How?
Intro
Many people before you and I have learned a language successfully. Based on what I've seen, there are many paths, but some things consistent with all are:
- Setting clear goals
- Tracking progress with benchmarks or goals
- Incorporating some form of language learning everyday for at least 15 minutes
Remember, consistency is key here. And for those of us who are super busy (I know I am!!) language learning is still possible. Start slow if you need to, it's your journey
Mindset
Accent worries
One reason I didn’t learn Malay for so long was because I was embarrassed when others pointed out my American accent. But when you think about it, an accent is really nothing to be ashamed about is it? If anything, it’s a marker of how hard you’ve worked to learn another language despite the obstacles. When I hear others speak with an accent, I don’t think less of them just because of it, and if you do, you should, frankly, check your bias. Additionally, people are too busy thinking about themselves to worry about your accent. Lastly, practice makes perfect. If you really want to perfect your accent, not practicing because you’re ashamed isn't going to help. Baby steps.
Growth mindset
Going into the last point, don’t let failure discourage you. You will make mistakes, you will mix up words and sounds. That’s fine. Embrace the growth mindset. You might not be fluent in your target language now, but with time, you can and you will.
Tools
- Notion/Google Sheets/Journal: something to help you track your progress, keep track of links etc. Notion can be daunting as a beginner however, so if you get stuck don’t feel you have to stick with it! You don’t need Notion to learn languages, it’s just a tool :)
- guides to Notion by Thomas Frank: Thomas Frank: Notion Tips
- Example of a language learning Notion template by Anna Lenkovska: her YT video (30m watch)
- CEFR Language Learning Benchmarks: the language learning benchmarks set by the CEFR or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages can be useful in setting goals and measuring your proficiency!
- Journal: for writing practice and/or keeping track of progress e.g noting down what you did today and how long you spent.
- The internet (since you’re seeing this, I assume this is a non-issue, but if your internet is spotty, several resources can be downloaded or printed for offline learning)
- Anki/Quizlet/Spreadsheet/your favorite flashcard app/physical flashcards: it’s helpful to make a personal flashcard/review sheet to help you review on the go. I prefer Anki because it makes use of spaced repetition (i.e. reviewing things periodically so you remember them longer). The PC version and the Android app are free, but for ios it’s $25.
How to Learn
Before we dive into resources, here are some things to keep in mind:
Each person is different and each person’s approach to language learning may differ from another person’s depending on many factors such as time, current ability, age, etc.
Before diving in, I suggest setting a 30-45 minute timer and picking 1-2 of the resources linked below and watching them all the way through.
After watching, reflect on what methods resonate with you and what you can incorporate into your life to meet your language goals.
Set your goals, make your plans. When will you learn everyday? How will you learn? Determine your bare minimum activity: what small activity can you do when you’re short on time/busy but still want to get some learning in? For me, it’s flashcards.
If a video takes you to another, let it (as long as you don’t end up stuck in a rabbit hole for several hours). While it’s important to research, it’s also important not to obsess over finding the perfect advice or perfect roadmap. You’re not going to find one. What matters here is getting started, you can always adjust as you go.
General language learning activities
- Journal in your target language!
- Change social media app languages to your target language!
- Find “speaking in [insert your target language] for 24 hours” videos
- Find translations/dubs/subs of your favorite media in your target language
- Think/speak to yourself in your target language - set a 15 minute timer and just chat with yourself, no one there to judge you! If you feel too awkward, imagine you are incredibly fluent and just have fun with it
- Do 5 minutes of flashcards everyday!
- Read simple stories over and over
- Listen to your target language often, even if you don’t understand as it will help you get used to the pronunciations
- Take advantage of Google Translate! - make sure to give Google Translate context, not just isolated words. You can also practice speaking into Google Translate to see if it understands you or not, and listen to the pronunciations
- Get a grammar book/resource to reference and learn more as you tackle more complicated sentences and to answer your own questions!
I secretly learned my mother's language - Jannah Hossein (8m)
Jannah took an immersion heavy approach, identifying her top words, listening to them every chance she got, and incorporating 30 minutes of speaking practice every day.
Zoe Languages YT channel
Makes content about how to learn Chinese, English, French, German, Arabic, Turkish, Persian as well as general content about how to set up effective language learning study plans, finding resources, etc.
How I learnt Norwegian on my own - Ilys
Motivated by wanting to move to Norway and learn Norwegian so well as if it were “a mother tongue," Ilys takes a natural approach, mirroring how children learn languages quickly.
- Listening a lot and often - doesn’t matter if you don’t understand yet, get used to the sounds
- Read over and over - kids often learn through stories
- Learn simple words- made a list of words she thought would be useful
- Write your own personal texts (e.g. journal or stories)
- Adapt your method as you get better
- Buy and read books - everyday, flip to a random page and see if you understand anything
- Listen to audiobooks while you read so you learn visually and by audio
- Use series and movies
- Make stories using the vocabulary you want to learn
- Learn sentences by heart to speak without needing to stop and think so you can focus more on accent
- Speak to yourself
To learn how she did it in more detail, watch her video!
Elysse Speaks
24yr old who taught herself 5+ languages. Makes many helpful videos about language learning such as how to speak with no accent and fun ways to learn.
Xiaomanyc
Yes, this is the guy that learns people’s language in 24 hours and surprises them with it, if you’re chronically online like me, you’ve probably seen at least one of his videos. See his method for learning languages in 24 hours below: