How to Actually Learn a Language as an Adult

Living Ironically in Europe
19 Jun 202421:26

Summary

TLDRIn this insightful video, the multilingual YouTuber addresses common misconceptions about language learning and offers practical advice for adult learners. They emphasize the importance of identifying personal motivation, acknowledging age-related challenges, and understanding the role of one's native language in the learning process. The speaker suggests various learning methods tailored to individual styles, recommends resources like StoryLearning for visual and auditory learners, and stresses the significance of consistency and embracing mistakes. They also discuss strategies for overcoming intermediate plateaus and the importance of consuming media in the target language to enhance comprehension skills.

Takeaways

  • 😀 Learning a new language, especially a Balkan one, requires understanding your motivation and acknowledging factors within and beyond your control.
  • 🧠 The myth of effortless language learning promoted by some polyglots is debunked; learning a language is a gradual and consistent process.
  • đŸ‘¶ Age is a factor in language acquisition, with younger learners having an advantage, but adults can still achieve fluency with effort.
  • 💡 Adult learners can enhance cognitive abilities and protect against brain degeneration by learning a new language, despite the challenges.
  • 🕒 Time management is crucial for adult learners with responsibilities; the time invested directly impacts learning progress.
  • 🌐 Language similarity to one's native tongue affects ease of learning; some language pairs are more closely related, making learning easier.
  • 🔍 Identifying one's learning style (visual, verbal, auditory, or tactile) is essential for tailoring study methods effectively.
  • 📚 Utilizing a variety of resources, such as textbooks, apps, and courses, can aid in expanding vocabulary and grammar understanding.
  • 🎧 Engaging with the language through listening exercises and repeating pronunciations is fundamental for language acquisition.
  • đŸ€ Interacting with native speakers and seeking corrections can significantly improve language skills and provide practical experience.
  • 🔄 Hitting a learning plateau is normal; changing study materials, consuming media in the target language, and adjusting strategies can help overcome it.

Q & A

  • What is the common misconception about language learning that the speaker addresses in the script?

    -The speaker addresses the misconception that one can quickly master any language with little effort by purchasing a 'secret language course,' which is often promoted by self-proclaimed polyglots. The speaker emphasizes that learning a language is a gradual process that requires genuine effort and motivation.

  • Why is it important to identify one's motivation for learning a language according to the script?

    -Identifying one's motivation is crucial because it helps maintain interest and perseverance throughout the learning process. Without proper motivation, learners may give up and revert to their monolingual habits, missing out on the cultural and cognitive benefits of being multilingual.

  • How does the speaker describe the impact of age on language learning capabilities?

    -The speaker explains that while language acquisition is generally easier at a younger age, adults can still achieve high levels of fluency. The speaker notes that adults' life experiences with their native language make it harder for them to adapt to a new language system, but they can still learn effectively with the right approach and motivation.

  • What is the significance of acknowledging one's native language when learning a new one?

    -Acknowledging one's native language is important because it influences the ease of learning a new language. Languages that are closely related to one's native language, sharing similar grammar and vocabulary, are typically easier to learn. Understanding this can help set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary frustration.

  • Why is it essential for adult learners to consider their time constraints when learning a new language?

    -Adult learners often have responsibilities such as jobs, family, and hobbies, which limit their free time. Considering these time constraints is essential for setting realistic goals and managing the learning process effectively, ensuring that the time invested leads to progress.

  • What role does the speaker suggest culture plays in motivating language learners?

    -The speaker suggests that falling in love with the culture associated with the language being learned can be a powerful motivator. Engaging with cultural aspects such as movies, books, history, and people can provide continuous motivation and make the learning process more enjoyable.

  • What is the speaker's opinion on using Duolingo for language learning?

    -The speaker advises against using Duolingo for language learning, as it has limited and recycled material and is designed to be grindy to encourage users to pay for a premium subscription. The speaker recommends using textbooks or alternative study methods for a more comprehensive learning experience.

  • How can learners identify their learning style according to the script?

    -The speaker suggests that learners can identify their learning style by understanding how they best receive and digest information. Common learning styles include visual, verbal, auditory, and tactile. Once identified, learners can tailor their study methods to suit their preferred style.

