Nowadays, there are many paid and free online and offline resources for learning foreign languages. But not every person is a real polyglot. A lot of people find it difficult to learn words and memorize grammar rules. And exists a belief, to be a polyglot - you must be born as a polyglot. But is it true?
A few years later, in Budapest, during one of the conferences, he was already fluent in Hungarian, one of the most difficult languages. He spoke 8 other languages that night, including Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and German – language that he had big trouble with at school.
Since then, he has learned 4 more languages and continues to
replenish his supply. What is his secret? Benny says that the secret is in the fact that it was
necessary to take a different approach to the process of learning languages.
In this article, you will find some useful advices. Using them will help you to improve your language skills and knowledge level in record time and, quite possible, to become a polyglot.
Many languages have words that have the same root, but they have differences in spelling. Everyone could understand such words as hélicoptère (French), porto, capitano (Italian), astronomía (Spanish) – even if you've never learned these languages.
Irish polyglot, Benny Lewis, shared his advice to learn
foreign languages quickly and effectively, to date he knows 12 languages and speaks them freely and confidently.
It all started when he moved to Spain, he took expensive Spanish language classes to learn the usual phrases and rules. The study was so complicated, he had to repeat the same words over and over. He's already had a failure learning German and Irish. And after half a year of studying he barely could ask a simple question: “How much?”, “Where is..?” etc.
A few years later, in Budapest, during one of the conferences, he was already fluent in Hungarian, one of the most difficult languages. He spoke 8 other languages that night, including Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and German – language that he had big trouble with at school.
In this article, you will find some useful advices. Using them will help you to improve your language skills and knowledge level in record time and, quite possible, to become a polyglot.
First tip: "Unicorn words"
When you start learning a new language, you already know some of its words (it’s not a joke!). For example:- English "Machine" and German "Maschine";
- English "Cigarette" and German "Zigarette";
- English "Lamp" and German "Lampe";
Many languages have words that have the same root, but they have differences in spelling. Everyone could understand such words as hélicoptère (French), porto, capitano (Italian), astronomía (Spanish) – even if you've never learned these languages.
Second tip: "Mnemotechnic or associations"
From time to time, when you memorize words and rules mechanically, like at school, it can be ineffective. A few hours later, you won’t remember the meaning and translation of the word. For this, exists a method of mnemotechnic. The point is to imagine a hilarious, funny or stupid situation/association with your word. You can come up with by yourself or use online resource – memrise.com
The most famous example with Spanish word caber
(translation: accommodate, fit in, fit, squeeze in).
caber — CAB
(taxi), bear — fit a
BEaR in a CAB (to fit a BEAR in a CAB).
This method will not take much time, as you might
think. The method is effective to
remember complicated phrases and words. In a short time, you will see the
result. The second example, that gives us Lewis: he tried to remember the French
word "gare" (translation: railway station, train station). He remembered cat
Garfield, huge and clumsy and came up with an association, as Garfield is
running at the station with a suitcase and trying to catch up on the departing
train.
And the last example, the Spanish word "playa" (translation: the
beach). To remember the word "playa" author imagined a playboy on the beach that
pesters the girls, and they slap him in the face.
Third tip: "Foreign language in everyday life"
Another popular reason, why people postpone the process of
learning foreign languages: they cannot afford to travel or speak to native speakers.
Ben says, "There's nothing in the air of another country that makes you
learn the language better.” He was able to learn Arabic while living in
Brazil.
To
learn a needed language, it’s enough to immerse yourself in virtual life. Use
Skype for talking to native speakers or different language platforms, where you
can find people to talk with. To hear the language all the time, its
recommended to download application TuneIn Radio
and listen to radio stations from all over the world.
To sum up the article, now exist a bunch of opportunities to
learn languages: movies, serials, tv shows in various translations with
subtitles, YouTube channels with helpful lessons. The main thing is to
concentrate on learning one language at the time and to practice from the very
beginning of the study. Set the final goal and understand your
motivation. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and be misinterpreted. Follow the
simple tips and soon you will see the result.
Questions:
- What methods do you use to learn languages? And what resources do you use?
- What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
- Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
Resources:
Comments
I usually use flashcards to learn foreign languages. They help me a lot in learning phrases and individual words. Learning through games or watching movies is also a very good method. Then I feel that I need this word very much. This is learning through play and definitely brings the best results.
