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

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their journey to mastering Spanish and offers a ranked list of 24 language learning methods they've personally tried. From apps like Duolingo to immersive experiences in foreign countries, the video evaluates each method based on cost, ease of use, and effectiveness. The creator provides insightful advice on what works best for language learners, emphasizing the importance of finding the right combination of tools and strategies. The video concludes with practical tips for beginners and a focus on the most effective, affordable approaches to fluency.

Takeaways

• 😀 Duolingo is a popular language app that is easy to use, but it may not help you reach fluency beyond an intermediate level (B2).
• 😀 Netflix is a great tool for exposure to new vocabulary but can be challenging for beginners and lacks grammar or speaking practice.
• 😀 In-country language immersion is highly effective but expensive and difficult to set up for most people.
• 😀 Listening to music is a free and easy method for learning vocabulary, but it doesn't help with grammar or speaking practice.
• 😀 Language learning while sleeping (listening to Spanish in your sleep) is ineffective and potentially harmful to your sleep and health.
• 😀 Online language lessons with apps like Italki can be effective but can be costly, and ease depends on finding the right teacher.
• 😀 Language exchange partners are free but can be difficult to find and might not provide quality teaching.
• 😀 Schools offer a solid start for language learning, but they focus on academic registers and lack real-world fluency.
• 😀 Language exams like the DELE can guide your learning and prepare you for fluency, but they require investment in materials and teachers.
• 😀 Language podcasts are cost-effective and accessible for all levels, but they don't offer speaking or writing practice.
• 😀 ChatGPT and AI tools are highly effective for language learning, especially in writing and reading, but have some limitations in speaking and ease of use.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on sharing and ranking 24 different language learning methods that the speaker personally tried, with the goal of helping viewers find effective, affordable, and easy methods for language learning in 2024.

How does Duolingo rank in terms of effectiveness for language learning?

Duolingo is rated 2.5 for effectiveness because it helps learners reach an intermediate level (B2), but it doesn't provide enough exposure to phrases and grammar to reach fluency (C1 or C2).

Why does Netflix get a low effectiveness rating despite its large vocabulary exposure?

Netflix gets a 3 for effectiveness because, while it exposes learners to a large number of phrases and vocabulary, it is not very beginner-friendly. Also, it doesn't provide much grammar or speaking practice, making it less effective for language learning.

What are the main drawbacks of in-country language immersion?

The main drawbacks of in-country immersion are its high cost (due to flights, living arrangements, and other logistics) and the difficulty of organizing visas and living arrangements, making it less accessible for many people.

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

Music for language learning is rated 2 for effectiveness because it lacks visual elements and can be too challenging for beginners due to poetic lyrics. It also doesn't explicitly teach grammar or writing.

How effective are language learning apps like Italki or Lingoda?

Apps like Italki and Lingoda are rated 4 for effectiveness as they connect learners with real language teachers. Consistency is key, and they can be very effective for progressing to fluency, though they can be costly.

Why are language exchange partners considered less effective than language teachers?

Language exchange partners are less effective because they are not professional teachers and might not teach properly. Additionally, much of the time spent on exchanges involves teaching the other person your language, which can slow down progress.

What are the benefits of using language exams, like the DELE, for language learning?

Language exams like DELE can be effective for structured learning, providing a clear curriculum to follow. By preparing for exams, learners can systematically improve their language skills up to a high level, such as C2.

How does using YouTube for language learning compare to other methods?

YouTube is a powerful tool for language learning, offering a wide range of vocabulary, grammar, and tips. However, it requires more effort from learners to find suitable channels and videos, making it less easy to use compared to other methods.

What are the advantages of using AI tools, like ChatGPT, for language learning?

AI tools like ChatGPT can be highly effective for language learning, allowing learners to practice writing, reading, listening, and speaking at various levels. However, AI can still be a bit complex for some learners and might need some learning to use effectively.