How I Learn To Speak Foreign Languages Without Talking To People | Polyglot Language Learning Tips

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares insights into their unique approach to language learning, focusing on developing speaking skills without regular interaction with native speakers. They emphasize the importance of independence in learning, the value of self-practice through repetition and manipulation of sentences, and the power of 'thinking out loud' in the target language. The speaker also highlights the significance of expressing emotions and opinions to prepare for authentic conversations, ultimately building a strong foundation for speaking proficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker loves coffee and has made a perfect cup, setting a positive tone for the video.
• 🗣 The speaker acknowledges not practicing speaking with native speakers or using online tutors, which is contrary to common advice.
• 🤔 The speaker explains that they develop speaking skills independently, which raises the question of how they achieve fluency without regular conversation practice.
• 📚 The speaker believes in self-learning to a basic level of fluency before engaging with native speakers organically.
• 🌐 The speaker's approach to language learning involves a lot of independent practice and repetition of phrases out loud from day one.
• 🔄 The speaker emphasizes the importance of manipulating example sentences early in the learning process to create new sentences.
• 🎯 The speaker uses substitution exercises to become comfortable with expressing a variety of thoughts with a limited vocabulary.
• 🤓 The speaker practices 'thinking out loud' in the target language, comparing it to internal monologue to normalize the idea.
• 🎭 The speaker suggests engaging with emotional and opinionated content, such as favorite books or movies, to simulate authentic conversations.
• 📝 The speaker recommends writing down unknown words or expressions encountered during self-practice and actively learning them.
• 💪 The speaker concludes that this method of independent practice leads to a strong foundation in speaking, making one ready for real-life interactions when opportunities arise.

Q & A

What does the speaker usually do when learning a new language?

The speaker typically doesn't engage in speaking with native speakers or use online tutors or language exchange partners. Instead, they develop their speaking skills independently.

Why does the speaker avoid actively seeking native speakers to practice speaking?

The speaker feels that native speakers are often in a foreign country to learn a new language, and they prefer to help them with their language goals rather than practice their own.

What was the speaker's experience with Japanese exchange students at the university?

The speaker observed that many students aggressively sought out Japanese exchange students to practice speaking Japanese, but most of them were not even able to have a proper conversation in Japanese.

How does the speaker develop basic fluency in a language?

The speaker develops basic fluency by practicing independently, focusing on being able to express ideas freely, even with mistakes, and finding ways to communicate when stuck.

What is the speaker's approach to learning and practicing language skills?

The speaker practices by repeating and manipulating example sentences, engaging in substitution exercises, and thinking out loud in the language they are learning.

How does the speaker use dialogues in textbooks or apps for practice?

The speaker goes through the dialogues, repeating them and then changing the characters' lines to manipulate the story and practice producing their own sentences.

What is the speaker's method for dealing with words or expressions they don't know while practicing?

The speaker writes down unknown words or expressions and makes it their mission to find out how to say them naturally, then incorporates them into future practice.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of emotion and opinion in practicing speaking skills?

The speaker believes that engaging with emotional and opinionated content helps mimic real conversations and allows for deeper practice, as it encourages the expression of thoughts and feelings.

How does the speaker use their favorite book, movie, or TV show to practice speaking?

The speaker watches parts of their favorite content and thinks about their opinions and feelings regarding the story, then practices retelling the story or discussing it from different perspectives.

What benefits does the speaker find in practicing speaking skills alone?

The speaker finds that practicing alone is liberating, safe for making mistakes, and allows for genuine and authentic interaction preparation without the need for a tutor or exchange partner.

What is the speaker's advice for those who feel uncomfortable talking to themselves in a new language?

The speaker suggests starting by thinking out loud in one's native language and then gradually transitioning to the new language to get comfortable with the idea.