2. What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
Pronunciation is the biggest problem for me. I often don't know how to say newly learned words. Fortunately, e.g. Google Translator or Diki helps to learn pronunciation. However, I realize that these two websites do not always speak correctly.
I also have a big problem with learning everyday vocabulary. I am not always sure if this is a special saying in this language or someone offends me.
3. Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I would like to learn Japanese. I think this language is very forward-looking. I would like to work in this country because I am very interested in technology and it seems to me that Japan is a technological pioneer.
1- What methods do you use to learn languages? And what resources do you use?
There is only one method which works for me well.
- Input
Starting consistenly on an online course like pimsleur, and while studying 1-2 hours per day. I watch movies or tv serials in that new language with subtitales.
- Output
When starting and udnerstand some sentences I use chat applications to find someone who speaks that language what I am learning. For instance, italki or interpals.
- Refinement
And as last step, I find a way to visit a country that speaks the language that I learn. That's always better to practice with local.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
Sometimes, it's being hard to understand the pronunciation while learning a new language, or if you are learning the language online it might be find the quality formatted sources..
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
Spanish. It's easy to learn and the forth biggest language is spoken in Earth.
I read books, watch movies and listen music in language i want to learn.
2.What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
I get fascinated at beggining but It is very easy for me to stop and just abondon learning process
3.Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
Probably Spanish as I would like to spend my life living in Canary Islands
To be honest, I never seriously studied languages myself, usually they were only lessons in schools. However, I spend a lot of time on the Internet, and here it's not difficult to find quick (often unplanned) language lessons. For example, we encounter English every day, this is the main language for communicating in games, in various chats, we see and hear it watching movies and series, etc. Usually, that's enough for me, and I feel very confident when it comes to writing in English (worse with speaking). So the source of my learning is especially the internet, now also conversations with foreign clients at work, and lessons throughout the entire process of my education.
2. What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
At first there are always grammar problems. This was my main obstacle, learning German (but only at the beginning, then it turned out that grammar in this language is the easiest issue). However, the biggest problem for me is the words themselves (in every language), the vocabulary, because I often know what I want to say and I know how to build this sentence grammatically correct, but I lack words. Specialist words are also a great difficulty (especially at work).
3. Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I would probably like to learn how to speak German fluently. It's extremely useful in Europe and who knows, maybe one day I would go to Germany. I learned German for many years, unfortunately it was only at school, but I still remember a lot of things. I understand most of the words spoken, I have no problems with grammar or writing. The vocabulary I miss is critical though. I think that if I started to learn German seriously and systematically on my own, I would quickly achieve satisfactory results.
I've used a lot of methods to learn a foreign language in my life. Among other things, I use flash cards, phone apps, listen to music, watch movies and TV series and read books in foreign languages.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
When learning a new language I have a problem with starting to use the appropriate grammar in my speeches. I say most of my speeches in the present time instead of adjusting the time to the context.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I don't want to learn any new language. I want to focus on improving the languages I have learned so far.
2. Live speaking and small vocabulary.
3. I want to speak Italian. It is beautiful and melodic.
For me the best method so far was reading articles and watching a lot of TV shows / films in English with English subtitles as well. Whenever i didn't understood some statement or word i would use a dictionary to find it meaning and write it down. After some years it turned out good for me. I was also using multiplayer games to practice my speaking skills.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
I think speaking is the most difficult part to learn for me at the beginning. You can learn grammar, reading and writing by yourself but you have more less chances to actually speak and practice it.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I'd like to learn German as it's one of the most popular language in Europe and whenever traveling somewhere in this parts it might turned out useful.
What methods do you use to learn languages? And what resources do you use?
I use standard methods, like everyone else. However, I would advice you not to rely heavily on one of the tips mentioned here -- encountering a word in a foreign language that is spelled and written exactly the same and assuming that the meaning is also the same. These are called false-friendly words. One of the examples might be polish czyhać (to desire), the exact same word can be encountered in Ukrainian, however, it means "To sneeze" there. In Polish it is kichać -- still close, but not the same. Another funny example is Ukrainian "Ruchany" -- "Moved".