  • What is the significance of the 'learning by teaching' method mentioned in the script?

    -The 'learning by teaching' method is significant because it helps to combat the monotony of language learning by engaging the learner in an interactive and practical way. It also allows learners to solidify their understanding of the language by teaching it to others.

  • How does the speaker describe the intermediate plateau in language learning?

    -The intermediate plateau is described as a phase where progress seems to halt, and what was once easy becomes difficult. The speaker advises that this is a normal part of the learning process and suggests changing learning materials, consuming media in the target language, and practicing new vocabulary to overcome this plateau.

  • What resources does the speaker recommend for language learners?

    -The speaker recommends a variety of resources, including textbooks, audio textbooks, language learning podcasts, StoryLearning courses, and flashcard apps like Drops, 17 Minute Languages, and Anki. Additionally, the speaker suggests connecting with others through language-learning forums and apps like 'italki' and 'hellotalk'.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Motivation and Realities of Adult Language Learning

The speaker addresses the common inquiry about learning a new language, particularly from those with Balkan heritage. They debunk the myths propagated by 'hyper gigachad polyglots' who claim to teach multiple languages rapidly through expensive courses. Instead, the speaker shares personal insights into language learning, emphasizing the importance of identifying one's motivation, whether it's connecting with heritage or enjoying foreign media. They acknowledge the challenges of learning a language as an adult, such as the difficulty of reprogramming the brain compared to children, but also highlight scientific findings that adults can achieve fluency with perseverance. The speaker also discusses the impact of one's native language on the ease of learning a new one, noting that related languages are easier to acquire.

05:04

🔑 The Importance of Genuine Motivation and Learning Styles

This paragraph delves into the necessity of having a genuine reason for learning a language to maintain motivation. The speaker suggests immersing oneself in the culture of the target language through movies, books, and history to foster a love for the language. They also stress the importance of consistency and hard work over innate talent in language learning. The speaker introduces the concept of identifying one's learning style—visual, verbal, auditory, or tactile—and tailoring study methods accordingly. They recommend StoryLearning as a resource for visual and auditory learners, offering a sponsored testimonial of its effectiveness in teaching languages through stories, vocabulary, and simplified grammar explanations.

10:13

📚 Building a Progressive Language Learning Strategy

The speaker outlines the importance of finding a progressive learning source, such as textbooks or courses, to gradually introduce more complex language concepts. They share personal preferences for learning through textbooks, which often provide detailed explanations and dedicated vocabulary. The paragraph also emphasizes the use of supplementary aids like flashcards, language learning apps, and practicing verb conjugations to expand vocabulary and grammar knowledge. The speaker describes their own study routine, which includes textbook lessons, vocabulary practice, and grammar exercises, highlighting the need for consistency and repetition in language learning.

15:17

đŸ€ Seeking Help and Overcoming the Intermediate Plateau

The speaker encourages language learners to seek help through forums, apps, and tutors to practice speaking and get corrections. They caution against relying solely on Duolingo, critiquing its repetitive content and marketing strategies. The paragraph discusses the non-linear nature of language learning, where learners may hit a plateau despite progress. To overcome this, the speaker suggests changing learning materials, consuming media in the target language, and using tools like Netflix for listening and reading practice. They also recommend using flashcards for new vocabulary encountered during this phase.

20:21

🏁 Achieving Language Proficiency Through Consistency and Strategy

In the concluding paragraph, the speaker summarizes the journey of learning a language as an adult, emphasizing that it is challenging but achievable with proper motivation, work, and study time. They advise learners to use a variety of sources, switch strategies when hitting a plateau, and consume media in the target language. The speaker encourages reflection on the learning process, recognizing progress, and maintaining consistency. They invite viewers to share their language learning experiences and promote their channel for more such content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Multilingual

Multilingual refers to the ability to speak multiple languages. In the context of the video, the speaker is a multilingual YouTuber who has experience learning and speaking various languages, particularly Balkan languages. The term is central to the video's theme as it highlights the speaker's expertise and the focus on language learning strategies.

