making comments in that language in suitable online forums.

Start with by finding a site that lends itself to one-word comments. A photography site such as Flickr.com would do the trick. 

You could start by reading what other people have written. Then you might re-use some of those comments yourself—if you feel that they apply—to other photos. Cut and paste if you need to (e.g. if the script is hard to wangle on your keyboard).

Gradually you’ll read, understand and be able to manipulate longer phrases and sentences.

Surf in your new language

Instead of feeling (mildly) guilty about  surfing the Internet without any real aim, take advantage of that inclination. Put it to use. Surf in a new language, remaining at sites just as long as they hold your interest. Read a word or a sentence according to whim.

This is reading! You are reading!

According to no less an authority as Stephen Krashen,  web surfing falls into the pantheon of  useful exposure to language, along with comics, fairy tales, magazines and Harlequin romances (I’m making it up about the romances, but I’m sure he’d agree).

If your computer doesn’t handle the script of the language, cut and paste the odd group of kanji or whatever and see where they lead you. If you turn over enough rocks, you’re gonna find something interesting sooner or later. Google search also for images and videos etc. Use YouTube as a search engine too for your viewing pleasure.

Waste an hour by putting it to good use!