Ex-Professor Reveals Way to REALLY Learn Languages (according to science)

Summary

Dr. Jeff McQuillin, an expert in second language acquisition, emphasizes the importance of focusing on acquisition rather than learning when it comes to language learning. Acquisition is the subconscious knowledge of language that we use most during communication, and it is achieved through understanding messages. He suggests that learners should seek comprehensible input, which can be found through resources like YouTube videos and visual aids, and engage with materials in the target language that present information visually. McQuillin also discusses the ineffectiveness of memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules, advocating instead for an incremental and contextual approach to language acquisition. He stresses the importance of enjoying the learning process and setting realistic expectations to maintain motivation and ensure long-term success in language learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 Focus on acquisition over learning: Acquiring a language subconsciously is more effective for communication than consciously learning the rules.
• 🧠 Language is stored in two ways: 'learning' (conscious knowledge) and 'acquisition' (subconscious knowledge), with acquisition being key for fluent communication.
• 🌐 Use comprehensible input: The brain acquires language when it can understand the messages, which is crucial for acquisition.
• 🚫 Avoid rote memorization: Memorizing vocabulary or grammar rules is less effective than understanding language in context.
• 📈 Incremental learning: Vocabulary and grammar are acquired gradually over time through repeated exposure to language in context.
• 🎓 Importance of understanding: Look for language learning methods that provide tools for understanding rather than just translating.
• 📉 Lower your expectations: Language acquisition is a slow process, and setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation and prevent discouragement.
• 🤓 Syntax and grammar: While it's possible to study syntax, the ability to use it naturally in conversation is more important and comes with acquisition.
• 📚 Reading and listening: Engaging with rich, comprehensible materials is more beneficial than using flashcards for vocabulary building.
• 🕒 Time efficiency: Spending time understanding messages through reading and listening provides a more efficient way to acquire language than memorization techniques.
• 😀 Enjoy the process: Making language learning enjoyable and finding an enjoyable habit is essential for maintaining the long-term commitment required to learn a language.

Q & A

What is the primary focus when learning a new language according to Dr. Jeff McQuillin?

Dr. Jeff McQuillin emphasizes that the primary focus should be on acquisition, which is the subconscious or unconscious knowledge of the language, as opposed to learning, which is the conscious knowledge of language rules.

How does the brain acquire language?

The brain acquires language when it can understand what is being communicated to it. This involves leveraging what you already know to understand new information, using context and visual cues to grasp the meaning.

What is the role of visuals in language acquisition?

Visuals play a crucial role in language acquisition as they help in understanding the context and meaning of what is being communicated. They can be in the form of pictures, gestures, or any other visual aids that support comprehension.

What is the importance of comprehensible input in language learning?

Comprehensible input is essential for language acquisition as it allows the learner to understand messages in the target language, which in turn helps the brain to subconsciously pick up the language's grammar and vocabulary.

How should an adult independent learner start with language acquisition?

An adult independent learner should start by seeking resources, teachers, or methods that provide rich, comprehensible language. They should look for materials that present information visually and are spoken slowly and clearly to aid understanding.

What is the difference between learning and acquisition when it comes to grammar?

Learning grammar involves the conscious study of language rules, while acquisition is the subconscious or unconscious knowledge of grammar that comes from understanding messages and communication in the language.

Why is focusing on form over meaning not effective in language acquisition?

Focusing on form over meaning is not effective because the brain naturally wants to focus on meaning during communication. Attempting to consciously apply grammar rules during conversation can hinder the natural flow and comprehension of the language.

How can one know if they are acquiring language effectively?

One can know they are acquiring language effectively if they understand about 95% of what they are reading or listening to. This indicates that the brain is picking up new grammar rules and vocabulary subconsciously.

What is the most efficient way to improve vocabulary in a new language?

The most efficient way to improve vocabulary is through comprehensible messages. This means reading and listening to content where one already understands a high percentage of the words, using that knowledge to infer the meaning of new words.

Why is memorizing vocabulary lists or using flashcards not the most effective method for vocabulary acquisition?

