CRAMMING a Language in 10 DAYS?

Summary

This video documents a 10-day challenge to cram Korean language learning. The creator, initially at an A1 level, aimed to break into A2 by memorizing 400 words using spaced repetition and a quirky 'dumb memory technique' for faster recall. Despite the mental exhaustion, they discovered the rewarding benefits of intensive learning, including recognizing words in shows and thinking in Korean. The video highlights the importance of making mistakes, seeking native speakers' feedback, and overcoming fear of embarrassment to progress in language learning. The challenge culminated in notable improvement and practical tips for efficient language acquisition.

Takeaways

• 📚 Learning a new language can be a daunting process, but using a cramming technique similar to exam preparation can yield significant results in a short time.
• 😅 The speaker realized that their Korean proficiency was lower than expected, starting at A1 level, and aimed to progress to A2 over 10 days.
• 👩‍💻 Testing improvement with a native speaker is crucial, as shown by the speaker's conversations with their friend Jade at both the start and end of the challenge.
• 🧠 Memorizing 400+ words in 10 days is impressive, but mentally exhausting. The speaker used active recall, spaced repetition, and a list of 500 relevant words to guide their study.
• 🤔 To make memorization easier, the speaker used humorous or outrageous mnemonic devices, like associating Korean words with funny or vivid imagery.
• ⏲️ On their best day, the speaker spread out study sessions throughout the day, memorizing 120 words by practicing in 15-minute increments every hour.
• 💪 Persistence is key: cramming is mentally taxing, but revisiting the material every day and reviewing flashcards ensures long-term retention.
• 📝 The speaker emphasized that language learning involves making mistakes, overcoming embarrassment, and being corrected by native speakers.
• 🌱 Language learning is a humbling experience, as even toddlers can speak at a higher level than beginners. Progress requires patience and practice.
• 🏆 At the end of the challenge, the speaker saw tangible improvement, scoring higher on a level test and experiencing more confidence in their Korean speaking skills.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to cram hundreds of words in a new language in 10 days?

The speaker wanted to see if cramming language learning in a short time, similar to cramming for exams, could yield significant progress. They were curious about the potential results despite knowing fluency wouldn't be achieved.

What was the speaker's initial proficiency in Korean?

The speaker initially thought they were at an A2 level, but after taking a level test, they realized their proficiency was closer to A1, which motivated them to improve.

How did the speaker structure their vocabulary learning during the challenge?

The speaker compiled a list of 500 relevant words covering topics like culture, identity, future aspirations, and adverbs. Although they didn't finish all 500 words, they managed to learn around 400.

What memory technique did the speaker use to memorize new words?

The speaker used a 'dumb memory technique,' associating new Korean words with funny, emotional, or outrageous personal connections, like linking 'damba' (Korean for jacket) with 'Jamba' (Swahili for fart) to remember the word.

What was the speaker's most efficient day in terms of learning new words, and how did they structure it?

The speaker's most efficient day was day four, where they learned 120 words by studying 10 words every hour over a 12-hour period, with 15 minutes of study followed by 45 minutes of rest.

What was the biggest challenge the speaker faced during this 10-day language learning experiment?

The biggest challenge was the mental exhaustion from cramming large amounts of information in a short time. The speaker's brain felt 'on fire,' especially on days with high word counts.

What role did the speaker’s friend Jade play in this challenge?

Jade, the speaker’s Korean friend, helped by conducting Zoom calls at the beginning and end of the challenge, allowing the speaker to test their progress and receive feedback on their language skills.

What did the speaker advise about making mistakes during language learning?

The speaker emphasized the importance of being willing to make mistakes, suggesting that fear of embarrassment and pride often prevent people from learning a new language. They encouraged embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.

How did the speaker manage to retain the words they crammed after the challenge?

The speaker planned to review their crammed vocabulary daily using Anki flashcards for a few minutes, to reinforce the memorized words and prevent forgetting them.

What improvement did the speaker see after the 10-day challenge?

At the end of the challenge, the speaker noticed improvement in their Korean listening skills, feeling more confident in recognizing words in Korean shows, and they received positive results in an online level test.