Is LingQ Worth It in 2024? HONEST REVIEW & ADVICE

Summary

This video tutorial emphasizes the importance of using language learning tool 'Link' efficiently to save time and achieve fluency faster. The speaker critiques the traditional approach of relying solely on massive text and video consumption, suggesting it's inefficient. Instead, they recommend targeted learning with frequency lists and grammar lists to acquire vocabulary and grammar contextually. The video also advises using 'Link' for creating audio files, reviewing vocabulary, and practicing pronunciation, but suggests looking for better tools for mistake correction and thinking in the target language.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Time efficiency is crucial in language learning.
• 📚 Link is effective but not the most efficient tool for language acquisition.
• 🏃‍♂️ Focusing on specific language skills like speaking, correcting mistakes, and pronunciation leads to faster progress.
• 📈 Use frequency lists to acquire vocabulary quickly.
• 📑 Start with verbs and grammar lists for structured learning.
• 🎧 Create audio files of vocabulary lists for active listening during routine activities.
• 🔍 Use Excel sheets for practical review with translations.
• 🃏 Employ flashcards for targeted learning and immediate feedback.
• 🗣️ Retrial practice is essential for active learning and error correction.
• 🌐 Link is useful for pronunciation practice and reviewing unfamiliar words.
• 📚 For languages with different writing systems, Link can aid in learning the script.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to demonstrate how to use the language learning tool 'Link' effectively, efficiently, and to get results faster.

Why is time efficiency important in language learning according to the video?

Time efficiency is important because it allows individuals to become fluent in a language in a shorter period, thus enjoying the benefits of language fluency for a longer time, both personally and professionally.

What is considered inefficient about the way Steve Cman and the Church of Input suggest using Link?

The method is considered inefficient because it involves consuming large amounts of text and videos in the target language, which leads to a slow and gradual understanding and speaking ability development.

What does the video suggest focusing on to improve language skills?

The video suggests focusing on specific aspects such as speaking, correcting mistakes, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to improve language skills more efficiently.

Why is it beneficial to learn a language quickly according to the video?

Learning a language quickly is beneficial because it allows individuals to acquire more skills in less time, leading to greater success in various areas of life.

What is the video's stance on the common belief that language learning should be a slow and enjoyable process?

The video disagrees with the belief that language learning should be slow and enjoyable, arguing that the focus should be on skill acquisition and improvement, not the process itself.

What alternative method does the video recommend instead of using mini-stories with Link?

The video recommends using frequency lists of verbs, nouns, etc., and lists of grammar sentences to learn the language more efficiently.

How does the video suggest using audio files for language learning?

The video suggests creating audio files of vocabulary lists and binge listening to them, even during activities like working out, to make the learning process more efficient.

What role do flashcards play in the language learning method proposed in the video?

Flashcards are used for targeted learning and practice, especially for translating sentences from English into the target language and vice versa to reinforce thinking in the target language.

How can Link be used for pronunciation practice according to the video?

Link can be used for pronunciation practice by creating audio files and listening to them, although the video suggests that other tools like TTS maker might provide more natural sounding audio.

What is the video's final recommendation regarding the use of Link for language learning?

The video recommends using Link for uploading custom content, language islands, and for learning extra vocabulary at an advanced level, but suggests that there are more efficient methods for beginners.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Effective and Efficient Language Learning with Link

The speaker emphasizes the importance of time efficiency in language learning and argues that while Link is effective, it's not the most efficient tool if used traditionally. They critique the 'Church of Input' approach, which suggests massive text and video consumption for language acquisition, as it leads to slow progress. Instead, the speaker advocates for a focused approach on speaking, correcting mistakes, and improving pronunciation. They propose using frequency lists and grammar lists to acquire vocabulary and grammar quickly, aiming to achieve fluency in a shorter time frame for better opportunities and enjoyment.

