Lýdia Machová - Ten things polyglots do differently [EN] - PG 2017

Summary

The speaker passionately discusses the effectiveness of polyglots' language learning methods compared to traditional education. They introduce various polyglot strategies, emphasizing the importance of self-learning, enjoying the process, and focusing on listening and speaking. The speaker debunks the myth of innate language talent and encourages adopting polyglot techniques for anyone to succeed in language learning, highlighting the significance of a personalized, fun, and frequent approach.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Language learning success is not about innate talent but rather the approach and effort put into learning.
• 📚 Polyglots often develop their own unique methods for learning languages, emphasizing the importance of personalization in learning strategies.
• 🤓 The 'time-keepers' are individuals who have spent considerable time studying a language without achieving fluency, highlighting the difference between quantity and quality of learning.
• 📈 Polyglots typically learn languages by themselves, suggesting self-directed learning as a key component of successful language acquisition.
• 📝 Creating one's own language materials is common among polyglots, which can include flashcards, books, and online resources.
• 🎯 Focusing on learning one language at a time is suggested as an effective strategy, aligning with the idea of mastering one before moving to the next.
• 👂 Listening and speaking are emphasized as the most important skills for language learning, often neglected in traditional educational settings.
• 💪 Polyglots are not afraid to make mistakes, viewing them as an essential part of the learning process.
• 🔑 The art of simplification is crucial for effective communication, especially when vocabulary is limited.
• ⏳ Learning in small, frequent chunks is more effective than long, infrequent sessions, aligning with the marathon mindset of language learning.
• 🎉 Enjoyment is a critical factor in language learning; polyglots find ways to make the process enjoyable, transforming it into a hobby rather than a chore.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's presentation?

The speaker's presentation focuses on the differences between how polyglots learn languages and how languages are traditionally learned in schools and language schools. The speaker emphasizes the effectiveness of the polyglot approach and shares various strategies used by polyglots.

What is the term 'time-keepers' used to describe in the context of language learning?

The term 'time-keepers' is used to describe individuals who have spent a significant amount of time studying a language but are unable to speak it fluently. They often measure their language learning progress by the time spent rather than their actual language proficiency.

What is Benny Lewis's method for learning languages called, and how does it work?

Benny Lewis's method for learning languages is called 'Speak from Day 1'. It involves starting to speak the language from the very beginning, even if one does not know much of the language, and learning through interaction with native speakers and making numerous mistakes.

How does Steve Kaufmann's approach to language learning differ from Benny Lewis's?

Steve Kaufmann's approach involves a lot of input before speaking. He focuses on listening and reading extensively in the target language before starting to speak, which allows him to accumulate a large amount of vocabulary and understanding.

What is the 'Language Boost' method developed by Lucas Bighetti and Jan van der Aa, and how does it work?

The 'Language Boost' method focuses on learning the 500 most frequent words in a language along with example sentences. This allows learners to communicate effectively using simple terms and then gradually expand their vocabulary.

What is Gabriel Wyner's unique approach to language learning, and how does he practice grammar without translation?

Gabriel Wyner uses a flashcard system based on a spaced repetition system and avoids translation entirely. He practices grammar using cloze tests, where words are missing in sentences, and relies on pictures or context to understand and remember vocabulary.

How does Luca Lampariello's language learning method differ from others, and what does he emphasize?

Luca Lampariello's method is based heavily on translation. Unlike many polyglots who use flashcards or other techniques, Luca does not use flashcards but instead focuses on translating texts to learn languages effectively.

What is the 'Dissection Method' used by Robin McPherson, and how does it help in language learning?

The 'Dissection Method' involves breaking down a recording, such as a YouTube video with subtitles, into small chunks or phrases. These phrases are then learned repeatedly using tools like Memrise, which helps in mastering the language quickly.

What is David James's 'Goldlist Method' for language learning, and how does it work?

The 'Goldlist Method' involves writing lists of vocabulary and re-writing them every two weeks or more to distill the vocabulary into long-term memory. The method helps in retaining and recalling vocabulary more effectively.

What are the four pillars of language learning that the speaker emphasizes in his own method?

The speaker's four pillars of language learning are: 1) Making language learning fun by choosing materials of personal interest, 2) Doing a lot of learning through extensive input like watching TV series, 3) Working with the language frequently in small chunks, and 4) Having a system in language learning by focusing on priorities and organizing study routines.

What is the speaker's view on the common belief that polyglots have a special talent for languages?

The speaker believes that polyglots do not have any special talent for languages. He argues that it is the approach to language learning that makes the difference, and that anyone can become a polyglot by adopting effective learning strategies and putting in the effort.