How to Learn a Language: INPUT (Why most methods don't work)

Summary

This video script delves into effective language learning strategies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensible input and context for acquisition. It challenges the traditional reliance on flashcards and dictionaries, advocating for maximizing exposure to the language through media and books without constant lookups. The script introduces the concept of 'focused' and 'diffuse' thinking modes, suggesting that subconscious pattern recognition plays a crucial role in language acquisition. It also touches on the benefits of shadowing for pronunciation and phoneme perception, offering a fresh perspective on mastering a new language.

Takeaways

• 😀 Language acquisition is a natural, intuitive process that occurs subconsciously, as described by Stephen Krashen.
• 📚 Learning a language effectively involves understanding messages, or comprehensible input, rather than rote memorization.
• 🔍 The difference between acquisition and learning is like getting a joke versus understanding why it's funny; acquisition is subconscious.
• 🎓 Krashen's hypotheses suggest that language ability improvement is dependent on acquisition, not learning.
• 📺 Watching television series without subtitles in the target language can provide a large amount of comprehensible input for language acquisition.
• 🚫 Looking up every word while reading can slow down language acquisition, as it limits the brain's exposure to new words and phrases in context.
• 🧠 Our brains have two thinking modes: focused and diffuse. The latter allows subconscious pattern recognition, aiding in language learning.
• 📚 Reading books without constantly referring to a dictionary can help in subconsciously absorbing language patterns and vocabulary.
• 🗣️ Talking out loud is not the same as practicing language acquisition; understanding language is key, even without speaking.
• 🎧 The technique of shadowing, or mimicking native speaker pronunciation and intonation, can improve pronunciation and phoneme recognition.
• 📈 Studies show that shadowing significantly improves phoneme perception, which is crucial for understanding natural speech.
• 🌟 The script emphasizes the importance of context, input, and positive learning experiences in language acquisition.

Q & A

What is the first language the speaker learned as a toddler?

The speaker's first language was English, which they learned when they were about 2 years old.

How did the speaker's mother help them learn English vocabulary?

The speaker's mother helped by making flashcards so they could memorize vocabulary and spent hours helping them get different verb tenses right.

What significant achievement did the speaker accomplish in Japan?

The speaker took and passed the highest level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test about two years after arriving in Japan.

What is the concept of 'comprehensible input' as discussed by the speaker?

Comprehensible input is a concept where language acquisition occurs when learners understand messages or what they read, which helps in subconsciously picking out vocabulary and grammar patterns.

According to Stephen Krashen, what is the key to language acquisition?

Stephen Krashen posits that the key to language acquisition is receiving messages that are comprehensible to the learner.

What is the difference between 'acquisition' and 'learning' in Krashen's hypotheses?

In Krashen's hypotheses, 'acquisition' is a natural, intuitive, and subconscious process, whereas 'learning' is a more conscious understanding of the language, such as knowing the definition of a word.

Why is watching television series without English subtitles beneficial for language learning?

Watching television series without English subtitles exposes learners to a large amount of words, phrases, and grammar in a short time, allowing the brain to subconsciously pick up patterns and meanings.

What are the two modes of thinking explained by Professor Barbara Oakley?

The two modes of thinking explained by Professor Barbara Oakley are the focused mode, where one is actively trying to figure something out, and the diffuse mode, which operates in the background and helps make connections at a subconscious level.

How does the speaker suggest using a dictionary while reading a foreign language book?

The speaker suggests not looking up every word while reading, as it can slow down the process and prevent the subconscious acquisition of language patterns and meanings.

What is the 'Aha!' moment in language learning, and how does it relate to the speaker's experience?

The 'Aha!' moment in language learning is when a learner suddenly understands or acquires a new word or concept, similar to getting a joke. The speaker experienced this when they learned the casual verb 'kuu' and connected it to 'kuttaro'.

What is the technique called 'Shadowing' and how does it help in language learning?

Shadowing is a technique where learners listen to a native speaker and mimic their pronunciation and intonation. It helps improve pronunciation and the ability to recognize phonemes in natural speech.

