How I Would Learn Spanish in 2024 (If I Could Start Over)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey from zero to fluency in Spanish, ranking 24 different language learning methods based on effectiveness, cost, and ease of use. They evaluate popular tools like Duolingo, Netflix, and language immersion, offering insights into their advantages and limitations. Methods such as online lessons, language exchange, podcasts, and innovative technologies like AI and virtual reality are discussed. The speaker emphasizes that the best approach depends on individual goals, whether that's speed, cost-effectiveness, or personal enjoyment, guiding viewers to select the most suitable options for their language learning journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Duolingo is popular for beginners but may only take you to a B2 level, making it less effective for achieving fluency.
• 😀 Netflix can introduce a lot of vocabulary but is best suited for intermediate learners and lacks speaking practice.
• 😀 Immersion in a target language country is the most effective method for achieving fluency but is costly and logistically challenging.
• 😀 Listening to music in the target language is free and easy but doesn't effectively teach grammar or vocabulary for beginners.
• 😀 Online language lessons with apps like Italki can lead to fluency, but require consistency and can be costly.
• 😀 Language exchange partners are free but may lack teaching skills and require effort to find and schedule conversations.
• 😀 Language exams provide a structured path to fluency, but require resources for study and practice.
• 😀 Language podcasts are effective for different levels and can be listened to while multitasking, but lack speaking practice.
• 😀 YouTube offers a wealth of learning resources but requires effort to curate effective content and build a personalized curriculum.
• 😀 AI tools like ChatGPT can significantly enhance language learning by providing interactive practice, though they require some technical understanding.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the video?

The primary goal of the video is to share and rank 24 different language learning methods based on personal experience, helping viewers find effective, affordable, and easy approaches to becoming fluent in a new language.

How effective is Duolingo for achieving fluency?

Duolingo is considered to be effective up to a B2 level, which is intermediate, but it's rated 2.5 for effectiveness in this video, as it does not provide enough exposure to phrases and grammar for higher fluency levels like C1 or C2.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Netflix for language learning?

Netflix offers a vast number of phrases and vocabulary, making it easy to set up and use. However, it's not beginner-friendly and provides limited grammar and speaking practice, which results in a C-tier effectiveness rating.

Why is language immersion considered highly effective?

Language immersion is rated a five for effectiveness because it allows learners to live and socialize in the target language, greatly enhancing vocabulary, listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

What is the effectiveness rating of using music to learn a language?

Learning a language through music receives a D-tier rating due to its poetic nature making it challenging for beginners to grasp, as it lacks explicit teaching of grammar and writing.

How do online language lessons compare to other methods?

Online language lessons through platforms like Italki and Lingoda score a B-tier in effectiveness. They can take a learner from zero to fluent, but they require diligence, consistent classes, and can be costly.

What are the benefits of language exchange partners?

Language exchange partners are free and provide real conversation practice with native speakers. However, they can be challenging to schedule and may not be as effective as formal lessons, leading to a C-tier effectiveness rating.

What is the advantage of using textbooks for language learning?

Textbooks are organized, provide a structured approach to learning, and are generally strong for building foundational skills. However, they may lack audio resources for pronunciation practice, resulting in a C-tier effectiveness.

How does ChatGPT assist in language learning?

ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for practicing various language skills, including writing and conversation. It currently has a high effectiveness rating of 4.5, but it requires learning how to prompt effectively.

What are the costs associated with virtual reality language learning tools?

Virtual reality tools like Immerse and Mondly vary in cost, with some requiring subscriptions while others have one-time payments. The effectiveness of these tools is generally rated around C-tier due to their limited content.