Memorizing vocabulary lists or using flashcards is not effective because it leads to a shallow, non-permanent knowledge of words. It is more beneficial to acquire vocabulary incidentally through understanding messages in context, which allows for deeper and more permanent knowledge.

What is the one piece of advice Dr. McQuillin would give to language learners?

Dr. McQuillin advises language learners to lower their expectations and be patient with the process. Language acquisition takes time, and having unrealistic expectations can lead to discouragement and discontinuation of the learning process.

How can language learners ensure their learning process is sustainable and enjoyable?

Language learners can ensure their process is sustainable and enjoyable by finding comprehensible input that they enjoy, such as interesting stories or topics. This makes the learning process more engaging and less of a chore, increasing the likelihood of continued practice.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Importance of Language Acquisition

Dr. Jeff McQuillin, an expert in second language acquisition, emphasizes the importance of focusing on acquisition over learning. He explains that acquisition is the subconscious knowledge of language that we use most during communication. He suggests that adults learn languages similarly to children, by understanding messages. He also discusses the ineffectiveness of commercial programs and the need for comprehensible input to facilitate language acquisition.

05:01

🎓 Learning vs. Acquisition in Language Education

Dr. McQuillin distinguishes between learning, which is a conscious knowledge of language rules, and acquisition, which is the subconscious knowledge that we use without thinking. He advises language learners to focus on acquisition and to seek out resources that provide comprehensible language input. He also discusses the role of visuals and storytelling in language learning and the limitations of focusing on grammar rules without context.

10:04

🧠 Brain's Natural Focus on Meaning Over Form

The brain's tendency to focus on meaning rather than form is highlighted, explaining why it's challenging to consciously apply grammar rules during conversation. Dr. McQuillin suggests that learners should aim for high levels of comprehension when engaging with the language to allow for natural acquisition of grammar. He also discusses the idea that understanding a large percentage of the content allows the brain to pick up new grammar rules implicitly.

15:05

📈 Incremental Vocabulary Acquisition Through Comprehension

Vocabulary is acquired incrementally through repeated exposure to comprehensible messages. Each encounter with a new word provides a small increase in understanding, which accumulates over time. Dr. McQuillin argues against the use of flashcards and memorization for vocabulary acquisition, stating that it leads to fragile knowledge that doesn't improve comprehension. Instead, he advocates for rich, deep instruction and the importance of context in learning new words.

20:07

🚀 Enjoyable and Sustainable Language Learning

The final paragraph focuses on the importance of enjoying the language learning process for it to be sustainable. Dr. McQuillin advises learners to lower their expectations and be patient, as language acquisition is a slow process. He emphasizes the value of finding enjoyable and comprehensible input to maintain motivation and continue learning effectively.

Keywords

💡Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition refers to the process by which people learn a language after their first or native language. It is a key theme in the video, as Dr. Jeff McQuillin, an expert in this field, discusses how adults learn new languages in a similar way to children, through understanding messages rather than memorizing rules. The video emphasizes the importance of acquisition over learning.

💡Comprehensible Input

Comprehensible Input is a concept in language acquisition that suggests language is best learned when the learner can understand the messages being communicated. It is central to the video's message, as Dr. McQuillin explains that the brain acquires language when it can understand what is being communicated, which is more effective than simply memorizing grammar rules or vocabulary.

💡Acquisition vs. Learning

Acquisition and Learning are two different ways the brain processes language. 'Acquisition' is the subconscious knowledge of language that we tend to use most during communication, while 'Learning' is a conscious knowledge of language rules. The video stresses that learners should focus on acquisition for effective language learning, rather than just learning the explicit rules.

💡Grammar

In the context of the video, 'Grammar' refers to the rules governing the structure of a language, including syntax, which is the order of words in sentences. Dr. McQuillin argues that while it's possible to study grammar consciously, true mastery comes from being able to use it subconsciously, which is part of the acquisition process.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary in the video is discussed as being acquired through comprehensible messages, rather than through memorization. It's highlighted that vocabulary is picked up incidentally as part of the language acquisition process, and that trying to memorize lists of words is not as effective as understanding messages in context.

