How to learn a language from scratch – Interview with polyglot Olly Richards

Summary

In this polyglot interview, Ollie Richards, creator of the language learning blog 'I Will Teach You a Language,' shares his insights on language acquisition. He emphasizes the importance of genuine interest in a language's culture and people as a driving force for learning. Ollie discusses the significance of speaking from an early stage, using mnemonics for vocabulary retention, and the value of immersion over apps. He also stresses the necessity of a consistent daily routine for language learning success, advocating for a balance between structured learning and natural language exposure.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Ollie Richards, from 'I Will Teach You a Language', emphasizes the importance of genuine interest and passion for a language and its culture as a driving force in language learning.
• 📚 Ollie suggests that learning a language should not be rushed, and that progress is often non-linear, requiring patience and consistent effort over time.
• 🗣️ Speaking is highlighted as the key to fluency, with Ollie recommending regular speaking practice, preferably with tutors or language exchange partners, to build confidence and skill.
• 🔍 He advises against relying on friends or family for language practice, to maintain the educational aspect separate from personal relationships.
• 📱 Ollie is critical of language learning apps, recommending instead immersive experiences with real materials to avoid distractions and enhance depth of learning.
• 📚 For beginners, Ollie recommends using 'Teach Yourself' style textbooks to get a basic understanding of the language structure before diving into immersive materials.
• 📈 He suggests a balance between passive exposure to the language and active learning, using mnemonics to remember particularly useful words.
• 📅 Consistency in daily practice is underscored as crucial for language acquisition, with Ollie noting that regular, shorter study sessions are more beneficial than sporadic, longer ones.
• 🎯 Ollie's language learning materials focus on stories and immersion, aiming to make the learning process enjoyable and contextually rich.
• 📘 His 'Uncovered' courses and 'Teach Yourself' short stories are designed to help learners progress by engaging with narratives in the target language.
• 🌐 Ollie's blog and podcast are recommended resources for language learners, offering a wealth of advice and strategies for effective language learning.

Q & A

What inspired Ollie Richards to start learning languages?

Ollie was inspired to start learning languages after moving to London at the age of 19 and realizing the diversity of people and languages around him.

Why did Ollie choose to learn French as his first language?

Ollie chose to learn French because he was working in a cafe where there were cool French people, and he wanted to connect with them.

What is Ollie's approach to learning a new language?

Ollie's approach involves a genuine interest and passion for the language, culture, or people associated with the language, which keeps him motivated throughout the learning process.

How does Ollie define fluency in a language?

For Ollie, fluency comes from a lot of speaking practice over a long period of time, especially with people he is interested in or likes.

What are the common principles Ollie applies in his language learning journey?

Ollie applies principles such as having a strong interest in the language, focusing on speaking to achieve fluency, and understanding that learning takes time without rushing the process.

How does Ollie approach vocabulary learning?

Ollie believes in learning vocabulary through exposure and immersion, and occasionally using mnemonics to remember particularly useful words.

What is Ollie's opinion on using apps for language learning?

Ollie prefers to stay away from apps due to the distractions they can cause and the lack of depth in learning that can be achieved through them.

What materials does Ollie recommend for language learning?

Ollie recommends using a variety of materials depending on the language, including textbooks, stories, and immersion in real content, rather than relying solely on apps.

How does Ollie view the importance of regularity and consistency in language learning?

Ollie emphasizes the importance of daily contact with the language, even if it's just for a short period, as it aids in better retention and understanding.

What are the uncovered courses that Ollie has created for language learning?

The uncovered courses are beginner-level language courses that teach languages through stories, combining immersion and lessons to uncover the language naturally.

How does Ollie's blog contribute to language learning?

Ollie's blog provides a wealth of information and articles on language learning strategies, tips, and resources, making it a valuable resource for language learners.