💡Language Acquisition

Language acquisition is the process of learning a new language. The video discusses the challenges and strategies associated with language acquisition, emphasizing that it is a skill that can be developed regardless of age. The script mentions that adults can achieve fluency despite the common belief that language learning is easier in childhood.

💡Motivation

Motivation is the driving force behind learning a new language. The video stresses the importance of having a genuine reason for learning a language, such as connecting with one's heritage or enjoying cultural content. Motivation is key to maintaining interest and persistence in the language learning process.

💡Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities refer to the mental capacities involved in learning, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. The script mentions that learning a new language can enhance cognitive abilities and potentially protect against brain degeneration, thus relating cognitive abilities to the benefits of language learning.

💡Language Families

Language families are groups of languages that share a common ancestral language. The video explains that learning a language from the same family as one's native language can be easier due to similarities in grammar and vocabulary. This concept is used to set realistic expectations for language learners based on their linguistic background.

💡Learning Styles

Learning styles refer to the different ways individuals process and retain information. The video suggests identifying one's learning style—visual, verbal, auditory, or tactile—to tailor study methods effectively. This concept is crucial for personalizing the language learning experience.

💡StoryLearning

StoryLearning is a method of language learning that uses stories to teach vocabulary and grammar. The speaker recommends StoryLearning for its effectiveness in teaching languages, especially for those who find grammar concepts challenging. It is presented as a useful tool for visual and auditory learners.

💡Flashcards

Flashcards are a study tool used to memorize information, often consisting of a question or term on one side and the answer or definition on the other. In the video, flashcards are mentioned as an effective method for visual learners to expand their vocabulary, with apps like Anki being recommended for this purpose.

💡Verb Conjugation

Verb conjugation is the alteration of a verb's form to indicate tense, mood, person, or number. The video discusses the importance of practicing verb conjugation for languages with complex systems, such as Hungarian. It provides a personal example of how the speaker uses visual aids to memorize these changes.

💡Language Learning Plateau

A language learning plateau refers to a period where progress in language learning seems to stall, despite continued effort. The video acknowledges this common experience and offers strategies to overcome it, such as changing study materials and consuming media in the target language.

💡Media Consumption

Media consumption in the context of language learning involves engaging with content in the target language, such as books, TV shows, and music. The video suggests this as a strategy to break through learning plateaus and improve listening and reading comprehension, recommending platforms like Netflix for this purpose.

Highlights

The importance of understanding why you want to learn a language and identifying your motivation for learning.

Dispelling myths about language learning and the unrealistic promises made by some language courses.

The impact of age on language acquisition and the misconception that adults cannot learn languages effectively.

The scientific evidence that adult learners can achieve the same level of fluency as child learners.

The benefits of learning a new language for cognitive abilities and brain health.

The reality of the language learning process being challenging and not quick or painless.

The influence of having adult responsibilities and limited free time on the pace of language learning.

The role of native language in language learning and how related languages can make the process easier.

The necessity of having a genuine reason for learning a language beyond external pressures.

Falling in love with the culture of the language being learned as a powerful motivator.

The significance of identifying your learning style and tailoring study methods to it.

Recommendation of StoryLearning as a resource for visual and auditory learners.

The need for a progressive learning source and the limitations of using Duolingo for language acquisition.

Strategies for overcoming the intermediate plateau in language learning, such as changing materials and consuming media in the target language.

The value of practicing language learning through teaching others and seeking help from language-learning communities.

Tips for utilizing technology, such as flashcards and apps like Anki, to enhance vocabulary retention.

The importance of consistency and practice in language learning, even when it feels monotonous.

Encouragement for adult language learners to stay motivated and recognize their progress despite challenges.

