I think a key distinction which is often lost is that there is a big difference between what the optimal language learning method is, and what works for you as an individual. A sub-optimal method may be perfect for any one person, if you find it enjoyable, or if it’s just something you can slip into your life. For example, I’m not a fan of the Pimsleur method for a variety of reasons, but it so happens I have a half hour walk to and from work every day, so a half hour Pimsleur class (repeated morning and evening) fits perfectly into that slot. I tried podcasts instead (which are probably better), but my language ability isn’t up to following them without a lot of concentration, so inevitably my mind drifts away. So Pimsleur works for me, for that slot. It’s not optimal but… its better than the alternatives.
Exactly, something is better than nothing. It’s why I haven’t beat myself up for not continuing certain methods, so long as I continue with other methods that I actually stick with every day
I would say learning grammar is the closest thing to language learning shortcut you can do because of you learn what makes something past tense future tense, positive/negative you're literally doubling your comprehension because you'll automatically recogonize different variations of the same word But I agree it's not something to focus on but the basic elementary grammar rules I think are worth learning early
I find it difficult to find a podcast at my level that isn't boring to me. Like, I don't care about listening to how Samantha decided to buy new shoes.
Totally. With a bit of searching there are quite a few options out there. I often just listen to the audio for TH-cam videos which gives you more options. It is more money each month but TH-cam Premium is totally with it for me because I listen to so much content through it (the free version means you just let the video play in your pocket which is fine but uses a lot more battery)
I totally agree with the comment above. Grateful that you have taken the time to share your experience and value. The rock-climbing metaphor sunk home for me. When contrasted against relying on apps, totally get it. Change my thinking, get real conversations going. Thanks so much. BlessUp 🙏
The production quality and the content made me believe you'd have at lesat 100k subscribers. You'll definitely get there! This is very good stuff for motivation and methods. Keep it up!
You are so right about reading! I am not a native speaker of inglés and, though I learned it in school and in the university, my English was, at best, dormant when I moved to the U.S. of A. back in 1995. Being a habitual reader, I kept my favorite pastime-just switched the language. You wouldn't believe what book I read first: "Jurassic Park"! I understood then, perhaps, barely 25-30% of the content, but was pushing ahead, trying to use a dictionary when I couldn't get some word's meaning by context. Of course, watching the movie a few years prior helped. Now I'm learning Spanish and I know I have to read to really learn. The problem is, what to read? It has to be something interesting enough to keep my interest. I've tried some short stories for beginners, but it's just boring. Recently I tried the first of the books about el capitán Alatriste, and it reminded me my reaction to the Crichton's story (though I feel like I understand quite a bit more). I'll see how it goes. After all, I bought the book, now I must read it. ;)
@@matt_brooks-green Progress report: I'm almost at 400 pages out of about 2000 of "Todo Alatriste" (that is, all the books about him under the same cover) by A. Perez-Reverte. And indeed it goes much better than "Jurassic Park." Of course, I miss a lot of minor details, but I can follow the story all right and even get the jokes. ;)
I love how damn British you are, Matt. 😆 I feel elevated just listening to you. As always, excellent video! Breaking everything down into manageable goals is the ONLY way to do large things like language learning. It really IS that simple. Motivation is huge (as you said). I’m almost at 1,200 hours in Dreaming Spanish. That’s a lot of time to do ANYTHING so ensuring you like whatever that thing is is critical (tough grammar there, sorry).
Hahaha! I'll wear some tweed and eat some crumpets for the next video. Small steps forward are still steps toward fluency. Also, I think there is value in enjoying content/ activities in and of themselves. It just so happens that eventually you'll pick up the language incidentally
I learned English mostly by consuming English content on the internet, not in school. I think my native languages (German and Danish) were helpful in learning English
@@Selena09426you weren't asking me, but my experience is similar. I started learning English in school in second grade (which means I was 9) and by the time I was about 12-13 I still couldn't even introduce myself. Age 12 I hyperfixate on a tv-show and accidentally pick up spanish watching it, realise that learning languages is actually not that horrible and impossible and start watching tv-shows in english when I'm 13. I'm pretty fluent by 15 (I know it because I remember when I started watching a specific show and I remember I wasn't confident watching it without subtitles but I didn't actually need them by then. I also had friends in fandoms and had no trouble communicating with them). So it took me about two years of having fun watching shows, youtube and reading fanfiction. I should mention though that I have adhd and my hyperfixations on shows or topics I would research on youtube in english played a huge role in this whole thing. As well as me not having any friends, I would literally only watch shows, youtube and read fanfiction in my free time, I would only ever talk to other fans which would happen in english too and I skipped a lot of school and almost never did my homework, so I had TIME. But two years is what it took me
imo technically gifted people like engineers and programmers benefit better from grammar learning, but then also applying it so it sticks, while other people learn best from immersion
I am against of the podcast to learn any languages because if you dont understand none you don't will progrese, is better read and then listen the podcast that you readed.