What does the speaker suggest about the necessity of speaking out loud for language acquisition?

The speaker suggests that speaking out loud is not technically necessary for language acquisition, as demonstrated by the case of a boy who could understand spoken English but couldn't speak due to a medical condition.

What is the importance of positive learning experiences according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that ensuring the experience of learning is positive can enhance the language learning process, although the script does not provide specific details on how this is achieved.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Language Acquisition Through Context and Comprehensible Input

The first paragraph introduces the concept of language learning, highlighting the speaker's personal journey from learning English as a toddler to achieving the highest level in Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensible input in language acquisition, as proposed by Stephen Krashen, and demonstrates how understanding messages in context can lead to natural language learning without the need for explicit teaching. The speaker challenges the reliance on flashcards and spaced-repetition systems, suggesting that they may not be the most efficient for achieving fluency and instead advocates for learning through context and exposure to the language.

05:02

📺 Maximizing Language Input and the Role of Television

The second paragraph delves into the effectiveness of consuming media, such as television shows, as a means of language learning. It discusses the limitations of using dictionaries and the importance of not looking up every word while reading, which can impede the learning process. The speaker introduces the concepts of focused and diffuse modes of thinking, explaining how exposure to language through shows can lead to subconscious learning and pattern recognition. The paragraph also touches on the 'Aha!' moments that occur when learning clicks, and the benefits of watching content in the target language with English subtitles for better acquisition.

10:05

🗣️ The Myth of Speaking Practice and the Benefits of Shadowing

The third paragraph challenges the common belief that speaking a language is the key to learning it, citing Krashen's theory that acquisition is not dependent on speaking practice. It introduces the case of a boy who could understand but not speak English, emphasizing that language comprehension is possible without verbal expression. The speaker then discusses the technique of shadowing, which involves mimicking native speaker's pronunciation and intonation, as a method for improving both pronunciation and phoneme perception. The paragraph concludes by advocating for a balanced approach to language learning that includes context learning, input maximization, and natural speech practice.

Keywords

💡Language Acquisition

Language acquisition refers to the process of learning a language naturally, typically in childhood, without explicit instruction. In the video, it's contrasted with 'learning' to illustrate the subconscious and intuitive nature of truly internalizing a language. The script mentions Stephen Krashen's theories on this concept, emphasizing the importance of comprehensible input for effective language acquisition.

💡Comprehensible Input

Comprehensible Input is a term from Stephen Krashen's theories, which states that language acquisition occurs when learners understand the messages they receive in a language. The video demonstrates this concept by showing that simply hearing words without context provides little to no language learning, whereas providing context, such as images or prior knowledge, aids in understanding and thus in language acquisition.

💡Flashcards

Flashcards are a learning tool often used to memorize vocabulary or concepts. In the script, the speaker recalls using flashcards to learn English vocabulary as a child. While flashcards can be a useful tool, the video questions their efficiency for embedding language deeply into the brain for spontaneous use.

💡Spaced Repetition

Spaced Repetition is a learning technique where material is reviewed at increasing intervals over time, which is said to enhance memorization. The video mentions Anki, a digital flashcard program that uses spaced repetition, questioning if this method is the most efficient for language learning as opposed to more immersive techniques.

💡Context

Context refers to the circumstances or setting in which something occurs. In language learning, understanding context is crucial for language acquisition. The video script uses the example of 'Ringo o taberu' to show how context can help in deducing the meaning of words without prior knowledge.

💡Grammar Patterns

Grammar patterns are the structural rules that govern how words are combined in a language. The script suggests that our brains can naturally pick out these patterns from the context of comprehensible input, allowing for subconscious learning of grammar without explicit instruction.

💡Input

In language learning, 'input' refers to the language material that learners are exposed to. The video emphasizes the importance of maximizing input by consuming a lot of content in the target language, such as through watching TV shows, which can provide more exposure to language structures and vocabulary than looking up every word in a book.

💡Shadowing

Shadowing is a language learning technique where learners mimic native speakers' pronunciation and intonation by listening to audio and repeating it immediately after. The script explains that shadowing can improve pronunciation and the ability to recognize phonemes in natural speech, which is crucial for understanding connected speech.