Transcripts

play00:00

So being a multilingual YouTuber, one of the most  common questions I’m asked is “how do you learn a  

play00:06

new language, more specifically a Balkan one”. And  often these questions come from people with Balkan  

play00:15

ancestry, like parents or grandparents, or just  people whose curiosity was piqued from watching my  

play00:21

channel. And considering there’s a lot of  misinformation on the internet about the language  

play00:25

learning process made by hyper gigachad polyglots  that speak 18 languages which they learned under  

play00:32

3 months, and so can you if you purchase their  secret language course conjured by the ancient  

play00:36

Babylonians that they happened to mysteriously  discover, with which you can master any language  

play00:37

in the world while you sleep with no effort at  all only for the low price of 600 robux a month.  

play00:42

I’ve decided to create a video on how I learned  & am still learning several different languages,  

play00:49

and how you can too with no price at all.  So without further adieu let’s begin.

play01:00

First of all, to maximize your learning potential,  you gotta have a talk with yourself and honestly  

play01:06

identify why you want to learn a language, what’s  your motivation behind it, and which factors are  

play01:13

in & out of your control. For some it might  be getting in touch with distant relatives,  

play01:18

for others getting an EU passport, and for some  others being able to enjoy those sick yugoslav  

play01:24

war songs without those pesky subtitles. Either  way, you need to identify why you’re learning  

play01:29

the language you’re learning, as without  proper motivation & reasoning eventually you  

play01:32

will give up & go back to your ways of a  monolingual life enjoying bland Hollywood  

play01:39

movies, & never experiencing the joy of  watching Naruto in a foreign language.

play01:50

Another thing you must acknowledge at  this step is a big elephant in the room:  

play01:54

your age. Everybody knows it: language  acquisition is easier the younger you are,  

play01:59

and watching young people seemingly learn  a language with no effort at all while it  

play02:00

takes you months to master the logic  behind a single case can be extremely  

play02:08

frustrating and demotivating. Now this  isn’t because as an adult you are dumber,  

play02:23

or more stubborn. Instead look at it more as  the amount of life experience you’ve had with  

play02:28

your native language as your primary tool of  world-building. The longer you’ve been alive,  

play02:33

the longer your brain will want to stubbornly  hold onto its already existing system, rather than  

play02:44

do a hard reset to wipe it all clean and start  rewiring your brain circuitry from scratch with  

play02:47

a program completely unfamiliar and foreign.  However, that’s not the end-all-be-all.

play02:52

The bad news is: yes, it’s easier when  you start younger. But there’s good news:  

play02:57

scientists at MIT have found adult learners  can still reach just as good of fluency as  

play03:02

those who learned a language as a child, and  learning a new language to even a low level  

play03:09

will enhance your cognitive abilities and can help  protect against brain degeneration later in life.

play03:22

Despite how it may seem when you’re trying  to teach your grandma to use an iphone,  

play03:27

the brain retains its learning capacity with  age, and is entirely capable of rewiring itself  

play03:34

and alternating its circuitry throughout your  life. However, anyone who says this process  

play03:39

is quick or painless is trying to get money  from you, either via selling you something  

play03:44

or harvesting your hard-earned clicks. So if  you’re embarking on this journey, be prepared  

play03:48

for it to have lots of bumps & obstacles  that you’ll need to overcome. But they’re  

play03:53

not impossible & with perseverance & proper  motivation you eventually will take them over.

play03:59

Second, being an adult usually means  you have icky adult responsibilities,  

play04:03

like having a job, hobbies, and paying god damn  taxes. Your free time is more limited than a  

play04:12

kid’s. Just keep in mind the time you devote to  learning will affect how quickly you progress.

play04:19

Finally, you can’t control your native language.  If you’re Dutch and you want to learn German,  

play04:28

congrats. Your languages share so much similar  grammar and vocabulary, and your cultures are  

play04:28

so close that this’ll be a walk through the park.  If you’re Estonian and you want to learn Japanese,  

play04:45

well, don’t expect such quick results. Languages  in the same language families will overall  

play04:57

be easier to learn rather than languages from  opposite families. So again, don’t beat yourself  

play05:03

up if you’re making less progress learning  Korean, if your native tongue is English,  

play05:08

than a Romanian who’s learning Italian. Step 2: Getting Proper Motivation

play05:14

It’s often said the hardest language  to learn is the one you don’t want  

play05:18

to learn. Hence why it seems like half  the world had to take French all four  

play05:23

years in high school but somehow no one  remembers a single word. And to be fair,  

play05:28

who would want to become bilingual if your only  other option for learning a language was French?  