05:01

🎧 Utilizing Link for Vocabulary and Grammar

The speaker outlines a method to use Link more effectively by creating audio files from vocabulary lists, such as the 2,000 most common verbs and general words. They suggest binge listening to these lists during activities like workouts for efficient learning. The process involves associating words with example sentences and using Excel sheets for practical review. The speaker also discusses the importance of targeted learning over random text consumption and recommends using flashcards for translation practice to think in the target language. They note that while Link can be used for pronunciation practice, tools like TTS maker might offer more natural audio.

10:04

🌐 Link's Role in Language Learning and Beyond

In the final paragraph, the speaker suggests using Link for learning writing systems of languages with different scripts and for reviewing vocabulary through audio files. They recommend uploading custom content like 'language islands' for listening and repetition practice. The speaker concludes that while Link is a versatile tool, it's not the most efficient for beginners. Instead, it's better suited for those at an intermediate level looking to expand their vocabulary. They advise that there are always better solutions for specific language learning problems, positioning Link as a decent but not optimal tool in the language learner's toolkit.

Keywords

💡Efficient

Efficiency in the context of the video refers to the ability to achieve a desired outcome, such as language learning, with the least amount of time and effort. The video emphasizes that while Link is effective, it is not efficient in the traditional way it's used, as it requires excessive amounts of text and video consumption. The speaker advocates for a more time-efficient approach to language learning.

💡Grammar Mistakes

Grammar mistakes are errors in the use of language structure, such as incorrect verb conjugation or sentence construction. The video suggests that to improve language skills, one must focus on correcting these mistakes. It implies that general exposure through Link might not be enough to address specific grammatical errors effectively.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the words known to a person. The video discusses the importance of rapidly expanding one's vocabulary for language learning. It suggests using frequency lists to learn the most common words in a language, which is more efficient than the traditional Link method.

💡Pronunciation

Pronunciation is the way words are articulated when spoken. The video mentions that improving pronunciation requires specific practice, which might not be fully achievable through Link. It suggests using Link for listening and repeating exercises to enhance pronunciation.

💡Frequency Lists

Frequency lists are compilations of words arranged by how often they appear in a language. The video recommends using these lists to quickly acquire a substantial vocabulary. It contrasts this method with the less efficient approach of learning through Link's mini-stories.

💡Audio Files

Audio files are digital recordings of sound, which the video suggests creating from vocabulary lists to aid in language learning. The speaker mentions 'binge listening' to these files during workouts as a way to efficiently learn language while multitasking.

💡Excel Sheet

An Excel sheet is a grid of data in a spreadsheet program. The video recommends using an Excel sheet to organize vocabulary with English translations and example sentences for more practical and targeted learning, which is more efficient than general exposure through Link.

💡Flash Cards

Flash cards are physical or digital tools used for memorization and learning. The video suggests creating flash cards for vocabulary in both directions (language to English and English to language) to reinforce learning and facilitate thinking in the target language.

💡Retrial Practice

Retrial practice involves actively repeating and correcting language output for improvement. The video states that this method is crucial for language learning and provides immediate feedback to correct mistakes, which is more effective than passive learning through Link.

💡Language Islands

Language islands refer to sentences or phrases that are learned in isolation. The video suggests using Link to listen and repeat one's own language islands, implying that for more advanced learners, Link can be useful for reinforcing specific phrases or sentences.

💡Different Writing Systems

Different writing systems refer to the various methods of visually representing language, such as alphabets, syllabaries, or logographies. The video mentions that for languages with different writing systems, Link can be used to learn the script by guessing word meanings and then confirming with audio.

Highlights

Time efficiency is crucial for language learning.

Link is effective but not efficient if used traditionally.

Focusing on speaking, correcting mistakes, and improving pronunciation are key to efficient language learning.

The traditional method of language learning can be very slow.

Using frequency lists can help acquire vocabulary quickly.

Grammar lists and learning sentences in context are efficient ways to grasp grammar.

Creating audio files of vocabulary lists can be an effective, albeit unpleasant, method.

