A list of basic study practices and strategies, with examples and alternatives that focus on both receptive and productive skills and the value in interaction, is presented. The following hints are included: (1) don't study a language by yourself and in silence, but study aloud and with another person; (2) use the target language as much as possible, even if resorting to a pidgin form when necessary to avoid using English; (3) don't think that studying material without developing communication skills will be effective; (4) ask questions about grammar or vocabulary only in the target language; and (5) devise activities mutually beneficial to both study partners. Examples are given of mutually beneficial activities and of techniques for solving specific problems. The suggestions are based on the principles that pronunciation is the first thing to learn, all other skills and knowledge areas are only tools to develop speech skills, and the student himself must be aggressive in breaking out of the protective shell of English usage. (MSE)