9 points about language learning and how Iâm learning 20+ of them
Iâve had a few requests to write about how I learn my languages. To different degrees, thereâs currently 20+ of them and I donât see myself stopping yet. The thing is, learning languages comes really easily to me and I want to share, maybe it will be helpful to somebody else.
First, Iâd like to have a look at first versus second language acquisition. Iâm a linguist and Iâm super interested in Child Language Acquisition. That however, has a critical age of 14 (or so I was always told) and is then no longer possible and any language learned after that age will never progress as quickly or canât be learned perfectly.
Well. I disagree.
The simple difference is - first language acquisition is how you acquired your first language(s) as a child. By imitating, finding patterns, etc. Second language acquisition is what you know from language courses. Vocabulary, irregular verb tables, endless exercises.
Now that we got some of the terminology off the table, let me see how I actually learn languages:
1) I utilise elements of the first language acquisition rather than second language
Iâve only studied vocab a couple times at school, when I put them into Quizlet or when someone forced me to. Iâll get back to it in another point. I donât learn patterns. I know there is one and I let the input do its magic of slithering into my head. Again, more on that in point 2. You always get told youâll learn a language better when youâre thrown into the country where they speak it. And itâs so true because of the processes behind it. Because input and immersion are the keys and thatâs how children learn, too.
2) I donât cram languages. I process them.
Around langblrs, I keep seeing all the âcrying over verb tablesâ, âtrying to learn a 1000 words this weekâ and the like. That may work for you, sure. But Iâve never done that. I did learn a few irregular verb patterns for German in class, but while I could recite them, it wasnât helpful. In Irish, I sometimes still wonder which verb âAn ndeachaigh tĂş?â comes from. The thing is, youâre able to process language. You know this word is probably irregular. If you come across it and donât know what the irregular form is, look it up. After youâve looked it up for the tenth time, youâll probably remember by then. Same with anything else. Donât try to learn things by heart when it comes to languages.
3) Vocab??
Same rule applies here. Iâve only learned vocab at school and then a handful of times when I wasnât too lazy to put it into Quizlet (which is fun and I learn something, but itâs more of a useful pastime than anything). When you read, just skip the words you donât know and only really look them up if you canât tell by context. NEVER translate vocabulary. I mean, sure, look up what it means, but donât connect it to the word itself. Connect it to the meaning. Pictures work better. As for abstract words, imagine the concept. Just try not to bridge the meaning of the word with your native language. Languages in your brain are meant to be two separate units. Unless youâre working on a translation piece, they shouldnât be âtouchingâ.
4) I use example sentences for everything.
Grammar guides are useful but rather than learning all the rules at once, take it one step at a time and remember some example sentences and let them guide you through the grammar rule you need.
5) Input is everything. Output is hard, but youâre basically imitating input and utilizing patterns you know (or think you know).
Let me give you an example. Letâs say Iâm writing a piece on my daily routine, for example. I make use of the example sentences and try to tailor them to my own needs. Trial and error, if I make a mistake, itâs okay, if somebody points it out, I probably wonât make it next time. As I progress, I will gradually remove the mistake. Same goes to new words and new verbs. Use the input youâve got. Does this verb sound like some other verb youâve heard before? Itâs might have a similar conjugation pattern. You can check it, you donât have to.
6) Learning languages should NOT be stressful!
I never stressed over learning a language. Sure, Iâm frustrated that after a year and a half of learning Irish, Iâm not 100% fluent, but Iâve never stressed over it. Iâve never cried over it. Iâve never cried over a language (I only cried after a French oral exam which I thought I failed). Donât be hard on yourself and try learning through a method thatâs not stressful. Watch videos for children. Read books for children. Write down cool things in your target language(s).
7) Youâve learned a language before. Why wouldnât you be able to learn it now in a very similar way?
This is basically me saying that I have little belief in the efficiency of pure second language acquisition. Maybe a few individuals can reach fluency by cramming a language, the thing is, I think that if we concentrate on processing instead of remembering, just like we did when we were children, we can reach better results in a shorter amount of time. Also, if this is your third or fourth language, compare to languages you already know.
8) I donât start with basics. I start âsomewhereâ.
Delve into the language the second youâve started. Are you overwhelmed? Thatâs fine! Youâll find your way around it. Start with word meanings, finding out what kind of sentences those are and then build your way around it. Donât start saying âhelloâ and âIâm fromâ. Those are cool, but usually, they are used in a different way when you actually go out and speak. Youâll get them along the way.
9) Donât rely on instructions (only). Rely on yourself.
This is just my two cents. Iâve pieced this together trying to remember how Iâve learned what Iâve learned and comparing it to how others around me learned. Please, let me know if it makes any sense. I may edit this and post this again later if I have any more ideas. Feel free to contribute or to bombard me with questions. Iâm happy to answer.
