How to learn languages I 5 Tips for fluency I Lazy Girl Edition

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares five easy tips for learning a new language, drawing from her experience as a speaker of English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. She emphasizes the importance of listening input through media like podcasts and dramas, using resources like the Language Reactor extension on Netflix, and practicing with apps like HelloTalk. She also suggests shadowing techniques and starting with children's books to improve reading skills. Finally, she encourages keeping the learning process fun by setting specific goals.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker is fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, having learned Mandarin in China and picking up the other languages through interest in their cultures.
• 🎧 Tip 1: Listening input is crucial, especially in the early stages of language learning. Consuming media like podcasts, songs, and dramas in the target language helps with intonation and vocabulary.
• 📺 Tip 2: Enhance learning with resources like 'Language Reactor' on Netflix, which allows dual subtitles, and 'Hello Talk', an app for connecting with native speakers for practice.
• 🗣️ Tip 3: Shadowing, or mimicking native speakers, is an effective way to practice speaking. The speaker uses Google Translate for daily journal entries and YouTube for shadowing videos.
• 📚 Tip 4: Start reading in the target language with a focus on simpler texts like children's books to build vocabulary. The 'Satori Reader' app is recommended for Japanese learners.
• 🎯 Tip 5: Keeping the language learning process fun is essential for maintaining motivation. Setting specific goals related to the language, like studying abroad or making friends, can help sustain interest.
• 📱 Utilizing social media platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok for short language exposure is suggested for those with limited time.
• 📺 The speaker re-watches familiar shows on Netflix with Japanese subtitles to reinforce learning, using context clues to understand new words.
• 🗣️ Shadowing practice helps in correcting pronunciation and getting accustomed to the rhythm of a new language.
• 📖 Reading books in the target language, even with limited knowledge of characters, can be facilitated by starting with simpler texts and using translation aids.
• 🌟 The importance of having a clear goal for language learning is emphasized to keep the process engaging and to measure progress.

Q & A

What are the languages the speaker is fluent in?

The speaker is fluent in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

How did the speaker learn English and Mandarin?

The speaker learned English by interacting with other kids and going to school, while Mandarin was learned at a young age when she was sent to China to become her family's translator.

Why did the speaker start learning Korean and Japanese?

The speaker started learning Korean and Japanese due to her interest in their cultures and the way the languages sounded.

What is the speaker's proficiency level in each language?

The speaker is most comfortable in English, considers herself an advanced speaker in Chinese despite having lost some proficiency, and is in the beginner to intermediate phases for both Korean and Japanese.

What is the first tip the speaker gives for language learning?

The first tip is 'listening input', where the speaker suggests consuming media like podcasts, songs, or dramas in the target language to help with intonation and vocabulary.

How does the speaker recommend using social media for language learning?

The speaker recommends using Instagram Reels or TikTok for short, one-minute clips to get language input throughout the day without committing to a full show.

What is the Language Reactor extension and how does it help with language learning?

The Language Reactor is a Google Chrome extension that allows users to display two subtitles simultaneously, one in their most comfortable language and the other in the target language, aiding in learning through context clues and familiarization with the writing system.

What is the purpose of the app 'Hello Talk' as mentioned in the script?

Hello Talk is an app that connects users with native speakers worldwide, allowing them to practice language skills through text messages, phone calls, or voice messages at their own pace.

What is 'shadowing' and how does the speaker use it to practice speaking?

Shadowing is a language learning technique where one repeats after a speaker to practice pronunciation and intonation. The speaker uses it by recording herself speaking a journal entry and by following Japanese shadowing videos on YouTube.

How does the speaker approach reading in Japanese?

The speaker started by mastering the hiragana and katakana alphabets and then progressed to reading children's books to increase her vocabulary. She also recommends the Satori Reader app for Japanese short stories with English translations.

What is the speaker's advice for keeping language learning fun and motivating?

The speaker suggests having a specific goal in mind, such as enjoying a movie without subtitles or making new friends while studying abroad, to keep the language learning process enjoyable and motivating.