💡Incremental Learning

Incremental Learning is the idea that language, particularly vocabulary, is acquired bit by bit over time. Each encounter with a new word adds to the learner's understanding. The video uses this concept to explain why focusing on understanding messages is more beneficial than trying to memorize vocabulary lists.

💡Focus on Form

Focus on Form is a teaching approach where learners concentrate on the linguistic forms of a language, such as grammar rules. Dr. McQuillin criticizes this approach, stating that it distracts from focusing on meaning, which is more natural and important for language acquisition.

💡Explicit Knowledge

Explicit Knowledge refers to the conscious awareness of language rules or vocabulary. The video argues that while explicit knowledge can be gained through studying, it is the implicit or subconscious knowledge gained through acquisition that is more useful for actual language use.

💡Enjoyable Habit

An Enjoyable Habit is a routine or activity that is pleasurable and engaging. The video suggests that forming an enjoyable habit of reading and listening to comprehensible input in the target language is a more effective and sustainable way to learn than forced memorization or study.

💡Lowered Expectations

Lowered Expectations mean setting realistic goals for language learning. The video advises learners to be patient and not to rush the process, as language acquisition is a slow and gradual journey. This approach helps prevent discouragement and promotes consistent learning.

💡ESL Podcast

The ESL Podcast is a resource mentioned in the video run by Dr. McQuillin for English language learners. It serves as an example of the type of comprehensible, rich language input that can aid in language acquisition, aligning with the video's theme of understanding messages for effective language learning.

Highlights

Dr. Jeff McQuillin, an expert in second language acquisition, emphasizes the importance of focusing on acquisition over learning.

Acquisition is subconscious knowledge of language, which is more crucial for communication than conscious learning of rules.

The brain acquires language by understanding messages, leveraging known information to grasp unknown elements.

Adults learn new languages in the same way as children, through a process of understanding and internalization.

For effective acquisition, learners should seek out resources that provide rich, comprehensible input in the target language.

Visual aids and clear, slow speech are beneficial for language acquisition as they enhance understanding.

Grammar should be acquired implicitly through exposure to the language rather than through explicit rule memorization.

The brain naturally focuses on meaning over form, making it difficult to apply grammar rules consciously during communication.

Vocabulary is best acquired incidentally through understanding messages, rather than through memorization.

Each encounter with a new word provides an incremental increase in understanding, building up over time.

Memorizing vocabulary through flashcards is not as effective as getting comprehensible input through reading and listening.

Enjoyable, sustainable language learning practices are more effective than forced study, as they facilitate long-term acquisition.

Lowering expectations and being patient with the learning process is crucial for adult language learners to avoid discouragement.

Children's language acquisition is often perceived as faster due to different expectations, but it is also a slow and gradual process.

The most effective language learning advice is to find enjoyable, comprehensible input that matches the learner's current level.

Language acquisition is a natural process that occurs when the brain is engaged with meaningful content in the target language.

Dr. McQuillin recommends resources like his ESL podcast and blog for learners to access comprehensible language input.

