In a world where language systems are seemingly deteriorating, the ability to speak multiple languages is one of the most coveted abilities in modern society. Whether you are simply looking to travel the world and engage with local populations, or if you’re wanting to be in board rooms with the biggest executives from across the world. Knowledge of multiple languages is a powerful tool to have under your belt, which may set you ahead of the curve. Well there’s great news, anybody can learn a new language in six months.
Language is almost certainly becoming a lost art, yet we are observing the steady lack of articulation as society progresses. Just observe the way young warriors in the past have written heartfelt letters back to their family, or perhaps an attempt to swoon a young lady he’d had his eyes on before the war. These men would appear almost Shakespearian compared to some of the texts within the modern area. Further examples of the power of language were demonstrated throughout some of humanity’s greatest civilizations. The courts of ancient Rome and Greece were packed with polyglots, fully understanding the power of speech and language. Whether it was being used for methods of companionship, or adversarial advantage; these men and women leveraged language to its fullest potential.
The Science and Psychology of Language Learning.
When we are children, our brains are as malleable as clay. The most notable areas directly related to the retention, perception, and ability to learn are most plastic before the age of 5. These areas include the Broca’s area (language production), Wernicke’s area (comprehension), and the primary auditory cortex (differentiation). For simplicity’s sake, we will just refer to this as the left side of the brain. Although, the primary auditory cortex can actually be found on both sides of the brain. While science is correct in the fact that it is “easier” to learn while the brain is still young, particularly anytime before the age of 17. This has created a dangerous precedent for most folks as it has taken the wind out of their sails before they’ve even tried undertaking this task. It is a downright crime to stifle anyone’s ability to interact with the world around them.
Many of humanity’s greatest achievements have been through a collaboration of different cultures, different men and women. Such achievements become very difficult to achieve if we can not align under a common word. There are numerous benefits to learning a new language and not many downsides. Well, other than it being “hard”. While it’s undeniable that the task takes longer and is more difficult as we get older. It’s never impossible. The amount of tools are our disposal with modern day technology make this task easier than ever. There’s also been great, scientific dives into what methods help individuals learn and retain them the quickest. Yet, the definitive answer is the most effective way to learn is whatever method is most enjoyable for you.
Tools and Techniques for Language Learning: What Actually Works
Flashcards
Flashcards: I know, I know. We all just collectively rolled our eyes at this suggestion as we have been receiving it since we’ve been juveniles. Flashbacks to those biology and chemistry flashcards have me in a cold sweat just thinking about it. Though, this method is still around because it WORKS. I like this method because you can (and should) start small with just a couple of words for a couple minutes a day. Still a bit skeptical? Let me explain some of the psychology behind it, hopefully that helps.
Flashcards touch on multiple different methods of learning that are sufficient for the human mind. One of these most notable phenomena were discovered by a psychologist named Herman Ebbinghaus in the late 19th century. Hermann found that humans tend to retain information better in the long-term if we are exposed to these at consistent phases . His reasoning behind this was because our brains tend to form stronger neural pathways when exposed at repeating intervals. This phenomena of spaced repetition is a critical pawn in ALL forms of human learning. I implore you to look further into it, as it is supremely fascinating. While flashcards are effective, they are NOT very fun.
General Exposure / Immersion
General Exposure: This is probably the most fun and engaging ways to go about learning a language. Although, it’s maybe not for the faint of heart as there will be a lot of trial and a lot more error. We have so many different access points to get in touch with folks from all over the world with the advent of social media. This allows for one to get into contact with people from the country or that simply just speak the language you desire to learn. This is learning through osmosis.
Day after day we approach our new friends, and or strangers to try sparking up a conversation with them. Start out small, “Hey, how are you doing” or “Hey, my name is-” You’re not expected to get far in these conversations. That’s not the goal. Observation is the name of the game here. Watch, and listen to the way they respond to your introductions. You can now take that to your google translate, find out what it means, and guess what? You’ve got yourself another piece to the conversation, now the next time a stranger approaches you, you can tell them how you are doing!
This method plays upon the idea of compounding success. Please don’t get discouraged by mistakes, it’s all part of the process. Enjoy it! Most people will not be nasty throughout your process, if anything they’d be humbled by you taking the time to pick up on their language and culture! While this method is exhilarating, it is certainly best paired with another on this list.
Apps
Apps: There are so many language apps nowadays that this would be a mile long list if I put them all. Although, I will list a few that have worked well for me and a few of my peers. One of my personal favorites would have to be DuoLingo. This offers a system that gives instant feedback to help accelerate your process of learning a new language. Not only that, but with a points based system it makes it incredibly fun along the way. Another honorable mention I wanted to put here that has gotten a bit of use from those around me has been Memrise. This is an alternative to the flashcards that I mentioned earlier. Although, some folks might just find that they like Quizlet better as a source of online flashcards.
Podcasts
Podcasts: This is another fun and easy way to start learning a language. Perfect for the folks who are always on the go, and or travelling. You can pop in your earbuds and have a rather productive session as you go through the steps of learning a new language. Below I will list some of a few popular podcasts to sort of get your palette wet!
- Lindsay Does Language– A more lighthearted approach to everything related to learning a new language. Everything from the fun successes, hilarious stories, and the occasional unavoidable blunder when going through that process!
- News In Slow– This is another useful podcast that supplies the listener with not only news going on around the world. This news is read slowly in the language you are attempting to learn so that you can acquaint yourself with the nuances of everyday language across the world.
- The Actual Fluency Podcast– If you enjoyed some of, and are looking for deeper ideas on some of the topics listed throughout this article. This would be an excellent place to stop by! The host talks with polyglots from across the world to get their insight on all things language. A splash of humor to lighten the mood which will certainly be needed on those difficult days when learning a new language
- Ted Talks– There are a few of these talks that I actually really enjoy, one of the most notable was from a Lydia Machova. She’s in the process of learning and speaking 8 different languages! Here’s the link to one of her brief talks: https://youtu.be/o_XVt5rdpFY?si=9AyTdz-oXKjoh_zO
The Final Key
An attribute that takes precedent over all others, you cannot expect to learn a language without it. Do you have any idea what that attribute may be?…Well, it’s patience. One must have patience with themselves and those around them throughout the entire process of learning a language. Please note, while you may be functional in six months and able to hold a conversation with just about anyone, about anything, the process of learning, and developing a language is a life-long process. Many of us will not even completely master our native language within our lifetime, how could you realistically expect yourself to be functional to that point with a secondary language? Have a little bit of grace with yourself and of course quite a load of patience. Do not become discouraged, there are millions out there like you. It’s more about the journey, not necessarily the destination. Take care.