How 5 Polyglots Broke Language Learning

Summary

Discover the secrets of fast language learning from five legendary polyglots. From Jeppe Casper Meson’s genius use of the Lord's Prayer to Tim Ferris’s 12 golden sentences, each expert offers unique techniques to master languages quickly. Learn how Kato Lom’s math-like formula, Kenneth Hail’s listening and silent period, and Pow Janulus’s rhythmic chanting can enhance your skills. Steve Kaufman’s vagabonding method takes a relaxed, exposure-based approach to learning. These polyglots reveal that language learning is more about immersion, practice, and passion than rote memorization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Legendary polyglot Jeppe Casper Mes Ganti mastered at least 30 languages using a unique technique: listening to the Lord's Prayer in a new language to decode its structure.
• 😀 Tim Ferriss's 12 Golden Sentences technique, inspired by Mes Ganti, uses 12 basic sentences to rapidly learn the core structures of any new language.
• 😀 Kato Lom's formula for learning languages is based on a simple equation: Invested time x Motivation ÷ Inhibition = Results. She also emphasizes daily practice for just 10 minutes a day.
• 😀 Kato Lom's three key methods for language learning are Auto Lexia (reading for oneself), Auto Graphia (writing for oneself), and AIA (speaking to oneself).
• 😀 Motivation plays a crucial role in language learning according to Kato Lom, who suggests aligning your learning goals with your personal interests to stay motivated.
• 😀 Kenneth Hale's method for quick language acquisition focuses on 'comprehensible input'—listening to native speakers until you're ready to speak, and then speaking only when ready.
• 😀 The 'silent period' in language learning, as advocated by Kenneth Hale, allows learners to absorb and internalize a language before actively speaking it.
• 😀 Pow Janulus's technique for language learning involves 'intoning,' which means assigning rhythmic patterns to new words to help remember them more easily, similar to how we remember song lyrics.
• 😀 Pow Janulus also uses 'encharting'—creating visual sentence charts to mix and match words and form many different sentences from a small vocabulary.
• 😀 Steve Kaufman’s approach, the 'Vagabond Technique,' involves passively encountering language in multiple contexts to absorb it naturally, without relying on rote memorization.

Q & A

What is the main trick used by Jeppe Casper Mesganti to learn multiple languages quickly?

Jeppe Casper Mesganti learned languages by listening to the Lord's Prayer in various languages. By recognizing the familiar structure of the prayer, he could quickly decode the language’s rules and structures.

How did Kato Lomb approach language learning, and what was her key formula?

Kato Lomb used a formula that combined invested time, motivation, and reduced inhibition. She emphasized studying a language for at least 10 minutes a day, using methods like reading, writing, and speaking to oneself to build fluency.

What is the concept of the 'silent period' in language learning, and who popularized it?

The 'silent period' refers to a phase where learners focus on listening and absorbing the language before they begin speaking. This concept was popularized by Kenneth Hale, who advocated for spending time listening to native speakers before attempting to speak.

What does the Comprehensible Input Hypothesis suggest about language learning?

The Comprehensible Input Hypothesis, proposed by Stephen Krashen, suggests that language learners acquire a language best when they are exposed to input that is slightly above their current proficiency level. This allows them to understand the language without feeling overwhelmed.

How did Pow Janulus incorporate music into his language learning process?

Pow Janulus used a technique called 'intoning,' where he would assign rhythms to words and repeat them like chanting. This method helped him memorize vocabulary more easily by associating words with rhythmic patterns, similar to how songs are easily remembered.

What is the 'encharting' technique used by Pow Janulus, and how does it aid language learning?

Encharting involves creating sentence-building charts with a small set of core words. By mixing and matching these words, learners can create multiple sentence combinations, which helps reinforce vocabulary and grammar structures efficiently.

What is Steve Kaufman’s approach to language learning, and why is it called the 'Vagabond Technique'?

Steve Kaufman’s 'Vagabond Technique' involves exploring a language in a natural and immersive way. Instead of memorizing words repetitively, Kaufman exposes himself to a language through various contexts, letting his brain absorb the words and grammar through repeated encounters.

What are the main advantages of using intoning and enchating for language retention?

Intoning and enchating help with language retention by using rhythm and repetition. Intoning aids memorization by associating vocabulary with rhythmic patterns, while enchating allows learners to create numerous sentence combinations from a small set of words, reinforcing grammar and structure.

Why is motivation considered a crucial element in Kato Lomb’s language learning formula?

Motivation is key in Kato Lomb’s formula because it helps learners stay focused and persistent, especially during challenging moments. By reflecting on why they want to learn a language and how it can benefit them, learners can maintain their drive and overcome difficulties.

How can a 'silly hat' help in learning a new language, according to Pow Janulus?

Pow Janulus suggests wearing a 'silly hat' as a way to reduce inhibition and make language learners feel more relaxed and carefree. This playful approach encourages learners to embrace mistakes, which is essential for language acquisition.