How to learn any language by yourself- Language tips from a polyglot

Summary

This guide offers a comprehensive method for learning a language at home, emphasizing the importance of choosing a language you enjoy. It suggests setting realistic goals and focusing on systems over goals for long-term success. The method involves watching videos in the target language, gradually removing subtitles, and summarizing content to build a 'second brain.' It also recommends consuming media, reading, and listening to music in the target language. For grammar and vocabulary, it advises using platforms like italki for feedback and Anki for effective learning through spaced repetition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pick a language that you genuinely enjoy to make the learning process more enjoyable and less reliant on external motivation.
• 🎯 Set realistic goals and create systems to achieve them, focusing on the process rather than just the end result.
• 🌟 Start with a basic level of language knowledge, which can be easily achieved through language apps or lessons.
• 📺 Begin by watching videos in your target language with subtitles to get accustomed to the language.
• 📱 Consume all media in your target language and change your phone settings to immerse yourself in the language.
• 🎵 Listen to music in your target language to pick up new words and slang in a fun and engaging way.
• 🛑 Transition to watching videos without subtitles to challenge your comprehension and improve your listening skills.
• 📚 Start reading in your target language to expand your vocabulary and understanding of written content.
• 🔁 Watch videos at faster speeds to train your listening skills and adapt to different speaking speeds.
• 🔁 Consistently practice reading, summarizing, and watching videos to reinforce learning and build fluency.
• ⏰ Be prepared for a longer learning timeline, as becoming fluent through self-study can take a year or more.

Q & A

What is the first step in learning a language at home according to the guide?

The first step is picking a language that you enjoy, as it will make the learning process easier and more enjoyable.

Why is it important to enjoy the language you're learning?

Enjoying the language you're learning helps sustain your motivation and reduces the reliance on discipline alone, making the process less strenuous and more natural.

What is the role of goals in language learning as mentioned in the guide?

Goals are important to understand the amount of work required to achieve fluency, but it's more effective to focus on developing a system for consistent learning rather than just setting goals.

How does the guide suggest setting realistic language learning goals?

The guide suggests setting a goal and then thinking retrospectively about how much time you need to allocate daily to achieve it, adjusting the goal based on the realism of your daily commitment.

What is the significance of enjoying the content while learning a language?

Enjoying the content helps in maintaining interest and consistency in learning, making it easier to integrate the language into your daily routine.

How does consuming media in the target language aid in language acquisition?

Consuming media in the target language exposes you to the language in a natural context, helping you pick up new words and phrases, and get accustomed to the language's rhythm and syntax.

What is the method the guide suggests for learning a language without formal study?

The guide suggests a method that involves watching videos in the target language, starting with subtitles, then removing them, and summarizing the content in your own words to build a 'second brain' in that language.

Why is it recommended to watch videos at normal speed initially?

Watching videos at normal speed with subtitles helps in getting comfortable with the language and its nuances before attempting to understand it without subtitles.

How does the guide recommend summarizing content in the target language?

The guide recommends summarizing content in your own words without using a translator to practice thinking in the target language and reinforce learning.

What is the role of speed in video watching during language learning according to the guide?

The guide suggests watching videos at increased speeds to train listening skills and improve comprehension, starting with normal speed and gradually increasing to 1.5x or double speed.

How can italki be beneficial for language learners as mentioned in the guide?

Italki offers one-on-one lessons in various languages, providing opportunities for practice and receiving feedback from native speakers, which can be crucial for correcting mistakes and improving language skills.

What is the significance of using Anki for vocabulary learning as suggested in the guide?

Anki uses spaced repetition and active recall, which are effective learning methods for memorizing and retaining new vocabulary in a language.