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
I have a natural tendency for languages -- it is way easier for me to learn them than for an average person. Thus, I have never encountered any of the listed problems, with memorizing words, phrases and meanings.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
Probably one of the European ones, or Japanese.
Some time ago I changed my method, instead of learning vocabulary by heart and doing grammar, I learn languages by ear, listening to ready sentences and repeating them aloud. Of course, there is a very quick attempt to communicate in this language with others live.
2.What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
Learn the right vocabulary to start making simple sentences to be able to speak easily. It's very difficult, you think you know enough words to express yourself, later it turns out that this is not the case.
3.Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I'm just learning Spanish, which I care about the most at the moment. However, another language I think could be Russian.
2. I have a problem remembering new words.
3. French. I studied him in high school. It is a beautiful language, but it is not easy. Unfortunately, I'm not learning it at the moment and I think it's time to change it.
2. I usually don't have problems learning a new language. The only problem I have is correct pronunciation in a foreign language. But this is natural to me because I am a person with a hearing impairment and I just sometimes do not understand/hear something.
3. Another language I would like to learn is Japanese.
Personally I like to learn languages in different ways. For more informal version I like to listen to songs in that language, because the vocabulary used there is more common in everyday life and it can rarely be heard in classrooms. Although you have to be careful when it comes to grammatical structures in songs, for instance rap, where the grammar is usually not entirely correct. Watching movies and TV series with subtitles in the same language is useful too, for the same reason. I also like to visit the country where the language is spoken to hear how natives speak. It is especially great, because we normally learn languages from a person who speaks with a polish accent and if you want to sound more like a native speaker, you have to listen to them to adapt that skill. Of course it is a less affordable option, but school exchanges, the ERASMUS programme or just a holiday in that country is a great choice to learn a new language you are interested in.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
The biggest problem for me while learning a new language is the fear of making a mistake and being judged by others. Especially when talking to a native speaker is more stressful, because I presume they already expect me to be always correct and not make any mistakes along the way. They may also use vocabulary I’m unfamiliar with and won’t get their message. Also being ashamed of your accent doesn’t help with using the language in a conversation with another person. Moreover, not being sure if what we’re saying is what others are hearing and understanding. In my opinion speaking part is more problematic than writing using that language, because there is no time for excessive thinking and coming up with suitable words we may not remember.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
The next language I would like to learn is Italian. It sounds very beautifully and it has many variations depending on the region you are currently in. I already speak Spanish and these two languages have some similarities, so I think it would be easier for me to learn it. My sister also speaks Italian, so she could help me with that too. I also love travelling to Italy since it is a very vibrant and diverse country, so I would love to be able to communicate with Italians in their language, because it always makes them happy and more open. And not looking like a total tourist can be helpful. Knowing Italian comes in handy when being in a restaurant, because you can order your food and properly pronounce the names of the dishes without being embarrassed.
When it comes to learning languages, I usually just try to watch movies and TV series with subtitles in a given language. I also try to read books and articles, and when I come across a problem with understanding, I reach for a dictionary or website translators. However, I think that the greatest progress in learning the current language can be made by staying in a given country.
2. What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
I think that the biggest challenge in learning a foreign language can be loss of motivation or discouragement by the lack of desired results.
3. Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I think it would be great to learn the Japanese language, and even though I had the opportunity to learn this language, I have run out of the aforementioned motivation and time.Unfortunately time and tide wait for no man.
2. I think the biggest problem is the lack of continuity in the learning process. It is often the case that what I have learned is simply forgotten by not using the newly learned words.
3. I would love to learn Spanish because it seems very ear friendly. Maybe also because I also like to listen to Spanish songs.
2. The lack of motivation to continue or a bad teacher if starting in school.
3. I think I'm going to tackle my biggest challenge and try to learn russian.
Depends on the language. For instance, when I learn new vocabulary in English, I use Quizlet. That’s the most popular application for android that allows for the user to create their own set of vocabulary. User has access to other sets made by users from across the world.
2. What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
Lack of focus would be the most troublesome for me. I am just starting to daydream for some reason during learning, without any reason to be honest. When I learn Japanese Kanji which is a set of signs, sometimes it is hard to memorize those lines, but I don’t think that is some kind of problem. Every problem can be overcame.
3. Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I am trying to understand Japanese right now, I am on 3rd semester, still learning this amazing language.