💡Phoneme Perception

Phoneme Perception is the ability to hear and distinguish the smallest units of sound in a language. The video cites a study showing that shadowing can significantly improve phoneme perception, which is important for understanding natural speech where words and sounds often blend together.

💡Accent

An accent refers to the particular way a language or a syllable is pronounced by an individual or a community. The script mentions that shadowing is considered an advanced technique for mastering intonation and polishing one's accent in a foreign language.

💡Positive Experience

A positive experience in language learning refers to making the process enjoyable and engaging. The video suggests that ensuring the learning experience is positive can be an important factor in language acquisition, although it does not elaborate further on how this is achieved.

Highlights

Learning a language efficiently involves understanding the context, which is crucial for natural acquisition.

The importance of spaced-repetition systems like Anki in language learning, but questioning if it's the most efficient method.

The concept of comprehensible input in language acquisition, as demonstrated by the speaker's Japanese examples.

Stephen Krashen's theories on language acquisition, emphasizing the difference between acquisition and learning.

The subconscious nature of language acquisition, akin to understanding a joke without conscious analysis.

The role of sufficient comprehensible input in language acquisition, illustrated with examples.

The inefficiency of constantly looking up words while reading in a foreign language, as it slows down the intake of language patterns.

The benefits of watching TV series without subtitles to increase exposure to the target language.

Barbara Oakley's explanation of focused and diffuse modes of thinking and their impact on language learning.

The idea that deliberate learning can trigger language acquisition, as demonstrated by understanding colloquialisms.

Research findings on the effectiveness of watching TV shows in the target language with English subtitles for learning.

Krashen's assertion that talking out loud is not practicing and does not necessarily improve language skills.

The case of a boy with congenital dysarthria who could understand but not speak, highlighting the separation of language comprehension and production.

The technique of shadowing for improving pronunciation and recognizing phonemes in natural speech.

A study from Japan showing the significant improvement in phoneme perception through shadowing.

The three key takeaways for language learning: focusing on context, maximizing input, and practicing listening and pronunciation.

An invitation for viewers to leave comments with questions and check the description for more information on language learning.

Transcripts

Language.

It’s a pretty cool thing, quite useful.

I can still remember back when I was a toddler, about 2 years old learning my first language,

English.

My Mom taught me how the order in English is subject verb object, and helped me make

flashcards so I could memorize vocabulary and helped me for hours and hours to get the

different verb tenses right.

Fast forward several years and In college I came over to Japan on a foreign exchange

program where I would learn another language.

About two years after arriving in the country, I took and passed the highest level of the

Japanese Language Proficiency Test.

To be fair, I did live in the country, but the concepts I’ll discuss in this video

will be effective even if you don’t have access to native speakers.

Lately there are all kinds of great resources and techniques on language learning.

In particular, spaced-repetition system-based virtual flashcard programs like Anki are popular

and very useful, but… is that really the most efficient way to sink language into our

brains so it can be used on the fly?

After all, how many parents have to give their child a deck of flashcards for review to help

their kids reach fluency in their mother tongue?

Of course I was kidding earlier and I learned English through magic like every other baby.

In this video I’d like to discuss four not too often discussed points that I think are

important when it comes to language learning.

Acquiring language efficiently through context Two is Maximizing input

Three is Practicing your listening and pronunciation at the same time

And four is Making sure the experience of learning is positive

First allow me to take a moment to demonstrate something, so just listen for now.

If you already speak Japanese, it might be harder to get my point, but hopefully you’ll

still see what I mean.

Timu o shoukai shiyou.

Timu wa neko janakute kaeru janakute hito da.

Hito no karada ha ironna bubun ga aru.

Tatoeba atama, mune, ude, ashi ga aru.

Ok, so Just listening to me, how much Japanese did you learn from this?

Maybe 0%.

What if I repeated it or spoke slower, would you learn more Japanese?

Most likely not.

Let’s try it one more time, but pay attention to the screen.