Transcripts

most students still make the same

mistakes even though they know the rule

obviously there are commercial programs

now unfortunately most of the commercial

programs are not very good you should be

focusing on acquisition Dr Jeff

mcquillin is an expert in second

language acquisition which is the

process by which we learn languages now

he's got a PhD in Applied Linguistics

and was a university Professor for many

years Dr mcquillin has also got Decades

of experience in understanding how it is

that we learn languages which is going

to be so useful for anyone wanting to

learn a new language at the minute Dr

mcquillin has published numerous

articles related to language learning

and now runs the ESL podcast for English

language Learners he also has a Blog at

the backseat linguist tocom in this

interview Jeff reveals how it is that we

learn languages according to the

research and the big mistakes that

people make when it comes to learning

grammar and vocabulary and also his

advice for language Learners enjoy Jeff

how is it that um adults learn learn new

languages well adults learn new

languages the same way that children

children learn new languages the same

way that we all learn the language that

we speak today which is by understanding

messages that seems a little cryptic so

let me sort of break that down a little

there are actually two ways that your

brain stores language if you will the

first way is what we call learning and

learning is a conscious knowledge of

language it's the knowledge of rules i

before e except after C in linguistics

we usually try to distinguish or at

least some of us try to distinguish

between what's learning and what's

called

acquisition learning is conscious

acquisition is subconscious or

unconscious it's the knowledge that you

have in your brain even if you don't

know it's there it's the knowledge that

we tend to use most of the time during

communication now the question is which

of these is more important which of

these should we be focused on should we

be focused on learning or should we be

focused on acquisition and the answer I

think as I've already tipped is you

should be focusing on acquisition

unconscious or subconscious knowledge of

the language your feel for the language

the language that you know without even

having to think about it how do we get

there well to get learning everyone

knows how to get learning you pick up a

book and you open it and you study the

rules or you make yourself your

flashcards or whatever it happens to be

acquisition comes from understanding

messages the brain acquires language

when it can understand what is being

communicated to it let's take an example

let's say that uh you're learning

Spanish you're going to have to find a

situation where the language is

presented to you in such a way that it's

comprehensible that it's understandable

for example uh if I started speaking in

Spanish

Spanish

[Music]

