Hacking language learning: Benny Lewis at TEDxWarsaw

Summary

In this motivational talk, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of learning languages, beginning with initial failures and misconceptions. He discusses common obstacles such as lack of natural talent, age, travel limitations, bad memory, and fear of frustrating native speakers. Drawing inspiration from polyglots, he emphasizes the importance of passion, perseverance, and using the language in real-life situations. The speaker shares how embracing language learning as a fun, interactive process rather than a perfectionist task can lead to success, revealing how even basic language skills can open doors to rich cultural experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confidence in language learning can be built by changing your approach and attitude towards the process.
• 😀 Motivation is a key factor in language learning; superficial reasons, like impressing others, often lead to failure.
• 😀 Polyglots succeed because they are passionate about languages, not just motivated by external validation.
• 😀 There's no such thing as a 'language gene'; talent can be developed through hard work and practice.
• 😀 Age is not a barrier to learning languages—adults can be better learners than children when provided with the right environment.
• 😀 Traveling to a country is not essential for learning a language; technology and local communities offer opportunities for language practice.
• 😀 Memory issues can be overcome with techniques like spaced repetition and image association for vocabulary retention.
• 😀 Native speakers appreciate language learners and are not frustrated by mistakes; perfectionism should not hold you back.
• 😀 Language learning is more about communication and cultural exchange than speaking perfectly.
• 😀 It's important to embrace the beginner stage of language learning and use the language as much as possible from the start.
• 😀 The ability to learn languages is available to everyone; it’s a decision to embrace the process and make mistakes that leads to progress.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial attitude toward learning a new language?

The speaker initially believed that they would never be able to learn a new language due to lack of natural talent, poor memory, and the belief that they were too old to start. They were also concerned about frustrating native speakers and embarrassing themselves.

What inspired the speaker to start learning languages despite their initial doubts?

The speaker was inspired to start learning languages after meeting a polyglot, someone who could speak many languages fluently. This encounter sparked the desire to learn languages, not for superficial reasons, but to connect with others and explore new cultures.

Why does the speaker think that motivation is a key factor in language learning?

The speaker believes motivation is crucial because many people start learning a language for superficial reasons like passing exams or impressing others, which can lead to failure. The polyglots they met were motivated by a deep passion for the language, its culture, and its people, which is what ultimately allowed them to succeed.

What is the 'language gene' myth, and why does the speaker dismiss it?

The 'language gene' myth suggests that only certain people are naturally gifted at learning languages. The speaker dismisses this as a self-fulfilling prophecy, arguing that with enough effort, anyone can learn a language. While some may have a slight advantage, hard work and perseverance can help learners catch up and even surpass those with natural talent.

How does the speaker address the idea that adults are too old to learn languages?

The speaker challenges the notion that adults are too old to learn languages, citing a study from the University of Haifa that shows adults can be better language learners than children under the right conditions. They emphasize that motivation, enthusiasm, and a supportive environment are key factors in successful language learning for adults.

Is traveling to a country necessary to learn a language, according to the speaker?

No, the speaker argues that with the internet, learners can connect with native speakers from around the world, making travel unnecessary. They share an example of practicing languages with people in their local community or through online platforms like Skype, demonstrating that immersion can happen anywhere.

What advice does the speaker give to people who struggle with vocabulary retention?

The speaker recommends using spaced repetition and image association techniques to improve memory. Spaced repetition helps learners review words at optimal intervals to ensure long-term retention. The image association technique involves creating memorable connections between words and images, making vocabulary easier to recall.

What is the speaker's stance on perfectionism in language learning?

The speaker believes perfectionism is detrimental to language learning because it prevents learners from embracing mistakes. Instead, they encourage making mistakes, as this helps learners improve and grow. The goal is to communicate, not to be perfect.

How does the speaker demonstrate the value of early-stage language use?

The speaker shares personal stories of using a new language in real conversations, even at a basic level. They emphasize that early-stage use, even with mistakes, is more valuable than waiting to be perfect, as it leads to meaningful connections and faster learning.

What is the significance of the speaker’s experience in Egypt regarding language learning?

The speaker’s experience in Egypt, conversing in Arabic despite having limited language skills, demonstrates the power of using a language in real situations. It shows that even with imperfect grammar or vocabulary, one can still have meaningful conversations and deepen cultural understanding.