Timu o shoukai shiyou.

Timu wa neko janakute kaeru janakute hito da.

Hito no karada ha ironna bubun ga aru.

Tatoeba atama, mune, ude, ashi ga aru.

Mushi ja nai kara me wa mutsu toka janakute futatsu ga aru.

Ude mo futatsu, Ashi mo futatsu, Mimi mo futatsu ga aru.

How about now, maybe 10%, 20% or even just one word?

This is the simple difference between acquiring language and not.

What I’m trying to demonstrate is the concept of comprehensible input, as did second language

acquisition scholar Stephen Krashen did in this lecture of his.

"das ist meine Hand. fristenzidast hand(??)"

"In my opinion, we all acquire language the same way.

We acquire language in one way and one way only, when we understand messages, or when

we understand what we read.

We call this comprehensible input.

We've tried everything else, we've tried grammar teaching, drills and exercises, computers,

but the only thing that seems to count is getting messages you understand, comprehensible

input.

So anything that helps make input comprehensible - pictures, knowledge of the world, realia,

helps language acquisition."

In the 1970s and 80s Krashen put forward a group of hypotheses about language learning.

The first claim of his we’ll look at is that there is acquisition and learning and

Krashen says improvement in language ability is only dependent on acquisition and not learning.

The difference between acquisition and learning is tricky but it’s kind of like the difference

between getting a joke and having someone explain the precise reasons why that joke

should be funny.

For example, a horse walks into a bar and the bartender says...

"Hey, why the long face?"

Or a whale walks into a bar and the whale says “Woo...oooo...woooo”.

If you thought this was funny, you didn’t have to consciously work out why it was funny.

the processing was done on a subconscious level.

In Krashen’s book Principles and Practice in Second Language acquisition, he says “Acquisition

of language is a natural, intuitive, and subconscious process of which individuals need not be aware.”

Similarly, you can learn words by having someone tell you “The Japanese word for Persimmon

is kaki.”

On the other hand, what’s necessary for acquisition is sufficient comprehensible input.

Something like this: Ringo o taberu.

So, even though you might not know any of the words I just said, you could comprehend

the pictures I supplied, and based on that context, you could acquire the meaning of

Ringo and Taberu.

When I provide you with another example, Biiru o nomu, you may have deduced something about

Japanese grammar as well.

That’s right, the verb comes at the end.

The point is, you have this massive pattern recognition device jammed into your head and

when you understand the meaning of the message, your brain will naturally pick out vocabulary

and deconstruct grammar patterns based on the context - and this is not something you

actively and consciously perform.

Okaikei senroppyaku nanajyuu hachien ni narimasu.

Kane aru Kara! Kane Nee yo...

This leads me to one of the most helpful things - simply watching television series without

English subtitles with focused attention even though I couldn’t understand most of it.

"And today, I wanna talk about dictionaries.

You can look up the word 'get' in the dictionary and you get 8 or 9 different definitions...

and you can read that, close the dictionary and you won't remember much of what was there.

Before I went to Vietnam, I got this phrasebook and dictionary.

I came away able to use one word.

Kaman, which means thank you.

Nothing else stuck, zero.

This was essentially useless."

A bit later on, I tried my hand at plenty of books but refrained from looking up every

word.

This is a really simple but important concept, how many new words, phrases and grammar structures

can you feed your brain when you’re looking up every word as you read a book?

You’d take about half an hour to get through one page.

For the same amount of time, a television show can blast you with far more words, phrases

and grammar.

A book can too if you’re not so trigger happy with the dictionary.

And, it might not feel like it, but these bits of cloudy information can stick in your

head at the subconscious level just waiting for the right context to reveal their meaning.

Engineering Professor Barbara Oakley explains here that we have two modes of thinking - the

focused mode and the diffuse mode.

The focused mode is where you’re racking your brain trying to use your focused awareness

to figure something out, whether it be a math problem or what’s going on in a TV show

in a foreign language.

The diffuse mode works in the background where you’re relaxed and not straining on one

thing, it can see the big picture and make connections.