estoo

Doos see Doos there are no rules there

there's no memorization there all you

had to do was watch me and understand

the language and if you understood it

you started to acquire a little bit of

Spanish in that 20 seconds that I was

speaking what happens is

you take what you know and you leverage

that to what you don't the language that

you already understand or the visual

language that you all understand because

you understand the meaning of me holding

up my hands and talking about my hands

you take that knowledge and you apply it

to what you don't know and that's how

the brain understands things so an adult

independent learner where do they start

if they wanted to go all right well I've

heard of this this acquisition idea that

sounds fantastic where do they start

because obviously there isn't

necessarily going to be a always a

teacher there who's willing to go

through the acquisition process and say

l man or or or whatever it is um where

where would you think someone should

start on that sort of method what I tell

people is well first of all most people

are trying to learn languages that are

popular they're trying to learn French

or Spanish or Chinese and so the the

reality is now fortunately there are at

least there are resources out there

there are YouTube videos um people like

yourself who talk about how to acquire

languages obviously there are commercial

programs now unfortunately most of the

commercial programs are not very good

they tend to they tend to focus on short

little pieces of language that you try

to memorize rather than providing you

with the kind of Rich comprehensible uh

language that I I demonstrated with my

little mono lesson you should be looking

for a teacher or or a method or

materials that number

one you can understand that give you

tools to understand the language other

than just translating it okay there's

nothing wrong with translation there's

nothing wrong with using the first

language to try to acquire a second

language but if most of the time you're

just looking at translations of words

that's not a very effective way you want

something that is mostly presented in

the language that you're trying to

acquire you would want to start with

materials that present

visually information to you that will

help you understand what the person is

saying or yeah what you're reading so

that would be pictures that would be

visuals that would be someone who is

speaking slowly and clearly that seems

sort of trivial right but it's actually

a really important thing I tell people

look for a teacher that understands the

importance of visuals that speaks slowly

that speaks clearly that presents uh

interesting stories a Woman by the name

of Beno Mason in Japan who has developed

this story listening approach she and

and and teachers who follow her method

they stand in front of a Blackboard or

they have visuals uh and they explain

the story a simple story in the context

of what we we've just said about this

kind of um implicit learning and this

this acquisition how does grammar fit

into into all of that by grammar people

often mean syntax right the the order of

words the way that that sentences are

constructed when people talk about

grammar usually they mean conscious

study of language and we go back to the

distinction I made earlier which is the

difference between learning conscious

knowledge and acquisition unconscious

knowledge yes you can study syntax and

yes you will learn the certain rules of

syntax the problem here is can you

actually use it when you need it the

rule books of grammar only capture a

small portion of what in fact our entire

very complicated syntactical system but

even more importantly let's say You're

really bright and you memorize all those

rules that's still not good enough

because you also have to have time to

use the rule and if you're in a

conversation or even if you're reading a

book to stop and say now wait a minute

um is that present progressive past

progress do I use the imperfect here or

the predate as as human beings our

natural tendency is to focus on meaning

we're not so interested in how that that

message is construed

the the brain doesn't linguistically

multitask it's either focusing on

meaning or it's focusing on form it can

switch back quickly but it can't do both

and if you try to focus on what what

linguists call focus on form how

something is saying uh is being

communicated you're not focusing on

meaning and the Brain just naturally

wants to focus on meaning for the most

part when people talk about studying

grammar they're talking about trying to

memorize rules and distinctions and here

are the here are the imperfect here are

the irregular verbs and the predate of

certain verbs in

Spanish that's all waste of time you

need to focus just I mean all of that

will come to you that by the way brings

up an important point that some people

may object say well I I can I can learn

things and then later it seems that I

I've acquired it so the learning seems

to become acquisition that's not what we

think happens in other words just

because you've studied something

consciously and you really know those

rules does it mean it's going to enter

into your acquired system is is that is

there any benefit from um from actually

studying the rules explicitly in terms

of being able to say monitor um my own

speech when I'm speaking Spanish for

example is is there is there much

benefit in that or should should

students just focus on acquisition and

wait until that they naturally acquire

the rule without having to explicitly

think about it uh the latter definitely

uh I don't think there's much much uh

benefit in attempting to monitor just

because most people uh are not very good

monitors uh they they aren't able to

take bring up that explicit knowledge

they don't have the time take the

example of writing okay you would think

that writing would be the ideal place

that you could quote unquote use the

term monitor right the notion that you

can take a rule and you can apply it

right at the right place and you can fix

just before you're about to say

something or before you're about to

write something you can say wait a

minute is that pass oh that's pres boom

got ity I've used my conscious knowledge

right in writing when we've studied

writing and explicit instruction so you

teach someone the grammar rules blah

blah and then you give them something to

write and then you say Okay blah blah

blah uh go ahead and write that most

students still make the same mistakes

even though they know the rule even when

you have time and you know the rule the

hardest one to meet is actually focusing

on form that's why proof reading is such

a difficult thing for most people

because because we you you write

something you think it's perfect you

give it to somebody else and say oops 17