If you can find a podcast at the right level for you then you don't need to read anything. You're right though, if you don't understand anything whilst immersing you're not going to pick up the language. A complete beginner will need translations or visual cues so podcasts might not yet be accessible but you can build up your listening abilities when you listen a lot to stuff that is fairly easy for you. It's also easy to do throughout the day which is the key point
Depends what you mean by 'foreign'. For English speakers wanting language tips it shouldn't be too bad. If you click on the cog you can change the playback speed to slow it down. The custom speed at about .90 usually is enough for a lot of people. Could just be my accent...
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This guy needs way more recognition. His production quality and knowledge is really helpful!
That means so much. Really appreciate your support 🙏
I think a key distinction which is often lost is that there is a big difference between what the optimal language learning method is, and what works for you as an individual. A sub-optimal method may be perfect for any one person, if you find it enjoyable, or if it’s just something you can slip into your life. For example, I’m not a fan of the Pimsleur method for a variety of reasons, but it so happens I have a half hour walk to and from work every day, so a half hour Pimsleur class (repeated morning and evening) fits perfectly into that slot. I tried podcasts instead (which are probably better), but my language ability isn’t up to following them without a lot of concentration, so inevitably my mind drifts away. So Pimsleur works for me, for that slot. It’s not optimal but… its better than the alternatives.
Exactly, something is better than nothing. It’s why I haven’t beat myself up for not continuing certain methods, so long as I continue with other methods that I actually stick with every day
Totally. If it works for now it's worth doing. Any progress will unlock more interesting content over the long term
I would say learning grammar is the closest thing to language learning shortcut you can do because of you learn what makes something past tense future tense, positive/negative you're literally doubling your comprehension because you'll automatically recogonize different variations of the same word
But I agree it's not something to focus on but the basic elementary grammar rules I think are worth learning early
I really apprecite your comment. Cause felt I got my progres on this level now after Learning basic of grammar
I am a linguist and I love grammar (I read grammatical descriptions of languages I'm not learning for fun) but this is still decent advice.
I find it difficult to find a podcast at my level that isn't boring to me. Like, I don't care about listening to how Samantha decided to buy new shoes.
Totally. With a bit of searching there are quite a few options out there. I often just listen to the audio for TH-cam videos which gives you more options. It is more money each month but TH-cam Premium is totally with it for me because I listen to so much content through it (the free version means you just let the video play in your pocket which is fine but uses a lot more battery)
I totally agree with the comment above. Grateful that you have taken the time to share your experience and value. The rock-climbing metaphor sunk home for me. When contrasted against relying on apps, totally get it. Change my thinking, get real conversations going. Thanks so much. BlessUp 🙏
Cheers Tairi! Glad that worked for you! 🙏
The production quality and the content made me believe you'd have at lesat 100k subscribers. You'll definitely get there! This is very good stuff for motivation and methods. Keep it up!