This is thought to be why people so often get ideas in the shower - you’re relaxed,

probably not focused on anything in particular, so your subconscious starts turning its pattern

recognition gears to give you insights your conscious mind couldn’t see.

You might not have any luck picking up many words or phrases while watching or reading

something, but when you go off and do something else, your brain relaxes into the much more

flexible diffuse mode and uses its powers of pattern recognition to piece out some meaning

from the heaps of language information you were just exposed to.

Now I’m not saying that the fastest way to become fluent in a language is to never

open a dictionary, but you’ll want to invest a majority of your time on inputting a bunch

of content into your head from media, books or just paying attention to people around

you.

Earlier we saw that according to Krashen, acquisition, but not learning can trigger

improvement in a language.

But, it seems deliberate “learning” can trigger language “acquisition” - for example

let’s say you had watched this before: "omae, ore no keeki kuttaro."

"iya" and you knew that "ore no keeki" just means

“my cake,” but for the life of you couldn’t figure out what kuttaro means.

You were guessing it means steal.

Then you learn from a textbook or dictionary that kuu is a very casual way to say eat!

Then it all clicks, you realize kutta would be the past tense of this verb and you figure

kuttaro must be the same as kutta darou.

Now you’ve acquired a new word and a new colloquialism and put all the pieces together

to fully understand what this guy was saying.

"Omae, ore no keeki kuttaro."

"iya."

This is the “Aha!” moment indicative of new language acquisition - similar to a joke,

it just happens at the subconscious level.

Another key to this is watching television without English subtitles.

A study from Barcelona looking at Spanish speakers trying to learn English found that

the worst way to learn was by putting Spanish subtitles on an English movie.

This resulted in 0% improvement in their English ability.

Watching with no subtitles provided a 7% improvement, but watching the show in English, with English

subtitles provided a 17% improvement.

Now You might be thinking how are you ever going to learn anything if you do all this

input without any any speaking practice?

This is where another part of Krashen’s theory comes in.

"And this may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you.

Certainly came as a surprise to me.

Talking is not practicing.

It means if you want to improve your spanish, it will not help you to speak Spanish outloud

in the car as you drive to work in the morning.

I used to think those things help, now I think they don't."

You don’t technically have to open your mouth to acquire the language.

This was demonstrated in 1962 when E. Lenneberg described the case of a boy who could not

speak due to congenital dysarthria.

When Lenneberg tested the boy, he found that the child was able to understand spoken English

perfectly.

With that said, ...you should open your mouth at some point.

Pronunciation is of course very important.

But pronunciation is… hard.

Some noises in the language you’ll notice you just can’t make because you never have

before.

"That's not tool bro.

That's n...

That's not tool bro."

This brings me to a technique called Shadowing: What you do is basically listen to some audio

of a native speaker talking and you just mimic their pronunciation and intonation.

Not every word though - depending on your level it could be two syllables at a time,

three at a time or two words at a time and so on.

Shadowing is generally thought of as an advanced technique you should use to master intonation

and polish up your accent.

But, even from Day 1 it can be a super efficient way for improving your pronunciation and at

the same time your ability to recognize phonemes in natural language.

That is to hear natural language.

And being able to hear natural language is important.

Because when people speak naturally, there are certain phrases where their speech gets

run together.

Like “What are you doing” becomes “W’t’ya’doin’”

Watch how in this scene, Abe Hiroshi turns tokoro ga kou yatte into "tocolocuerte" "tocolocuerte..."

A 2015 study from Japan looking at two groups of English learners found that indeed, shadowing

made a statistically significant improvement in phoneme perception for both groups.

Look in the description for some tips on shadowing so you can get more out of it without frustrating

yourself into hating the language.

So That’s it - Three things.

Focus on learning from context, Load up on the input and get plenty of content in the

target language and you can use the same audio source to practice listening to natural speech

and pronunciation.

I realize this leaves many questions regarding language learning and that this there’s

tons of useful techniques and approaches for learning a language that I haven’t addressed

here.

So please leave a comment if you have any questions and and check the description for

more information .