errors in here spelling errors or

whatever it is right that's this before

before spell check but you know what I'm

talking about proofing is so difficult

because we focus on meaning so don't

don't spend your time trying to become a

good monitor spend your time trying to

be a good acquirer and get lots of

comprehensible input if my brain is

first focusing on meaning so someone's

talking to me in let's say Spanish I am

listening to what they're saying and my

brain is Al automatically implicitly

without me thinking about it focusing on

meaning first of all if I'm then wanting

to think about trying to acquire those

those grammar rules or I or acquire

grammar whether we say rules or or

whatever um yeah and I'm I'm using

content if I if I take it in a slightly

different context if I'm using content

what level um should I

ideally want to understand so that I'm

not just focusing on the

meaning but actually I've also got

enough capacity to acquire the form so

that I can get that well do I have to

have a higher level of comprehension of

the meaning of things or will that just

happen implicitly there's just no way

for you to know what the current state

of your level of acquisition is there is

a way of knowing how much you can

understand now everybody has a different

level of comfort but for me if I

understand 95% of what I'm I'm reading

or listening to then I'm confident that

my acquisition system my brain is going

to be able to pick up whatever grammar

rules I have in acquir job I don't know

what those grammar rules are I certainly

wouldn't try to focus on certain grammar

rules so don't worry about in other

words where you are in that order

whether you've acquired this rule or

that rule simply get lots of good

comprehensible messages that you can

mostly understand now if you if you're

reading or listening to something that

you understand 100% of you well you

still may be acquiring even though you

understand 100% of the of the vocabulary

there still may be grammatical aspects

that you're acquiring or strengthening

in your acquisition system so I wouldn't

say don't do that but generally speaking

uh as you're going through you want to

find you want to listen and read things

that you at least contain some

information about the language that you

don't know but I wouldn't worry too much

about that you definitely need to keep

pushing yourself but for most people

that's sort of a natural process as

their language fluency improves they

start reading things that are more

closer to native language and and their

language develops um you as a

consequence of that interesting all

right well that that's um that's sort of

reassuring and that as Learners we don't

have to worry about it you could just

just focus on the brain will sort it out

for you well that's good new on to um

one of potentially one of your favorite

topics I don't know uh if it is or not

vocabulary um yes as Learners we need a

lot of words if we're going to you know

reach any real level in in a language

what's sort of the most effective way

for us to to improve our vocabulary the

interest of people in vocabulary is is a

good one it's it's an understandable one

vocabulary you will not be surprised to

learn is acquired the exact same way

that everything else is acquired in a

language which is through comprehensible

messages through understanding the

language that you read and listen to the

most efficient way to do this as I've

already indicated I think in the uh

previous question is to make sure that

you're understanding messages that are

in that high level of a comprehension

you already understand 90 95% of the

words or even 98% of the words and

you're able to use that to figure out

the the few words that you don't

understand now sometimes when I say well

98% you think well that's that's really

high but what we do know is that as that

percentage starts dropping as you

understand only 80% or

70% you're going to struggle incredibly

with the language so much so that you're

not going to have enough knowledge you

know to understand the things you don't

know so we push I always push people to

to Really find things that they're

comfortable with that they can read or

listen to comfortably enough so that you

can the brain has the opportunity to

pick out those little those words that

they don't know let let me just say one

more thing about the vocabulary

acquisition well I might say a lot more

than vocabulary is acquired

incidentally and incrementally the two

eyes okay we acquire vocabulary

incidentally by that I mean we acquire

vocabulary when we're not worried about

vo acquiring vocabulary we acquire

vocabulary as we're reading and

understanding messages nobody picks up a

book and says I'm going to acquire some

more French vocabulary today yay no you

pick up a book and say I want to read

this story or I want to understand this

topic that's why you read you're focused

on meaning vocabulary acquis position is

a incidental that is to say it's an

extra benefit you pick those words up

unconsciously as you're going along the

second big point about vocabulary

acquisition and this is one that people

really have to understand the one that

people I think get the most in trouble

with is vocabulary is acquired

incrementally that means you pick up a

little bit of the meaning typically each

time you see it there were series of

studies done in the 70s ' 80s in ' 90s

and that contined to be done but the

most important ones were done by a guy

by the name of Bill Nagi who was at the

University of Illinois at the time in

the 1980s and what Nagi discovered is

that every time you see a word that

you've never seen before usually you

pick up a sense of what that word is

maybe it's just whether it's a noun or a

verb maybe it's a good thing or a bad

thing based on the other context in the

story or what you're reading or what

you're listening to but each time you

see that new word in a different context

you're going to pick up 10 15% more 10

15% more that all adds up so that every

time you see those words you're picking

up that incremental knowledge until such

a point where all of a sudden you know

the the word unconsciously and you don't

know how you learned it I should say

acquired it the good thing is the words

that you really need to know by

definition you'll see them more often

don't worry about that one rare word

it's not that important the important

thing is you've picked up a little bit

of knowledge even without realizing it

and it's that incremental knowledge that

you're picking up as you're reading and

listening that drives your language

acquisition in terms of vocabul

vocabulary acquisition that's where we

get our knowledge and it's it's it's

hard because you have to trust your

brain you have to trust your brain that

it's going to pick out the meanings and