Well thank you! I've got a long way to go but I'm so glad you found this helpful 🙏
You are so right about reading! I am not a native speaker of inglés and, though I learned it in school and in the university, my English was, at best, dormant when I moved to the U.S. of A. back in 1995. Being a habitual reader, I kept my favorite pastime-just switched the language. You wouldn't believe what book I read first: "Jurassic Park"! I understood then, perhaps, barely 25-30% of the content, but was pushing ahead, trying to use a dictionary when I couldn't get some word's meaning by context. Of course, watching the movie a few years prior helped. Now I'm learning Spanish and I know I have to read to really learn. The problem is, what to read? It has to be something interesting enough to keep my interest. I've tried some short stories for beginners, but it's just boring. Recently I tried the first of the books about el capitán Alatriste, and it reminded me my reaction to the Crichton's story (though I feel like I understand quite a bit more). I'll see how it goes. After all, I bought the book, now I must read it. ;)
Amazing. I read Jurassic Park too - the ending is nothing like the film! Read whatever you find entertaining and you'll stay consistent 👌
@@matt_brooks-green Progress report: I'm almost at 400 pages out of about 2000 of "Todo Alatriste" (that is, all the books about him under the same cover) by A. Perez-Reverte. And indeed it goes much better than "Jurassic Park." Of course, I miss a lot of minor details, but I can follow the story all right and even get the jokes. ;)
One of the BEST videos I've ever watched for language learning! Saving!!!
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
It takes a lot of time to learn a new language.
An excellent summary of my own approach.
Good tips. I like the way u explain it without 'pushing'
I love how damn British you are, Matt. 😆 I feel elevated just listening to you.
As always, excellent video! Breaking everything down into manageable goals is the ONLY way to do large things like language learning. It really IS that simple.
Motivation is huge (as you said). I’m almost at 1,200 hours in Dreaming Spanish. That’s a lot of time to do ANYTHING so ensuring you like whatever that thing is is critical (tough grammar there, sorry).
Hahaha! I'll wear some tweed and eat some crumpets for the next video.
Small steps forward are still steps toward fluency. Also, I think there is value in enjoying content/ activities in and of themselves. It just so happens that eventually you'll pick up the language incidentally
Your channel will explode up be patient your production is perfect
Thanks so much. Honestly, that's really nice of you to say. I put so much work into every video so when it's appreciated it means a lot
Brilliant video!! 👏
Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for great acvice.
You are truly an inspiration ... May Allah bless you 😊
I learned English mostly by consuming English content on the internet, not in school. I think my native languages (German and Danish) were helpful in learning English
I have an German accent I don't like my pronunciation
@@elias_johnBut at what age did you begin to learn English? (I mean by watching videos on the internet, etc.)
@@Selena09426you weren't asking me, but my experience is similar. I started learning English in school in second grade (which means I was 9) and by the time I was about 12-13 I still couldn't even introduce myself. Age 12 I hyperfixate on a tv-show and accidentally pick up spanish watching it, realise that learning languages is actually not that horrible and impossible and start watching tv-shows in english when I'm 13. I'm pretty fluent by 15 (I know it because I remember when I started watching a specific show and I remember I wasn't confident watching it without subtitles but I didn't actually need them by then. I also had friends in fandoms and had no trouble communicating with them). So it took me about two years of having fun watching shows, youtube and reading fanfiction. I should mention though that I have adhd and my hyperfixations on shows or topics I would research on youtube in english played a huge role in this whole thing. As well as me not having any friends, I would literally only watch shows, youtube and read fanfiction in my free time, I would only ever talk to other fans which would happen in english too and I skipped a lot of school and almost never did my homework, so I had TIME. But two years is what it took me
I need weekly videos now on Bjorn's climbing progress. 😆
Hahaha! I'll start a second channel: "Bjorn vs El Capitan" 🤣
Where are you speaking from sir? I like your accent ❤
I have an English accent 😄
What are those 5 tips in a nutshell?
1. make it a daily habit
2. take accountability
3. listen to the lang while doing something else
4. do extensive reading
5. make it sustainable
imo technically gifted people like engineers and programmers benefit better from grammar learning, but then also applying it so it sticks, while other people learn best from immersion
I am against of the podcast to learn any languages because if you dont understand none you don't will progrese, is better read and then listen the podcast that you readed.
If you can find a podcast at the right level for you then you don't need to read anything. You're right though, if you don't understand anything whilst immersing you're not going to pick up the language. A complete beginner will need translations or visual cues so podcasts might not yet be accessible but you can build up your listening abilities when you listen a lot to stuff that is fairly easy for you. It's also easy to do throughout the day which is the key point
You speak too quickly! Isn't it an educational video for foreign language learners?
Depends what you mean by 'foreign'. For English speakers wanting language tips it shouldn't be too bad. If you click on the cog you can change the playback speed to slow it down. The custom speed at about .90 usually is enough for a lot of people. Could just be my accent...