Binge listening to vocabulary lists while working out can increase productivity.

Using an Excel sheet to review vocabulary with translations is practical.

Deliberate and targeted learning is more efficient than random text.

Flashcards are recommended for translating and practicing thinking in the target language.

Retriver practice and immediate feedback are essential for correcting mistakes.

Link can be used for pronunciation practice but other tools may offer better audio quality.

For languages with different writing systems, Link can help learn the script.

Link is good for creating audio files and reviewing language islands.

For advanced learners, Link can be used to import and learn extra vocabulary from high-level content.

Link is a versatile tool but not the best solution for every language learning problem.

There are always better solutions for specific language learning issues.

Transcripts

in this video I'm going to show you how

to use Link effectively effectively and

more importantly

efficiently yeah time efficiency is

really

important link is effective but not

efficient if you use it the way Steve

cman wants you to use

it the people from the church of

input

um yeah they'll rely on input only you

want to breath insane amounts

of uh text and watch insane amounts of

videos in the language and eventually

you'll understand and eventually way

later you'll be able to speak a little

bit and and so on and so forth but

that's very

inefficient because if you want to be

able to speak you need to focus on your

speaking and if you want to stop making

so many mistakes you need to focus on

correcting mistakes and if you want to I

mean grammar mistakes or vocabulary

mistakes and if you want to improve your

pronunciation you would need to work on

your pronunciation and so on and so

forth so I'm going to show you how to

use it effectively and efficiently yeah

to get results faster to save time and

then enjoy the results of your hard work

for longer yeah you've got limited time

in this

planet and if you become fluent in

Spanish or German in this case in 3

months instead of in 3 years so so five

years that's three or five extra years

that you get to enjoy being fluent in

the language

yeah opportunities personal professional

Etc so it's worth learning faster all

that nonsense about language learning is

a marathon you should enjoy the process

blah blah blah no nobody

nobody acquires skills to enjoy the

process nobody good at

least yeah maybe the

middle-aged guy who joins Jiu-Jitsu to

you know think to stop believing the the

the martial artist now or whatever yeah

they feel good while showing up and they

enjoy the process but someone who wants

to go on ran is not there to enjoy the

process

yeah uh they there to win they there to

become the best version of themselves

and thus that that's thus yeah I'm

switching to J know that's the attitude

you should have yeah you should focus on

improving as much as you can because you

if you improve faster you'll get better

yeah then people improve slower you'll

acquire more skills you'll be more

successful in every area of your life

Etc so being fast with skill acquisition

be it language learning

or uh Sports public

speaking whatever coding the faster you

learn the better you'll become long term

yeah so you need to make as much

progress as you can every single day

okay that with that out of the way let's

talk about how to improve fast using

link instead of going through the mini

stories which I've done a lot honestly

and now on the hindsight you can see

that it's not a complete waste of time

it works minist stories are effective

but not

efficient 60 of them there uh like 4

hours of

audio in total you learn all the basics

of grammar a lot of vocabulary a lot of

useless vocabulary as well but a lot of

very basic

vocabulary but you need to spend many

hours reading them and and then

listening to them and

even by the time you you

finished um learning the his story as

well you won't know that much in terms

of vocabulary your knowledge of grammar

will be decent but not your vocab so we

need to acquire a lot of words fast how

do we do this well with frequency lists

lots of list like verbs nouns Etc I use

I start always start with

verbs uh grammar lists I use lists of

grammar so list of sentences that

contain all the grammar in the language

from the most basic stuff to the most

advanced and I learned lots and lots of

sentences so that without studying

grammar uh I learn everything in context

but five minutes of

audio uh couple hundred sentences in

total are enough to learn all the

grammar more or less yeah at least to

have a good idea of how it works so we

focus specifically on Grammar with that

and then what we should do this is not

that but you could do the same thing

with that um the process is the same

this is this are the 2,000 most common

VBS in German I start with the VBS and

then I go I jump to uh all the all the

basic 10,000 most common wordss in in

general but the process is always the

same you need a list

[Music]

