The secrets of learning a new language | Lýdia Machová | TED
The Secret to Learning Languages
In this section, the speaker discusses their love for learning languages and how they are often asked about their secret to language learning.
How do polyglots learn languages?
- The speaker used to answer that they simply love learning languages, but people wanted more specific answers.
- The speaker wonders how other polyglots learn languages and what they have in common.
- To find out, the speaker decided to meet other polyglots and ask them about their methods.
Methods of Polyglots
- Benny from Ireland starts speaking from day one, using travel phrasebooks and having conversations with native speakers.
- Lucas from Brazil adds random Russian speakers on Skype as friends and has conversations with them without them knowing.
- Some polyglots imitate sounds of the language, while others focus on learning the 500 most frequent words or studying grammar.
- Different polyglots have different approaches to language learning.
Commonality among Polyglots
- Despite their different methods, all polyglots enjoy the language-learning process.
- They find ways to make language learning enjoyable, such as using colorful grammar charts, flashcards, apps for vocabulary learning, or cooking based on foreign recipes.
- Personal enjoyment is key in language learning.
Tips for Language Learning
- Find methods that you personally enjoy. If you don't like writing words down on paper, use an app. If textbooks are boring, find interesting content on YouTube or podcasts. If you're introverted, start by speaking with native speakers online.
The transcript is in English, so the notes are also in English.
New Section
In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding enjoyment in the process of learning languages and introduces three principles for achieving fluency.
Finding Enjoyment in Language Learning
- Meeting other polyglots helped the speaker realize the importance of finding enjoyment in language learning.
- However, joy alone is not enough to achieve fluency.
Three Principles for Achieving Fluency
- Effective Methods
- Memorizing a list of words for a test will only store them in short-term memory. To retain words long-term, revise them repeatedly using spaced repetition methods like Anki or Memrise.
- Seek inspiration from polyglots' YouTube channels and websites to discover effective language learning methods.
- Creating a System
- Plan ahead and create time for language learning by waking up earlier or utilizing commute time to listen to podcasts or practice vocabulary revision.
- Incorporate language learning into everyday life by setting specific goals and routines, such as practicing speaking with a friend on certain days or listening to YouTube videos during breakfast.
- Patience
- Learning a language fluently takes time, but visible improvement can be achieved within two months by consistently learning in small chunks every day with enjoyment as motivation.
New Section
The speaker shares personal experiences of understanding jokes in German and the sense of accomplishment that comes with becoming fluent in a new language.
- Understanding the first joke in German while watching "Friends" brought immense happiness and motivation to continue learning.
- Step by step progress leads to fluency where one can freely express themselves in the language.
- The speaker's passion for that feeling of accomplishment drives them to learn a new language every two years.
New Section
The speaker addresses the misconception that polyglots are inherently talented and highlights personal stories of individuals who initially struggled with language learning but eventually achieved fluency.
- Benny, who had no success with Irish Gaelic and German in school, discovered his own way of learning by speaking to native speakers and can now converse in 10 languages.
- Lucas, once considered one of the worst English students, experimented with different methods such as Skype conversations with strangers and is now fluent in 11 languages.
- These stories demonstrate that anyone can achieve language fluency with the right approach and dedication.
New Section
The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of taking control of one's own language learning journey.
- Many people struggle with language learning for years until they take charge of their learning process by using enjoyable materials, effective methods, or tracking their progress. This shift often reveals hidden language talent.
- As a language mentor, the speaker witnesses these transformations regularly and believes that anyone can experience similar breakthroughs.