How I Learn to Speak Any Language in 24 Hours

Summary

The speaker shares their extraordinary experience of learning 56 languages within 24 hours each, a feat they achieved by overcoming initial struggles with language learning. They critique traditional pedagogical methods that focus on rote memorization and instead advocate for immediate speaking practice with native speakers. The speaker's method involves daily conversation sessions, sentence mining for key phrases, and using Anki for spaced repetition to memorize grammar and vocabulary. This approach is contrasted with the common practice of learning scripts and alphabets first, which they argue can be postponed until after achieving conversational fluency.

Takeaways

• 😲 The speaker learned to speak 56 languages in under 24 hours each, surprising strangers by speaking their language.
• 📚 Initially, the speaker struggled with language learning in high school, finding textbooks overwhelming and ineffective for speaking.
• 🌏 After moving to China, the speaker began to excel at language learning and now considers themselves an expert in rapid language acquisition.
• 🔠 The speaker criticizes traditional language textbooks for frontloading too much information, making language learning intimidating and confusing.
• 🗣️ The key to the speaker's rapid language learning is daily speaking practice with online tutors or friends for 10-15 sessions over 3 weeks.
• 💬 The focus of speaking practice is on practical conversation skills, starting from basic phrases and building up to complex conversations.
• 📝 Sentence mining is the second part of the speaker's method, where they record key words and phrases into Anki for memorization.
• 🔄 Anki, a flashcard program, is used with spaced repetition to optimize memory retention of the learned material.
• 📖 The speaker does not learn the alphabet or script initially, instead focusing on spoken language and memorizing sounds.
• 🔗 Sentences learned in Anki are not just memorized, but also understood for grammar, allowing for natural language construction.
• 🔗 The speaker archives language decks not actively studied, which leads to forgetting languages that are not in use.

Q & A

How many languages did the speaker claim to have learned to speak?

The speaker claimed to have learned to speak 56 languages.

What was the speaker's initial experience with learning languages in high school?

The speaker was initially terrible at learning languages in high school, despite getting good grades. They felt overwhelmed by the textbooks and couldn't speak the languages they studied.

What did the speaker believe was the problem with typical language textbooks?

The speaker believed that typical language textbooks frontload too much information, such as alphabets, scripts, charts, tones, and grammar, which can be intimidating and mystifying for beginners.

How does the speaker describe the speaker's method for rapid language learning?

The speaker's method involves two parts: speaking practice with online tutors or friends for 1 hour per day over 3 weeks, and sentence mining where key phrases or sentences are recorded into Anki for memorization.

What does the speaker call the basic phrases they use to start conversations in a new language?

The speaker refers to these basic phrases as 'magic sentences'.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of speaking from day one?

Speaking from day one is crucial because it helps demystify the language and overcome the fear of speaking, which was a problem the speaker faced in high school.

What tool does the speaker use to record and memorize key phrases or sentences after each speaking session?

The speaker uses Anki, a free flashcard program, to record and memorize key phrases or sentences.

How does the speaker approach learning grammar while using Anki?

The speaker only puts sentences into Anki whose grammar they fully understand, ensuring that they are not just memorizing sentences but also the grammar by natural osmosis.

What does the speaker suggest about learning the alphabet or script of a language?

The speaker suggests that learning the alphabet or script can come later or not at all, depending on the learner's interest in becoming literate in the language.

How does the speaker use Anki to optimize memory retention of the phrases learned?

The speaker uses Anki's spaced repetition system to review the phrases at intervals optimized for memory retention, ensuring that the phrases stick in long-term memory.

What does the speaker offer for those interested in learning more about their language learning method?

The speaker offers a master class and a new website where one can get speaking practice with an AI tutor, with links provided in the description.