How to Learn Any Language FAST

Intro

I didn't begin learning a second language until I turned 28. I am now 35 and I am proficient in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and Arabic. I have learned them all fairly well, but I want to make it clear that I am not unusually gifted. I have simply found an effective method for quickly learning languages that is free, simple, and surprisingly enjoyable. In this article, I aim to share this method with you. There is an overwhelming amount of misinformation about language learning, especially on YouTube. You may have come across videos with titles like "Learn a Language in Three Months," "Learn a Language in Two Weeks," or "Learn a Language While You're in the Bath." The truth is, these videos are not authentic; they are clickbait, plain and simple. I want to speak candidly about language learning because I believe that false expectations can be harmful. Real progress takes time. At the very least, it will probably take you at least six months to feel confident speaking a new language, especially if it is somewhat similar to a language you already know, like English to Spanish. If the language is more distant, such as English to Japanese, you should be prepared to dedicate at least two years of consistent study before you begin to feel comfortable expressing yourself in various situations. For what it's worth, that's how I define fluency: the ability to understand others and express yourself confidently in virtually any setting. So, how can you reach that level? Let's delve into it.

How can I learn the language?

The language learning process can be divided into three stages: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. If you are new to a language and have limited or no knowledge about it, you are considered to be at the beginner stage.

Beginner

Your objective is straightforward: you aim to grasp the fundamentals of understanding and articulating simple sentences. Defining what qualifies as a simple sentence is up to you. I will delve deeper into specific resources shortly, but it's crucial to understand that this approach is open-ended. Language is personal, and everyone expresses themselves differently. Only you know what you need to learn to achieve fluency. When something doesn't make sense, seek out the answer. The internet is abundant with free language tutorials for virtually every language. Now, let’s return to discussing the beginner stage. Initially, you'll want to use a structured guide to establish a foundation. This could be a textbook with an audio component, a website, or an educational YouTube series. Avoid apps like Duolingo, as they are overly simplistic and slow. Regardless of the resource you choose, ensure that you focus on listening and speaking extensively. While reading about a language aids comprehension, practicing using the language is essential. You can do this alone for now, and perfect pronunciation is not necessary. As you study, make sure to jot down useful vocabulary whenever you encounter it. This includes words or short phrases. However, type your notes instead of writing them by hand, as learning to write longhand is time-consuming and not particularly useful in my opinion. Typing, on the other hand, will be valuable at more advanced levels. Download the appropriate keyboard, install it, and start using it. In summary, as a beginner, you should: 1) find a good learning resource, 2) grasp the basics of constructing sentences, and 3) type your notes and review them regularly. It's essential to dedicate at least an hour every day to these tasks.

Intermediate

Once you're prepared, you can start integrating what I refer to as the walking technique into your study routine. This technique is the core of the entire system and will significantly enhance your skills regardless of your proficiency level. The concept is simple: locate high-quality listening material in your target language, such as a podcast or conversational YouTube videos. It's best to avoid audio books or news broadcasts and instead opt for an immersive series designed for language learners, which are available for various languages like German, Spanish, and Mandarin. Once you have found suitable listening material, follow these steps: - Step 1: Daily, listen to the program or video while walking outside, whether it's in your neighborhood or a park. - Step 2: As you listen and walk, quietly repeat any short phrases you understand, focusing on matching the speaker's pronunciation. Even if you initially comprehend only 10% of the content, continue the practice as it will improve over time. This exercise shares similarities with meditation, as staying relaxed aids in information retention and natural language adaptation. - Step 3: When you feel ready, begin identifying frequently heard words and phrases that you don't understand. Use Google Translate to learn their meanings, as it has improved significantly in recent years, especially for common vocabulary. While it may not be perfect, it can serve as a reference for further confirmation with a native speaker. With the walking technique in place, let's shift focus to achieving a more advanced level of fluency.

Advanced

To efficiently practice your target language, consider using websites like italki.com to pay a native speaker for Skype sessions. Alternatively, you can use free apps like Hellotalk for language exchanges with other students. If possible, practice in person with a native speaker, friend, family member, or paid tutor to progress even faster. Once you find a conversation partner, minimize the use of English to accelerate your learning. Embrace the discomfort of conversing in an unfamiliar language as it accelerates improvement, similar to challenging workouts. Making mistakes is beneficial, as corrections reduce the likelihood of repetition. Continuously experiment and push your limits to make significant progress.