play05:39

Nevertheless, because of this it is extremely  important to have a real reason in learning  

play05:46

a language. If you are just learning it to get  certain credits in college, or to get a passport  

play05:51

and nothing more, you most likely won’t make it  far in your endeavor. The best way to motivate  

play05:56

yourself is to fall in love with the culture  of the language you’re learning. Find movies,  

play06:08

books, history, people, & any and all cultural  aspects that interest you & that you’d wish to  

play06:13

understand better. By incorporating them with  your previous motivation to learn a language  

play06:23

you will have continuous motivation to continue  studying and move forward. And if you’re learning  

play06:29

a language whose inner workings are the  complete opposite of your mother tongue’s  

play06:33

you will need that motivation more than a  League of Legends player needs a shower.

play06:41

You’re also in control of how hard and  consistently you’re willing to study. While it  

play06:46

may not feel like it when you’re slogging through  your fourteenth case in Hungarian, hard work and  

play06:52

perseverance will beat raw innate talent every  single time when it comes to learning a language  

play06:57

as an adult, and you are in control of  whether or not you break out the flashcards,  

play07:00

or instead choose to watch the Big Bang  Theory for the thousandth time. And a  

play07:08

lot of that key decision making will come from  the reason why you want to learn this language.

play07:21

So now that we have all that out of the  way, how should you learn a language as  

play07:25

an adult? Well, there’s no set program  I can dictate, as the process is so  

play07:32

highly based on the individual that the person  themselves needs to decide what works and doesn’t  

play07:35

work for them, as there aren’t any shortcuts  here. But I can give some advice on some methods  

play07:45

that I’d consider fairly universal, and that  worked for me, and for no extra charge other than  

play07:51

the ads on YouTube. I know, I’m such a saint. First, identifying your learning style is key.  

play07:58

You don’t learn a language with only your  brain, and each student receives and digests  

play08:02

information in different ways, depending on their  backgrounds, culture, personalities, and life  

play08:07

experiences. Some interesting studies have shown  that we tend to have a language-learning style:  

play08:13

visual, verbal, auditory, or tactile. Visual  learners learn best when the information  

play08:20

is conveyed to them via the use of images,  diagrams, videos, etc. Verbal learners prefer  

play08:28

written or verbal explanations over just visual  displays. Auditory learners take in information  

play08:30

by listening. Tactile learners need whole  body-experiences, like when dissecting a  

play08:35

frog to learn about anatomy. Figure out which one  you are and tailor your study methods around it.

play08:40

One great resource for visual & auditory learners  I can recommend is StoryLearning. Now for those of  

play08:44

you that don’t know, I recently started learning  Japanese, and let’s just say it’s not been the  

play08:50

easiest language out there. One of the main things  I’ve struggled with is the alien grammar. However,  

play08:57

I was delighted to get sponsored by StoryLearning.  StoryLearning offers courses in 11 different  

play09:05

languages, and in these courses they utilize  stories to teach you your desired language.  

play09:11

As you read a story you also go over vocabulary  & have the grammar explained to you in simple  

play09:18

terms you can understand. And as someone who  has used a variety of different apps, software,  

play09:23

and courses throughout the years to learn my  languages, this is extremely useful. So if you’re  

play09:28

someone who’s tried a variety of different apps  or just don’t want to spent hundreds or thousands  

play09:34

on private lessons, then StoryLearning is  for you. You’re not going to get fluent off  

play09:40

of just this alone, but it’s a great resource  especially if you’re struggling to understand  

play09:49

grammar concepts on your own. The course is  also made by Olly Richards, a fellow YouTuber  

play09:53

both me & my fiance have been watching for a long  time. So I can wholeheartedly recommend his work.  

play09:59

And with my link in the description you  can get any of the 11 languages for only  

play10:12

$97 instead of $297 for a limited  time only. So go and check it out!

