I made these mistakes learning 5+ languages so you don't have to

Summary

In this video, Elysse DaVega shares her top language learning mistakes to help viewers avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes for growth, setting clear goals using her 'want, need, will' approach, and learning relevant vocabulary. Elysse also recommends LingoPie for vocabulary acquisition through foreign TV shows and movies. She advises against translating in your head and encourages thinking in the target language to better understand cultural nuances.

Takeaways

• 🌙 Elysse DaVega records her video at midnight in Mexico due to the noisy environment during the day.
• 📚 She emphasizes the importance of making mistakes as a part of the language learning process, suggesting that perfectionism can hinder growth.
• 🎯 Elysse advises against setting vague goals, advocating for the 'want, need, will' approach to create actionable and measurable objectives.
• 📈 She suggests focusing on vocabulary that is relevant and naturally encountered rather than trying to memorize every new word.
• 🌟 Elysse recommends LingoPie, a platform that uses foreign TV shows and movies to teach languages, as a tool for vocabulary acquisition.
• 🧠 Understanding one's learning style is crucial for effective language learning; she encourages adapting methods to personal preferences.
• 💡 She warns against the common mistake of translating in one's head, urging learners to think in the target language for fluency.
• 🌐 Elysse highlights the importance of appreciating the nuances and cultural aspects of language that are often lost in translation.
• 📝 She shares personal anecdotes and struggles to connect with her audience and provide relatable advice.
• 🔔 She invites viewers to engage with her content by subscribing, liking, and turning on notifications for updates.

Q & A

Why is Elysse recording at 12 A.M.?

Elysse is recording at 12 A.M. because it's the only time when she can avoid interruptions like barking dogs, tamalero vendors, and constant construction noises in Mexico.

What is Elysse's main goal in this video?

Elysse's goal is to share the biggest mistakes she's made during her language learning journey to help viewers avoid making the same mistakes.

What is the 'goofiest mistake' Elysse mentions?

The goofiest mistake, according to Elysse, is being afraid to make mistakes, as this fear can hinder growth and progress in language learning.

How does Elysse suggest dealing with perfectionism in language learning?

Elysse suggests embracing mistakes and learning from them, as making errors and being corrected helps solidify language knowledge.

What is Elysse's advice on setting language learning goals?

Elysse emphasizes avoiding vague goals and recommends using her 'want, need, will' approach: identify what you want to achieve, what you need to improve, and the specific steps you will take to get there.

What example does Elysse give for a complete goal in language learning?

A complete goal example is wanting to order food at a restaurant in a target language. The learner needs to improve specific grammar points, and their concrete action plan could include studying grammar twice a week and practicing with a tutor.

How does Elysse recommend selecting vocabulary to learn?

She recommends focusing on vocabulary that is relevant and useful to the learner's life, rather than trying to memorize every word encountered.

What language learning tool does Elysse recommend for learning vocabulary naturally?

Elysse recommends LingoPie, a platform that teaches nine different languages through foreign TV shows and movies, with features like customizable subtitles and automated flashcards.

What is the biggest mistake, according to Elysse, that language learners make?

The biggest mistake is translating in your head instead of thinking in the target language, which can slow down real-world communication.

What does Elysse emphasize about language and its nuances?

Elysse stresses that language is idiomatic and 3D, not just literal. Understanding nuances and cultural expressions is key to learning a language effectively.