How I’m Finally Learning a Second Language (Anti-Study Method)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their journey of learning Spanish after years of struggling with traditional methods. After a trip to Mexico, they adopted the 'anti-study method,' which involves playing video games and watching YouTube content in Spanish. By immersing themselves in comprehensible input, a method backed by language expert Stephen Krashen, they’ve made more progress in one month than in six months of previous efforts. Through enjoying content like Stardew Valley in Spanish, they've found a fun, sustainable way to learn, highlighting that consistency and enjoyment are key to mastering a new language.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker struggled with learning Spanish for years using traditional methods like flashcards, grammar lessons, and conversation practice, which led to frustration.
• 😀 After a trip to Mexico, the speaker decided to try learning Spanish again but with a different approach that focused on immersion rather than traditional studying.
• 😀 The 'anti-study method' focuses on enjoying the process through activities like watching YouTube videos and playing video games in Spanish instead of memorizing grammar or vocab.
• 😀 The Dreaming Spanish YouTube channel introduced the concept of 'comprehensible input,' where language learners acquire skills by watching content they can mostly understand, even without knowing every word.
• 😀 'Comprehensible input' suggests that understanding content through context, visuals, and gestures is enough for language learning, and it works for both children and adults.
• 😀 The speaker made more progress in 30 days using comprehensible input than they did in 6 months with their previous methods, experiencing tangible improvements in comprehension.
• 😀 The Dreaming Spanish method involves tracking progress through a roadmap with levels based on hours of input, with each level helping learners understand more by exposing them to the language.
• 😀 The speaker is currently at 18 hours of input and aims for 50 hours to reach the next fluency level, noticing significant improvement in understanding Spanish in context.
• 😀 Playing familiar video games in Spanish, like Stardew Valley, allowed the speaker to engage with the language consistently and decode dialogue based on prior knowledge, enhancing learning.
• 😀 Enjoying the learning process is key to consistency and long-term success, as stated in the book *Atomic Habits*—when a habit is enjoyable, you're more likely to stick with it.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that language learning doesn’t need to be complex or forced—it’s about choosing enjoyable activities and getting consistent input to foster natural learning.

Q & A

Why did the speaker struggle with learning Spanish in the past?

The speaker struggled with learning Spanish in the past because they relied on ineffective study methods, such as using chat for conversation practice, watching Spanish YouTube videos for grammar, and using flashcards to memorize vocabulary. Despite consistent effort for six months, they were unable to understand or have a basic conversation in Spanish.

What was the turning point that motivated the speaker to try learning Spanish again?

The turning point was when the speaker took a trip to Mexico in November and fell in love with the country and its culture. This reignited their desire to learn the language, prompting them to try a different approach.

What is the 'anti-study method' the speaker is using to learn Spanish?

The 'anti-study method' involves not drilling grammar, memorizing vocabulary, or doing traditional exercises. Instead, the speaker focuses on two activities: playing video games in Spanish and watching YouTube videos in Spanish.

How did the Dreaming Spanish YouTube channel impact the speaker's learning approach?

The Dreaming Spanish YouTube channel introduced the concept of comprehensible input, which convinced the speaker to change their approach to language learning. This method emphasizes understanding content through context, visuals, and gestures, without needing to memorize grammar or vocabulary initially.

What is 'comprehensible input' and how does it help with language learning?

Comprehensible input is a theory that suggests language learners understand best when exposed to content that is understandable enough to follow, even if they don't know every word or grammar rule. This helps the brain make subconscious connections and learn the language more naturally through exposure.

How does comprehensible input work for adults who are learning a language?

Comprehensible input remains effective for adults, as research shows that adults retain the ability to acquire language through this method, just like children. The key is to engage with content that is understandable through context and repetition.

How much progress has the speaker made using the 'anti-study method'?

In just 30 days of using the 'anti-study method', the speaker has made more progress than they did in six months using traditional study techniques. Their comprehension skills have improved, and they can understand more of what they hear in Spanish.

What role do video games play in the speaker's language learning process?

Playing video games in Spanish has been a key part of the speaker's learning strategy. By playing a game they are already familiar with, Stardew Valley, the speaker can use their pre-existing knowledge of the game's story and dialogue to understand the Spanish version, enhancing their language skills through context and enjoyment.

Why does the speaker choose to play Stardew Valley in Spanish?

The speaker chooses to play Stardew Valley in Spanish because they are already familiar with the game's story and dialogue. This familiarity allows them to understand the Spanish dialogue more easily by connecting it to what they already know, using context to decode unfamiliar vocabulary.

How does the speaker maintain consistency in learning Spanish?

The speaker maintains consistency by integrating language learning into their daily activities, such as playing video games in Spanish. The enjoyment of gaming makes it easier for them to stay motivated and consistent in their language learning routine.