What is the most effective way to learn a new language?

Vishal Patel
13 replies

Replies

Fabien Snauwaert
I could go on and on about this because I've learned Hungarian to an advanced level and got a decent level in four foreign languages. But here's my two cents: - You need to practice the result you want. If you want to be able to have a conversation, then practice speaking. - Grammar books are just a check-list of what you need to know. But learning happens through practice exclusively. - Regularity is everything. Do whatever you want, just as long as it's in the language. - Less is more. Learning a handful of useful sentences and using them will get you further than years of touching the surface on too many things. If you can set up an environment where you spend hours a day practicing your language and nothing else, you've got your work cut out for you. Is this a lot? Yes and no. A lot of people spend HOURS a day watching TV (or other nonsense.) Watching TV (or other nonsense) in a new language quickly becomes just as entertaining, except that months later you know a foreign language! Too tired to get into details. Launching yet another app to learn a language, soon, and the first one to learn something else than English.
Orkun Karagöz
I definitely can't say this is the most effective way but Johnny Harris has an amazing video about a video game map theory on language learning and I think it's a great watch. The main point of the video is, you don't have to learn the grammar and all the language rules, but learning for having a simple conversation can get you further. Adding the video link here if you want to watch: https://youtu.be/3i1lNJPY-4Q
Krishna Kumar
Samskrita Bharati, an organisation that teaches the sanskrit language has an interesting weeklong face-to-face course. Right from the very start, the instructor and the students can speak only in Sanskrit. I have attended this. By the end of the week, all of us were telling each other stories that we made up, in Sanskrit!
Joe Shaw
The best efficient way is language environment :D
Oleg Maisak
Most efficient and most expensive way — get into the language environment :)
Uday Patel
@olegmaisak intresting can you explain in detail.
Oleg Maisak
@uday_patel4 I mean, you have to live in a country that speaks the language you want to learn. A cheaper option is to surround yourself with text and video in the language you need. For example, watching TV shows in a language other than your own. But you need to have a lot of self-control in order not to jump off this path. I don’t have enough. That's why I'm writing this through a Google Translator, LOL :)
Mike Kennedy
I am launching my Chinese language learning app JinbuPal tomorrow. I've spent many hours learning about language acquisition research and I've also put these concepts into practice with success. As others have mentioned here, language immersion is the best approach, but I'd like to elaborate on that a bit more. If you are interested in learning more of the details and supporting research, I'd encourage anyone to read about Stephen Krashen and his Input Hypothesis. His theory and research revolves around the fact that languages are acquired, not learned, and that acquisition takes place over time by noticing words used in context in many different ways. As a result, he finds that language input (reading and listening) is the way we acquire languages compared with output (speaking and writing). Some popular very high level foreign language speakers have taken this to the extreme with fantastic results, immersing in authentic films and TV shows for 1-2 years before even spending much time speaking the language. This is an extreme example that I think most people would have trouble enduring through, but it serves to illustrate the effectiveness of the input hypothesis. In keeping with this, my Chinese app is designed with the intent of getting learners familiar with the most frequently used Chinese characters as fast as possible. This will get them to a level of up to 95% recognition of written text (on average). With this foundational knowledge under their belt, learners can quickly advance to seeking out native content aligned with their interests. We even have a Chrome extension that allows you to analyze native Chinese webpages with your account data to quickly determine what percentage of the Chinese characters you already recognize. Please check out JinbuPal tomorrow if you are interested in learning Chinese! https://www.producthunt.com/prod...
Uday Patel
@mkenny will check it out
Vishal Patel
Learning a new language can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The most effective way to learn a new language will vary depending on the individual, as everyone has their own unique learning style and preferences. However, some general strategies that have been shown to be effective include: Immersion: Surrounding yourself with the language by listening to native speakers, reading materials, and watching videos or TV shows in the target language. Practice: Consistently practicing speaking, writing, listening, and reading in the target language. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Variety: Mixing up your learning methods, such as using a mix of textbooks, apps, and tutors, to keep things interesting and engaging. Repetition: Repeating vocabulary and grammar structures to help them stick in your memory. Consistency: Regularly practicing the language, even if it's just for a few minutes a day, will help you retain what you've learned. Real-life context: Try to use the language in real-life situations, it could be by talking to native speakers, visiting a country where the language is spoken, or joining a language exchange program. Patience: Learning a new language takes time and effort, so it's important to be patient with yourself and not get discouraged if progress is slow. It's important to note that a combination of these methods is the most effective way to learn a new language, and that it's important to find what works for you and stick to it.
David Cagigas
language immersion