it's gonna it's gonna put it in your

unconscious system so relax it's

happening as long as you're getting

comprehensible messages so for those

those words then I have to see them in

context um from from what you're saying

and then that way I'll get a percentage

whatever that percentage is it doesn't

doesn't really matter I'm getting a

little bit of that that word each time

what about things like um you know if I

think of it pretty much any beginner's

textbook there'll be the the first

opening dialogues and there'll be a list

of um vocabulary down the side and the

translation for those words if I try and

consciously remember that vocabulary and

then the the the translation that is at

least the most accurate translation that

we we can we can get at time how useful

is that sort of thing because that's the

sort of thing that people will then

immediately go and say pop on a flash

card without any any context around it

and then quite quickly then you'll just

remembering individual words how useful

is that it's

useful as you're reading the dialogue

through perhaps because now you can kind

of understand it but it's it's generally

speaking not very useful after that if

memorizing vocabulary worked you would

be able to take a word put it on your

flash card memorize it and then the next

time you see it boom you'll be able to

use it let's say you teach kids 10 words

and you have them memorize those words

and then you give them something to read

a reading passage or something in a book

that contains those 10 words the theory

is because they memorize those words

they'll be able to understand that

reading better the reality is they don't

we know from studies with with children

with adults in first language and second

language studies done from beginning in

the mid 1970s up to the present day that

teaching vocabulary explicitly or trying

to memorize words explicitly leads to a

kind of knowledge as one person put it

to me it's it's the kind of knowledge

that you can't use it's it's knowledge

that doesn't actually improve your

comprehension our learned knowledge is

very fragile unconscious knowledge

acquisition is there it tends to be much

more permanent so trying to memorize

words produces a very shallow what I

call a shallow effect now researchers

understand that and that's why in the

1980s vocabulary instruction shifted

from this sort of memorized words to

what's called Rich or deep instruction

but the problem with that is is that

also takes a lot of

time and so so it's not a very efficient

use of your time the other thing is that

that that if you look on the internet

and you watch other videos and God knows

why you would want to I mean you've got

Matt here listen to what he's saying but

let's say you go out and you see

somebody say well let's let's um you

should guys should be really be trying

to memorize lists of vocabulary and they

give you a program uh anky or dual

lingual whatever it is and they say look

it's much faster you're going to

memorize all these words that is not in

fact what the research shows what the

research shows is that in order to

memorize a large group of words you've

got to spend so much time reviewing

those words that if you had just read

and listened with the time that you've

spent memorizing those words you would

have acquired more vocabulary the time

efficiency argument is so against

memorization and flashcards it's

ridiculous other people who who Advocate

flashcards they're not looking at the

research correctly they're only looking

at a study and says Hey look this group

memorized 12 words in X number of of

minutes wow but what they don't realize

is that that the next week they would

have forgotten all 12 of those words or

if they had spent time memorizing it

over a period of say months that time is

actually if you took that time and you

instead had just been listening and

reading the comprehensible input you

would have acquired even more words if

you spend your time on on flash cards

all you're going to get is vocabulary

whereas if you spend your time reading

and listening you're going to get

vocabulary you're going to get syntax

you're going to get morphology you're

going to get knowledge you're going to

get all the other aspects of language

whereas flashcards give you one aspect

of language yeah fantastic and and

that's one of those things it's not just

the opportunity cost in terms of time

spent but it's also just it's

objectively more enjoyable to sit down

and follow a story than than it is

to and that flash cards only work in

theory if you do them regularly over a

long period of time which is correct

having a reading habit which you could

you could yeah you know get through many

more books and have a fantastic time

whilst whilst you're doing it obviously

providing you can find things at the

right level and and that's the thing I

think certainly for me it's just finding

a way to get an enjoyable habit and

that's how you're going to pick up the

language rather than uh it it shouldn't

be something you have to force yourself

to do because the sheer number of hours

it takes to acquire a language you're

never going to get there if you if

you're not enjoying what you're doing

it's just not going to work is it for

Learners if you could give them one

piece of advice in terms of how to

improve their language learning or or

learn in in a way that like we say will

keep it sustainable and hopefully

enjoyable but also effective what would

you advise people the one thing that I

think is most important especially for a

beginning language requires like really

all of us is lower your expectations and

and the reason I say that is that's

that's such an important advice for

anyone trying to learn something new

especially as an adult because adults

are very hard on themselves they think

that they should be going faster than in

fact they can for example a lot of

people say well I wish I started

learning Spanish when I was 5 years old

or three years old kids pick up language

so

quickly nonsense that's a complete myth

children do not acquire language quickly

what happens instead is that our

perception for children is different

different than our perception or

expectations for ourselves as adults so

we think that kids are picking up

language quickly but in fact when you go

back and you study kids acquisition it's

quite slow and labored language

acquisition takes time if you put

expectations on yourself that are

unreasonable you're going to get

discouraged and you will stop so I think

the average person who wants to improve

their language or learn language the

first thing that need to be is realistic

lower your expect

it takes time but the good news is we

know how to do it if you enjoy it enough

you will continue doing it and the way

you do that is by finding comprehensible

input