Learning Two Languages at Once

Summary

Steve Kaufmann discusses his experience learning two languages, Arabic and Persian, simultaneously. He shares insights from his 90-Day Challenge, emphasizing that while it's not advisable for beginners, advanced learners can benefit from learning two languages at once. Kaufmann highlights the importance of balancing effort, enjoying the process, and experimenting with different methods to stay motivated. He suggests using varied materials, such as podcasts, TV shows, and conversations with tutors, to keep the learning process engaging and effective.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning two languages at the same time is not recommended for beginners due to the steep initial learning curve.
• 😀 Language learning follows an 'upside down hockey stick' pattern, with rapid early progress followed by a long, slower phase.
• 😀 In the early stages, learners experience a sharp climb in understanding and vocabulary acquisition, which eventually plateaus.
• 😀 The decline in word frequency over time makes it harder to retain vocabulary and can lead to frustration in the long term.
• 😀 Once past the initial steep learning phase, it is possible to learn two languages at the same time, particularly in the long, steady road phase.
• 😀 Dividing focus between two languages may slow progress, but results in being proficient in two languages instead of one.
• 😀 Alternating between languages helps prevent burnout and refreshes motivation during the more challenging stages of learning.
• 😀 Engaging with enjoyable content, like TV shows or music, is key to making language learning less about obligation and more about fun.
• 😀 Regular conversation practice with tutors twice a week helps keep learners committed and improves language skills over time.
• 😀 Patience is important in language learning—don't rush the process, and trust that improvement will come eventually.

Q & A

Why does Steve Kaufmann recommend not learning two languages at the same time for beginners?

Steve Kaufmann suggests that beginners should focus on just one language initially because language learning has a steep start, and the early phase requires intense focus and immersion to make rapid progress. Trying to learn two languages simultaneously during this phase could hinder success.

What does Steve mean by 'language learning is like an upside down hockey stick'?

Steve compares language learning to an upside-down hockey stick to illustrate the steep initial progress followed by a prolonged phase where progress feels slower and less noticeable, even though learning continues.

How does Steve deal with the 'doldrums' in language learning?

Steve refers to the 'doldrums' as a period in language learning where progress feels slow and discouraging. He suggests switching between languages for variety and to reignite motivation, along with focusing on enjoyable content to keep learning engaging.

What role does variety play in Steve's language learning strategy?

Variety is crucial for Steve as it helps maintain interest and motivation. He mixes different kinds of material, such as TV shows, podcasts, and songs, in both Arabic and Persian, which keeps the process enjoyable and helps in retention.

Why does Steve value having a tutor during his language learning process?

Steve believes that having a tutor is essential at his current stage because it ensures regular interaction, holds him accountable, and provides structured conversations that help improve his fluency in both Arabic and Persian.

How does Steve balance learning multiple languages at the same time?

Steve has adopted a balanced approach by committing to a regular schedule of studying both Arabic and Persian simultaneously. He sets aside specific times for each language and sometimes shifts focus between them to avoid burnout.

What is the main challenge Steve faces when learning two languages at the same time?

The primary challenge is the slower rate of progress in each individual language, as his attention is divided. Additionally, the risk of confusion between the languages or not retaining enough vocabulary is something he has to manage.

How does Steve stay motivated during the 'long shaft' phase of language learning?

Steve stays motivated by focusing on activities he enjoys, such as watching series in his target languages and listening to music. He also reminds himself that improvement will come over time, and he doesn't pressure himself for rapid progress.

What is Steve's advice on experimenting with language learning methods?

Steve encourages learners to experiment with different language learning strategies to find what works best for them. Some may prefer focusing on one language, while others might enjoy learning multiple languages simultaneously.

Why is Steve's language learning strategy more suitable for intermediate learners rather than beginners?

Steve's approach is better suited for intermediate learners because, at this stage, they can handle more complexity and multitask between languages. Beginners, on the other hand, require focused attention on one language to build a solid foundation before moving on to others.