Mor in skin again you

have what example sentence word example

sentence what example s this and I

usually use this I I use this in a

variety of ways I create audio files and

I binge listen to the list and it's not

pleasant to listen to but it's

effective I just listen to it while

working

out to make my already hard workouts

even more more unpleasant but it's kind

it's it's kind of masochistic in a way

because it's very hot but feels great

afterwards because it's super

productive yeah B listen to it Link's

good for that you can just paste text

here come here download

audio and voila you get you get an audio

file um you can use it to learn V the

words you

click on the word you don't know what it

means okay will become yeah can Lear the

sentence this part I recommend doing it

in an Excel sheet with an English

translation of the word and the sentence

next to it so two

columns it's much more practical that

way but this is good for

audio uh it's also good to test your

comprehension you can read and see if

you if you understand it or not yeah so

you can when you're reviewing so the

first time you should visualize an

associate associate the

vocabulary um but after doing that you

should read read read uh review it

review the list it's not fun but it

works this is much more targeted yeah

you're learning long list of reps

instead of

just random text

deliberate targeted learning will always

be much more

efficient and that's what you do again

for this I would use flash cards instead

translating from English into German so

that

you so that

you learn to you use retrial practice to

learn to think in German then you say

the sentence and you get feedback and

you correct your mistakes link doesn't

give you that and retrial practice is

extremely important uh with retriever

practice actively saying the sentences

you can do that you can read but it's

obviously if you translate into the

language it's going to be more effective

and immediate feedback so you correcting

all your mistakes it's you can't do that

with link you can use it for reviewing

not

for not for uh retrial practice however

you

can use it for pronunciation you can

also create flash cards with the

was you didn't know and you clicked on I

don't recommend doing that I just

recommend creating flash cats of the

whole

list in both

directions so that you learn to

recognize them first so you get German

then into English then English into

German so you learn to recognize the

German and you learn to translate the

English into German so you learn to

think in German and then you um get

immediate feedback to correct your

mistakes with flash cards not not the

vocab from here yeah but what's good for

is pronunciation you can do listening

and repeating with

this okay this one doesn't work

it's not the most natural

sounding uh audio sounds kind of weird

sounds weird honestly TTS maker or

something similar is better sounds

better but again link can be useful for

this as well but for the most

part uh it's good for for this yeah for

creating audio files and

reviewing one more thing that's good for

if the language has a different writing

system is to learn the writing system

because you can look at the words you

can try to guess what it means and then

click and hear the

pronunciation so you're like okay I got

it right I got it wrong you learn the

you learn the writing system you could

do that with Arabic with

cilic uh with whatever

Korean yeah that's it's good for that as

well so in general what I recommend is

use

it use it to upload your own

content language Islands this is good

for that if you upload your your

language Islands you can listen and

repeat your own sentences and create

audio files to listen to your language

Islands but in general um things like

all that stuff of

beginners all that um mini stories all

that I used to do it it's not efficient

it works but it's not efficient if you

want to improve faster do something

else what I do recommend it for is if

you are already at a decent level and

you uh let's say watching documentaries

or something and your levels already

very high and you want to learn extra

vocab you could use it

to import them and then you get the text

here and

you land it like you read the text first

maybe if you want to learn the vocab but

again there are better ways of doing it

so Link in

general is is a very good tool if used

right but but

also yeah it's not perfect um there are

always better solutions for every

problem you'll encounter in language

learning

whatever problem you're trying to solve

language a language is a system composed

of different parts each

one has two or three or one or two

sometimes

uh activities or Solutions yeah two or

three one two three activities to solve

that specific problem be it

pronunciation B it vocabulary Etc links

pretty decent at everything but not the

best solution for anything but still

it's way better than a lot of the

nonsense that's out there anyway I hope

you found it useful see you later