It's hard to say which method is effective. I have always used mobile applications and watching movies gives a lot.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
2. GRAMMAR, probably in every language is the worst :(
3.Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I think Spanish, because it is an interesting language for me, the available argument is that it is
used in many countries. Well, the final argument wants to go to South America
In general, I would like to know a platform that would teach me a different language in an effective way.
2. Lack of full integration into the community whose language you want to learn.
3. I want to go back to learning German. Because so many languages you know, so many times you are a man.
Using language in real life, listening (for example in games or movies) or some phone apps.
2
In addition to remembering words, the most common problem is pronunciation. Sometimes I don't know how to pronounce a difficult word - luckily I can do it with the help of the internet.
3
I don't want to learn new language. I would like to polish my English to speak even more fluently.
I agree, that using flashcards is a good method to learn a new language. Also, playing while studying or watching films and TV shows make the learning process much more interesting and not boring. This becomes not just memorization, but fascinating time spent.
I wish you learn Japanese as soon as possible and without problems. But it seems to me that this is a very difficult language.
I think this method uses many other people. It seems very helpful and easy, the main thing is to practice daily and learn new words and phrases. Also, if you can’t visit another country, you can find a friend on Skype and chat with him.
You have a very cool goal to learn Spanish. It seems to me that this will help you in the future if you encounter problems in the process of studying.
I am sure that you will be able to learn the language. Moreover, you know basic rules and words. Benny also had problems, but he was able to learn the language to the level of a native speaker.
How many languages do you know and which ones?
Yes, the Italian language seems to me beautiful and melodic as well.
You gave a very interesting and funny example with "false-friendly words".
Yes, such a method is much simpler and more useful.
I really like how the French language sounds and I enjoy listening to French songs. But this language seems very complicated to me.
2. During learning English grammar was my biggest problem. And still it is. I think with new language would be the same problem.
3. I think Spanish. It's very intresting language. And I have some Spanish friends which I don't understand when they are talking in their language. Someday I would like to suprise them and show my spanish skills
It seems to me that one of the most effective ways to learn any language is practice. But it’s even better to live in an environment where people constantly speak this language. If this is not possible, then watch more videos and listen to music in a foreign language. The most important method is the awakening of desire. If you really want to speak Elvish, then you will speak it without having met a single elf in your whole life.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
I would say that the problem lies in the things that I described above. That is, elementary it may be the lack of practice and the presence of a conversational barrier. Sometimes it happens that people do not devote time and special attention to learning a language, but after a long stay in an environment where everyone speaks that language, a person begins to understand speech and eventually acquires communication skills. Not at such an excellent level, but can support a conversation with native speakers who surround it.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I would like to try to take the time to learn some oriental language, which is considered to be very difficult. It can be Chinese or Japanese. There would be a very good challenge. Anyway, it seems to me that this will positively affect the development of the brain. Intelligent upgrade.
2. In my opinion the biggest problem is pronunciation and phonemes that don't appear in any language known by me.
3. Probably Italian. I always liked the melodic sound. 🍕
I always say the same thing - there is no better way to learn a language than learning it passively when during something that we enjoy. For example while watching films or playing video games. Nothing has been so helpful to me during english learning as video games. You cant rely only on that but it makes it all much easier.
2. What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
It depends on the language because everyone has its own difficulties. For example when I was trying to learn japanese the whole idea of not using a typical alphabet was mindblowing for me. You use something to communicate all you life and suddenly it has no use. Sometimes the difficulties lay in an accent but I think that the most common problem with language fot me is the correct order of words in the sentence. Every language has its own.
3. Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I would love to learn french. It sounds so satisying. I guess it might be hard to learn it, but I would love to try someday. After passing some tests which approve my language skills I would reward myself and on a trip to France to test my language on a real battleground. I think that having a purpose in going to France is a reason as good as any other to learn new language.
The most useful method for me is to read and repeat. I also take small notes about words on the blackboard or walls. For example; As you write polish "lodówka" on the refrigerator while learning polish
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
There may be a problem when you don't know exactly how the word is pronounced.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
Spanish. I'm Turkish and they say it's easy for the Turks to learn Spanish. I think the use of the language was close.
