5 techniques to speak any language | Sid Efromovich | TEDxUpperEastSide

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker shares her unique journey of learning seven languages and offers five key techniques to make the process enjoyable and effective. She emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as a learning tool, discarding foreign alphabets for accurate pronunciation, finding a 'stickler' for corrections, practicing through 'shower conversations,' and using the Buddy Formula to maintain consistent language practice. Her approach turns language learning from a daunting task into an exciting exploration of new cultures and self-discovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace making mistakes as the first rule of language learning to expand your language database.
• 🔍 Recognize the feeling of making a mistake as a signal that you're exploring new linguistic territory.
• 📚 Understand that your 'language database' contains known sounds and structures, but learning involves venturing beyond it.
• 📝 Scrap the use of foreign alphabets as they can provide misleading pronunciation cues.
• 🗣️ Learn to pronounce words correctly by breaking them down phonetically and practicing the sounds, not just the spelling.
• 🤓 Find a 'stickler'—a detail-oriented person who will correct your mistakes and help refine your language skills.
• 🚿 Engage in 'Shower Conversations' to practice language skills by having imaginary dialogues in your head.
• 🤝 Use the 'Buddy Formula' to find a conversation partner where the target language is your best common language to ensure effective practice.
• 🌐 Utilize technology to find language partners if you can't find them locally, and consider traveling for immersive experiences.
• 🌍 Learning languages can be a gateway to understanding new cultures and ways of living, enhancing personal growth.
• 👣 Remember that every journey, no matter how daunting, begins with the first step, and now you have the tools to start yours.

Q & A

How many languages can the speaker claim to speak fluently?

The speaker mentions being able to speak four languages by the age of 18 and then learned three additional languages in the subsequent three years, making it a total of seven languages.

What is the first technique the speaker suggests for language learning?

The first technique is to embrace the process of making mistakes as a fundamental part of learning a new language.

What does the speaker refer to as the 'language database'?

The 'language database' refers to the collection of sounds and structures that a person knows, which forms the basis of their linguistic knowledge.

Why does the speaker advise against using the foreign alphabet when learning a new language?

The speaker advises against using the foreign alphabet because it can provide misleading signals and does not accurately represent the pronunciation of words in the target language.

What is the second technique the speaker introduces for effective language learning?

The second technique is to scrap the foreign alphabet and instead use phonetic notations or descriptions that provide meaningful information about pronunciation.

What role does a 'stickler' play in the language learning process according to the speaker?

A 'stickler' is someone detail-oriented who will correct the learner's mistakes and encourage them to make those mistakes in the first place, thus helping them to improve.

What is the term for the method the speaker uses to practice language by themselves?

The method is called 'Shower Conversations,' where the learner imagines having a conversation in the target language, even if they are alone.

What is the 'Buddy Formula' mentioned by the speaker for finding a conversation partner?

The 'Buddy Formula' suggests that the target language should be the best or the secret language in common between the learner and their conversation partner to ensure practice is consistent and motivated.

How does the speaker describe the feeling of venturing beyond one's 'language database'?

The speaker describes it as a queasy, insecure feeling that signals the learner is exploring new linguistic territory and making progress.

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey about the process of learning languages?

The main message is that learning languages should be an enjoyable, fun, and exciting process, and by using certain techniques, it can be made much easier and rewarding.

What famous athlete's technique does the speaker compare their 'Shower Conversations' to?

The speaker compares 'Shower Conversations' to the visualization technique used by professional athlete Michael Phelps, who visualizes his races before competing.

How does the speaker conclude their speech about language learning?

The speaker concludes by emphasizing that learning languages is not a stressful or boring task but a journey of exploration and self-discovery, encouraging the audience to take the first step in their language learning journey.