How to choose a language to learn

Summary

Dr. Taylor Jones, a linguist with a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania, discusses the process of choosing a language to learn, addressing the challenges and motivations behind language acquisition. She categorizes language learners into three types: the therapy case, the scholar, and the anthropologist, each with unique considerations. Dr. Jones emphasizes the importance of enjoyment, practicality, and the potential for new experiences when selecting a language, and she shares her personal journey and expertise to guide viewers in making an informed decision. The video also features a sponsored segment on Lingoda, a language school offering courses in five languages, highlighting the value of high-quality teaching materials and native-level interaction.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker has a PhD in linguistics and has worked extensively in language learning and teaching.
• 🌐 Early exposure to languages and travel sparked the speaker's lifelong interest in linguistics.
• 💡 The speaker emphasizes that language learning should be enjoyable and not just a chore or requirement.
• 🤔 People often struggle with choosing a language to learn due to fear of commitment or lack of confidence in their abilities.
• 🗣️ The speaker categorizes language learners into 'therapy case', 'scholar', and 'anthropologist', each with different motivations and approaches.
• 👩‍💼 The 'therapy case' learners need reassurance and permission to pursue the languages that interest them rather than what they feel obligated to learn.
• 📚 'Scholar' learners often have language requirements for academic purposes and must consider what languages are available and practical for their success.
• 🌍 'Anthropologist' learners are motivated by the desire for new cultural experiences and may seek out less common or more challenging languages.
• 📈 The speaker suggests considering the availability and quality of learning materials when choosing a language to learn.
• 💼 For those with professional goals, the potential long-term payoff of learning a language should be weighed against the effort required.
• 🌟 The importance of personal enjoyment in language learning is highlighted, as it can lead to unexpected benefits and opportunities.

Q & A

What is the speaker's background in linguistics?

The speaker holds a PhD in linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and has been interested in languages and linguistics for a long time. They have also worked for Rosetta Stone and have a background in retail sales.

Why did the speaker choose to study languages?

The speaker was fascinated by languages from a young age, inspired by their French family and the realization that knowing a language could help them communicate and get ice cream in France.

What is the purpose of the speaker's YouTube channel?

The speaker's YouTube channel, Language Jones, creates content about linguistics and language learning from an irreverent angle, aiming to help viewers decide on which language to learn and how to study it.

What is the significance of Lingoda in the speaker's video?

Lingoda is a language school that the speaker recommends for its high-quality teaching materials and hourlong classes with native-level speakers. It is featured in the video as a sponsor.

What are the three distinct groups of people who ask about language learning according to the speaker?

The three groups are the therapy case, the scholar, and the anthropologist. These groups represent different motivations and approaches to language learning.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of enjoying the language you choose to learn?

The speaker stresses that enjoying the language is crucial because it motivates learners to study and makes the process more enjoyable rather than a tedious obligation.

What is the speaker's advice for someone who has a language requirement for school?

The speaker advises considering what languages are available, personal enjoyment of the language, the likelihood of success, and the long-term payoff when choosing a language for a school requirement.

How does the speaker's experience as an expert witness relate to language learning?

The speaker's experience as an expert witness demonstrates that language learning can be useful in unexpected ways, such as in legal cases, and that the knowledge can have significant real-world applications.

What is the speaker's perspective on the practicality of language learning?

The speaker believes that language learning should be enjoyable and not just focused on productivity. They argue that one should pursue languages that bring joy and can be useful when needed.

What does the speaker suggest for someone who wants to learn a language for new experiences?

For those seeking new experiences, the speaker suggests choosing a language that is typologically distinct and challenging, which can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

How does the availability and quality of learning materials factor into language learning decisions?

The availability and quality of learning materials are significant factors in language learning decisions. Learners are more likely to be successful and motivated with languages that have abundant and high-quality resources.