It’s so cool that you don't have language learning problems.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
1) The best way for me to learn languages is practice and being familiar with particular culture. It's a lot easier if I have references to that language everyday in form of for example move, tv series or even songs. Learning from a book is not an option for me, because when I do that I often lack the insight and context. It's a long term process and only if I'm systematic and have contact with language on daily basis it's possible.
2) When I learn new language the biggest possible problem I may face is losing interest and slowly giving it up. For example I was quite happy with my results of 2 years of learning German, but then I stopped that process. In result I'm right now struggling while forming an easy sentence in that language.
3) Maybe not start but I wish I've not stopped learning German and I'm more than ready to come back to it. I've always admired that language and their culture. If I ever wanted to fly there, it would be more than recommended to speak their language.
English, as I obviously was on the zero level of Polish back then and we gradually started to introduce Polish to our conversations and it was very helpful for me.
It depends on the language, I guess. In Polish there are so many exceptions to the rules that some rules are just becoming meaningless! :)
I wanna learn Italian, Spanish and Swedish. First two just because they’re beautiful, I love how they sounds and I guess they won’t be very hard to learn. Swedish would be useful for my career.
2. The biggest problem for me is the fear of speaking to someone in a foreign language, even though I understand everything others tell me.
3. I'd like to learn Italian. It's a beautiful language. Perhaps it will be useful to me in the future, as I would like to live in Italy.
When I was to move to Poland for my Bachelors in 2015 studies I started playing “the Witcher 3” in its awesome Polish localization and it kind of helped.
2. Idioms and context related phrasing.
3. Hebrew, because I am related.
2. First problem which comes to my mind is luck of time. Second is gramma which sometimes is really hard to understand. But I think when we spend a lot of time on something we can learn everything and here we come to the first problem
3. I really want to learn spanish. For me it's sounds great. I visit this country very often and I want to learn this language. Also I heard it's easy to learn
1. Practise in speaking seems to be the best method to me. Grammar exercises are also highly important, just to be able to speak not only fluently, but also correctly. About resources, I don't really know about grammar. I've always been given those rather than trying to find them myself. Speaking on the other hand can be achieve through the contact with other people, online games is what helped me a lot in it.
2. Vocabulary definitely, the biggest struggle of I think anyone, whether the language is well-known or not, is lack of words.
3. Russian or spanish I think. Both sound pleasing to my ears and I'd like to speak one of them if not both in the future.
1. Firstly, I am trying to read and listen a lot in language which I am trying to learn. Mostly, I am listening the radio and watching news. Also I love to read some articles which are very intresting for me. To sum up, I think the most important thing is to be systematic and intrested in.
2. The most common problem for me is to be long-term intrested in learning. I like to solve the problems, but not in language. I like grammar, but not really learning new words, because I forget the ones which I dont use.
3. For now I am focused on improving my skills learning English and French. I love French culture and I like their language, so I prefer to know 2 languages better than 3 just a little.
To be honest, I am not good at learning languages, but I would say that my favorite methods are flashcards which I use for memorizing words and mobile apps like Duolingo. The second one is pretty cool as it has game elements like achievements, ratings, and remainders which motivates you for further learning and also lets you familiarize yourself with basic grammar, words and expressions.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
The problem is lack of motivation and forgetting previously remembered words after some days long breaks. Maybe I'll try to use technics that you described here. The mnemotechnic seems to be a genius idea.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I would like to learn German, because I think that in Germany are great perspectives for living and I could move there someday.
2. Most of my problems with new language are associated with grammar. I don't struggle to much with speaking, although my pronunciation may not be perfect.
3. I would love to learn Spanish. I've heard that this language is quite easy to learn compared to English and Polish and it's very popular around the world. I also really like the pronunciation.
2)In my experience, the only challenge which is hard to overcome is the seemingly low return from all the efforts put into studies at the beginning of a new language learning process. It requires a lot of discipline and dedication to overcome this first, and in my experience, the last real hurdle.
3) I'm currently interested in learning German. Not only German seems entertaining to learn, but it also objectively a very useful language.
I am not really a polyglot but my best method is to become fanatic about the language. Sett your phone to French (for example), listen to French music and watch your netflix on french.
What kind of problems do you face while learning a new language?
It is always complicated not to mix it up with those that I already know.
Which language do you want to learn next? And why?
I am okay with what I have. But I would like to perfect my French and Spanish one day.