I did Duolingo for 2000 days. Can I speak Spanish?

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on their 2,000-day journey learning Spanish through Duolingo. They share how they reached conversational fluency, though not advanced, and the satisfaction of communicating in Spanish. The video emphasizes that language learning is a gradual, ongoing process, not a race. Consistency, even with small daily efforts, is key to progress. The creator likens language learning to nurturing a garden, where steady growth leads to success. They also draw a parallel to their YouTube journey, where consistent effort over time has contributed to their growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistent practice is key: Language learning, like YouTube growth, thrives on consistency rather than immediate results.
• 😀 Fluency is a spectrum: Reaching conversational fluency doesn't mean perfection, but being able to communicate effectively in a language.
• 😀 2,000 days of Duolingo helped reach conversational fluency: The speaker feels they've gained enough skill to engage in conversations in Spanish.
• 😀 Progress is gradual: While mistakes are made, the journey of language learning is ongoing, and improvement comes with time.
• 😀 Language learning doesn't need to be a race: It's okay to go at your own pace, and the focus should be on consistent, steady progress.
• 😀 The CEFR framework is useful: It provides clear benchmarks of language proficiency (A1 to C2), showing progress and room for growth.
• 😀 Small daily efforts add up: Even limited practice time, when done regularly, leads to significant long-term improvement.
• 😀 Duolingo is a tool, not the only solution: While not the fastest or most efficient, Duolingo offers a manageable, easy way to practice and make progress.
• 😀 Fluency testing is an idea: The speaker plans to take a language proficiency test once they complete the Duolingo B2 course to assess their progress.
• 😀 Don't compare your journey to others: Everyone's pace is different, and as long as you're showing up, you're making progress in language learning.
• 😀 Learning a language is like tending a garden: The process may take time, but the effort leads to rewarding results, with joy found in both growth and harvest.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video script?

The video focuses on the speaker's personal journey of learning Spanish over a period of 2,000 days using Duolingo. It highlights the process of achieving conversational fluency and the value of consistent, small efforts in language learning.

How does the speaker define fluency in Spanish?

The speaker defines fluency as the ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, with minimal use of English. They acknowledge making mistakes but emphasize that fluency, for them, means understanding and being understood in their chosen foreign language.

What role did Duolingo play in the speaker's language learning journey?

Duolingo played a crucial role in the speaker's Spanish learning journey, providing a consistent and accessible tool for daily practice. Despite acknowledging that Duolingo might not be the fastest or most efficient way to learn, the speaker found it beneficial for steady progress over time.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the pace of language learning?

The speaker emphasizes that language learning is not a race. They stress the importance of consistency and patience, stating that even small, incremental efforts over time can lead to significant progress.

How does the speaker relate their language learning journey to their YouTube career?

The speaker compares their language learning experience to their YouTube journey, highlighting the importance of consistency in both. Just as they have uploaded a video every week for over 10 years without a viral boost, they have steadily progressed in Spanish by showing up regularly and putting in the work.

What does the speaker mean by 'fluency is a spectrum'?

The speaker explains that fluency exists on a spectrum, with various levels like A1, A2, B1, and B2 in the CEFR framework. While they may not be at the highest levels of fluency (C1 or C2), they value their ability to have conversations and understand others in Spanish at their current level.

What is the speaker's current plan regarding testing their Spanish proficiency?

The speaker plans to take an official test to assess their Spanish level after completing the Duolingo B2 section. They are curious to see where their weak spots lie and how they will perform, especially given their unconventional method of learning.

Why does the speaker mention the difficulty of speaking during a massage?

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about receiving a massage and not being able to talk comfortably during the neck portion. They mention this as an example of how their Spanish skills enabled them to communicate effectively with a Spanish speaker in a real-world situation, which made them feel accomplished.

What does the speaker mean by being a 'gate opener' rather than a 'gatekeeper' in language learning?

The speaker positions themselves as a 'gate opener,' meaning they encourage others to pursue language learning at their own pace without judgment. They are not focused on gatekeeping or imposing strict standards but rather on making language learning accessible to everyone, regardless of their current level.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe the language learning process, and what does it mean?

The speaker compares language learning to planting and tending to a garden. This metaphor suggests that, just like nurturing a garden over time, language learning requires patience and consistent effort. The rewards come from showing up and putting in the work, even if progress is slow at times.