play10:22

Anyways, when starting to learn a language,  find a progressive source for learning. This  

play10:27

can either be a textbook, real life or digital  course, or even a pathway within an app,  

play10:32

as long as it’s not Duolingo. That green bird is  a mess that’s worthy of its own video. Either way,  

play10:38

find something with which you can progressively  get introduced to more & more concepts of your  

play10:44

desired language & gradually introduce more  grammar & vocabulary. While learning both  

play10:47

Hungarian & Romanian my preferred method is via  textbook. A lot of times they’re written by a  

play10:55

professional and will explain certain grammatical  concepts you don’t understand in more detail,  

play11:10

as well as give you dedicated vocabulary to learn  for each chapter. Alongside this many also provide  

play11:24

worksheets where you can practice grammar & other  concepts. If you’re a more audio based learner  

play11:33

consider buying an audio textbook or listening  to a language learning podcast, or even recording  

play11:43

yourself reading & speaking the language.  Enrolling in a class or finding a private tutor  

play11:53

is also a good alternative, but self  study is still crucial in any case.

play12:02

Now, finding a course or textbook will  usually be the base of the process. However,  

play12:07

just utilizing your primary source  won’t get the job done. Alongside  

play12:12

this you should utilize a variety of other  aids to expand your vocabulary and grammar.

play12:16

For example, I am a visual learner. As such, one  of the best ways I learn vocab is through written  

play12:22

flashcards. Using applications such as Drops,  17 Minute Languages, and Anki were extremely  

play12:29

beneficial to me as they’d show an image  of the word I’m learning, how it's written,  

play12:36

and pronounced. So by autistically going over them  each day during my study time, or while I was in  

play12:45

public transit with fuck-all to do, I’d expand  my vocab by just going over them again & again.

play12:54

When it comes to conjugations of verbs or any  words, ‘cause god knows Hungarian has a shit ton  

play13:00

of those, I would first find all of the relevant  conjugations for a verb via a website such as  

play13:03

cooljugator.com, then I’d write ‘em down in a  notebook. Then by using different colored pens I  

play13:10

would change the color of the suffix  in a way of visualizing the change  

play13:14

& being able to better memorize it. I also  utilized different apps for practicing verb  

play13:22

conjugations which was quite helpful in applying  that knowledge & getting used to using them.

play13:32

To practice listening, a lot of the  textbooks I had came with audio CDs or  

play13:37

QR codes to download the audio files for the  book. Then with each lesson I’d go over the  

play13:47

listening exercises & practice listening &  pronunciation by repeating what was being said.

play14:02

It’s not very glamorous, but if you’re  consistent you’ll see results. At my peak  

play14:08

of learning Hungarian I’d spend 2 hours a day  utilizing several of these practice methods,  

play14:14

starting off with a lesson from my textbook, and  then jumping to vocab practice via flashcards, and  

play14:21

then finishing it up with some grammar practice  via autistically conjugating verbs myself or  

play14:27

doing a worksheet from my textbook or app. It’s  important that you don't skimp on consistency and  

play14:32

practice. It’s not glamorous, it can be even quite  boring at times, but the repetition and monotony  

play14:40

is unfortunately key to the process of language  acquisition. There aren’t many ways around this,  

play14:49

but you can help beat some of the monotony blues  via using the ‘learning by teaching’ method,  

play15:02

as detailed here by Metatron’s Academy, who  is an awesome resource for language-learning  

play15:07

I heartily recommend. Also don’t be afraid to  

play15:10

reach out and ask for help. It’s never been  easier to connect with other people in the same  

play15:16

situation as you via language-learning forums.  Reddit has subreddits for students for pretty much  

play15:22

all languages chock full of native speakers happy  to help. If you’d like something more personal,  

play15:31

there are also plenty of websites and apps that  can connect you with someone to practice with  

play15:41

such as “italki” & “hellotalk”. When I was really  in the prime of my studying Hungarian I’d spend  

play15:45

1 day a week talking with my tutor who’d help  me with my pronunciation & correct my grammar  

play15:55

mistakes. So don’t shy away from utilizing  them. Speak with people as much as you can,  

play16:04

and make as many mistakes as possible and  get corrected. There definitely are a lot  

play16:16

of good Youtube channels to recommend, however,  as detailed in my Polyglots Are Polyliars video,  

play16:27

make sure you do your due diligence when  researching which channels to follow. Hint: If  

play16:29

they offer fluency in a short amount of time while  trying to sell you something, be very, very wary.

