Why 90% of BEGINNERS Struggle to Learn a Language

Summary

The speaker discusses their struggle with learning Chinese and the inefficacy of traditional methods like apps, textbooks, and flashcards. They emphasize the importance of finding a comprehensible resource that aligns with one's current language level and sticking with it, rather than seeking shortcuts or hacks. The video highlights the insights of Professor Stephen Krashen, who argues that learning grammar rules does not necessarily lead to language proficiency. The speaker advocates for consistent, comprehensible input and patience, stressing the need for hundreds of hours of exposure to achieve language proficiency, and encourages viewers to trust the process and maintain consistency.

Takeaways

• 📚 Struggling with Chinese language learning for a long time, despite trying various resources like apps, textbooks, and flashcards.
• 🔍 Realization that learning grammar rules and vocabulary lists alone might not be effective for language acquisition.
• 💡 The idea that there might be another, more effective way to learn a language, beyond traditional methods.
• 🔄 A tendency to switch between resources when progress seems slow, possibly due to a lack of sustained motivation.
• 🚫 Understanding that there's no shortcut or 'hack' to instantly learn a language; consistent time and effort are required.
• 🎯 The importance of finding a comprehensible resource that is just above one's current language level to facilitate learning.
• 👨‍🏫 Professor Stephen Krashen's perspective on the limited effectiveness of learning grammar rules in language acquisition.
• 🧠 Trusting the natural language acquisition process of the brain, which is designed to pick up languages over time.
• 📈 Managing expectations by recognizing that language proficiency comes with hundreds of hours of comprehensible input.
• 🔁 The value of consistency and habit formation in language learning, such as dedicating a small, regular amount of time each day.
• 🌟 Observing that successful language learners, or 'polyglots,' all share the common trait of putting in the necessary time and consistent effort.

Q & A

What challenges did the speaker face when learning Chinese?

The speaker struggled with learning Chinese for a long time, feeling like something was missing despite trying various resources like apps, textbooks, and flashcards.

Why did the speaker feel they weren't making progress with traditional language learning methods?

The speaker felt that traditional methods like learning grammar rules and vocabulary lists didn't work for them. They also found themselves switching between resources and losing motivation.

What mistake do novice language learners often make, according to the speaker?

Novice language learners often think there is a shortcut or hack to learning a language, rather than focusing on spending consistent time with the language.

What is the key to successful language learning as per the speaker?

The key to successful language learning is spending time with the language, finding a resource that is comprehensible, and sticking with it consistently.

What does the speaker suggest doing if you're a complete beginner in a language?

The speaker suggests searching for beginner-level material like TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) or ALG (Automatic Language Growth) videos, or getting a basic beginner's textbook with audio.

Why does the speaker advise against focusing too much on grammar rules?

The speaker believes that learning grammar rules doesn't necessarily lead to practical abilities in the target language, as supported by Professor Stephen Krashen's research.

What does the speaker recommend focusing on instead of grammar rules?

The speaker recommends focusing on comprehensible input, which involves spending time with the language and understanding words and phrases in context.

How much time does the speaker suggest is necessary to learn a language effectively?

The speaker suggests that learning a language effectively requires hundreds of hours of input, and emphasizes the importance of consistency over time.

What should learners focus on to stay motivated, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that motivation isn't as important as consistency. Learners should develop a small habit, like spending 15 minutes a day on the language, and trust the process.

What common trait do successful language learners share, based on the speaker's observation?

Successful language learners share the common trait of putting in the time and consistently showing up, trusting that their efforts will eventually lead to success.