9 points about language learning and how Iโm learning 20+ of them
Iโve had a few requests to write about how I learn my languages. To different degrees, thereโs currently 20+ of them and I donโt 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, Iโd like to have a look at first versus second language acquisition. Iโm a linguist and Iโm 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 canโt 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
Iโve only studied vocab a couple times at school, when I put them into Quizlet or when someone forced me to. Iโll get back to it in another point. I donโt 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 youโll learn a language better when youโre thrown into the country where they speak it.ย And itโs so true because of the processes behind it. Because input and immersion are the keys and thatโs how children learn, too.
2) I donโt cram languages. I process them.
Around langblrs, I keep seeing all the โcrying over verb tablesโ, โtrying to learn a 1000 words this weekโ and the like. That may work for you, sure. But Iโve never done that. I did learn a few irregular verb patterns for German in class, but while I could recite them, it wasnโt helpful. In Irish, I sometimes still wonder which verb โAn ndeachaigh tรบ?โ comes from. The thing is, youโre able to process language. You know this word is probably irregular. If you come across it and donโt know what the irregular form is, look it up. After youโve looked it up for the tenth time, youโll probably remember by then. Same with anything else. Donโt try to learn things by heart when it comes to languages.
3) Vocab??
Same rule applies here. Iโve only learned vocab at school and then a handful of times when I wasnโt too lazy to put it into Quizlet (which is fun and I learn something, but itโs more of a useful pastime than anything). When you read, just skip the words you donโt know and only really look them up if you canโt tell by context. NEVER translate vocabulary. I mean, sure, look up what it means, but donโt 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 youโre working on a translation piece, they shouldnโt be โtouchingโ.
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 youโre basically imitating input and utilizingย patterns you know (or think you know).
Let me give you an example. Letโs say Iโm 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, itโs okay, if somebody points it out, I probably wonโt make it next time. As I progress, I will gradually remove the mistake. Same goes to new words and new verbs. Use the input youโve got. Does this verb sound like some other verb youโve heard before? Itโs might have a similar conjugation pattern. You can check it, you donโt have to.
6) Learning languages should NOT be stressful!
I never stressed over learning a language. Sure, Iโm frustrated that after a year and a half of learning Irish, Iโm not 100% fluent, but Iโve never stressed over it. Iโve never cried over it. Iโve never cried over a language (I only cried after a French oral exam which I thought I failed). Donโt be hard on yourself and try learning through a method thatโs not stressful. Watch videos for children. Read books for children. Write down cool things in your target language(s).
7) Youโve learned a language before. Why wouldnโt 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 donโt start with basics. I start โsomewhereโ.
Delve into the language the second youโve started. Are you overwhelmed? Thatโs fine! Youโll find your way around it. Start with word meanings, finding out what kind of sentences those are and then build your way around it. Donโt start saying โhelloโ and โIโm fromโ. Those are cool, but usually, they are used in a different way when you actually go out and speak. Youโll get them along the way.
9) Donโt rely on instructions (only). Rely on yourself.
This is just my two cents. Iโve pieced this together trying to remember how Iโve learned what Iโve 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. Iโm happy to answer.