play16:37

And also as I mentioned before, try to avoid  Duolingo. I know the app has marketed itself  

play16:41

to be a fun alternative to learn a language, &  I personally have used it for years. However,  

play16:46

the quality of the application has been degrading  for a while. There is very little material being  

play16:59

used & a lot of the vocabulary & sentences are  recycled. The app was also made to be grindy as  

play17:01

hell in a way to get you to pay for premium. So  again, you’re much better off by using a textbook  

play17:04

or alternative modes of study than Duolingo, and  better get on those methods early because even  

play17:05

if you use the app, eventually  you will need different resources.

play17:30

Something to be aware of, though, is  that the language-learning process isn't  

play17:34

linear and you will occasionally hit a sudden,  seemingly-out-of-nowhere plateau, which will feel  

play17:39

like a massive, extended brain fart and everything  that once felt simple will have turned to  

play17:42

utter chaos and you’ll wonder if you’ve even  learned anything at all. This is normal and no,  

play17:49

you didn’t forget everything. Beginner gains are  a thing, and when you start from 0, your beginner  

play17:55

progress is massive and motivating. But then  hits the intermediate plateau, and occasionally  

play17:59

your progress grinds to a halt and what  once was easy now feels super difficult.

play18:11

Usually the plateau arises after you’ve used  up most of your sources & have reached an  

play18:17

intermediate knowledge level of your desired  language. At this point it is best to do  

play18:24

several things to get the momentum rolling  again. The first thing is, to change the  

play18:28

material you’re learning your language from.  If you’ve finished with one textbook, this is  

play18:32

your time to get another more intermediate  one. The second part is to start consuming  

play18:39

media in the language you’re learning,  via reading books or comics, watching tv,  

play18:46

listening to music, and everything and  anything in between. One of the best  

play18:49

resources for this is Netflix. If you  watch Netflix original shows a lot of  

play18:53

the time they will be dubbed in a bunch of  different languages and also offer subtitles  

play18:59

in them as well. If you can’t find your desired  language there, you can try looking for it by  

play19:07

switching countries via VPN. That’s usually how  I’d still watch my shows in Hungarian while I was  

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visiting my family in the US. Although at times  the subtitles & dub won’t match, it is nonetheless  

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a great resource to use to practice your  comprehension skills in both listening & reading.

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In your earlier language learning days, this was  probably quite a bit of a more difficult task,  

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and when you reach a beginner intermediate level,  consuming media will still be a bit difficult.  

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However, once you get used to listening & reading  from native speakers it will get easier and your  

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learning will progress. It will seem incredibly  difficult at times as people will speak way too  

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fast & it can be quite demotivating for you  not to understand a word after all of this  

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time spent learning the language, but this will  disappear the more you practice listening. You  

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just have to push through it. I recommend  at this stage basically writing down all  

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the new words you encounter into flashcards or a  flashcard app like Anki & start practicing those.  

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For example in my Hungarian books, whenever  I wouldn’t know a word I would highlight it,  

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write the translation above it & insert it into  my anki app & then practice it each morning.

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Unfortunately, a lot of the time throughout  the intermediate plateau it will seem like  

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you’re barely making any progress, but  again, that’s just because you’ve made  

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so much already. And in a couple of  months when you look back on your  

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position now, you will recognize how  much progress you actually made. Again,  

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it’s important to just be consistent &  remember why you’re doing what you’re doing.

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Overall, learning a language as an adult  can be quite the challenge but it is not  

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impossible. With proper motivation, work, and  dedicated study time the process doesn’t have  

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to be such an agonizing and torturous  ordeal many make it out to be. Just  

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remember why you’re learning the language you are,  use a variety of different sources & exercises,  

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and once you hit the plateau switch up your  strategies & start consuming media. And with  

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that, you will be on the road to reach high  language proficiency or even fluency. Anyways,  

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are you learning a new language as an adult?  If so, feel free to comment below with what  

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your experiences have been like, the highs and  lows, and what resources have you found to help  

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you. If you enjoyed this type of video  click that subscribe button or become  

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a member like these wonderful people  or hell, go and check out my merch at  

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the ironic shop dot com. My name is Janos &  you’ve watched Living Ironically in Europe.

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