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6 minute read
Struggling with learning a new language?
You must be wondering how polyglots learn languages?
Do they have some specific method or they are simply supernatural beings?
And if there is some method, how do they use it?
First of all, polyglots are just like us, and second, yes, they do have some methods that help them learn languages fast and easily.
There is not one, but many different methods that are useful in learning a second language (or third, fifth, or perhaps even the tenth).
Today we are going to find out and explain some of the learning methods polyglots use.
So, prepare yourself to take notes, because, after these tips, you might become a polyglot yourself. Let’s dive in.
How to Learn a New Language?
Besides the many benefits of learning a second language we all know very well, we need to have a concrete idea or a plan.
There are many ways you can learn a new language.
Some of the ways can be helpful for you, but useless for others, and it is pretty normal since we all are different.
Among many methods, you can pick one that suits you the most and use that specific way to learn a foreign language.
The methods that are proven to be the most effective to learn languages are:
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Speak from day one
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Translation from native to foreign language
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Reading and listening first
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Understanding the context
Speak From Day One
This method happens to be one of the most effective ones when it comes to the best way to learn a language. It was ‘made’ by famous polyglot Ben Lewis who named it ‘speak from day one.’
What does it mean to speak from day one?
It means that in learning a language, you have to focus on speaking, starting from day one.
In the beginning, you will learn only several words. And it won’t be hard to use them.
Over time, however, you will learn more and more words, and then phrases as well.
The point of effective learning is to use all those words, phrases, expressions all the time, as well as continue to improve your vocabulary by learning the new ones.
According to this method, the best way you can start speaking from your first day is to have in mind the following:
Prepare words and phrases to introduce yourself. Every conversation begins with introductions, so why not be prepared already?
Keep close the most frequently used words and phrases. If you forget a word, you can always take a pick and continue talking.
Don’t be discouraged if your grammar is not perfect, especially in the beginning. Speaking is the main thing, so, over time, grammar will shine, too.
Translation From Foreign to Native Language
This efficient method of learning languages was developed by Luca Lampariello, also a supernatural being, polyglot.
If you aren't a person who thinks it is useful to speak the language right away, but the other way around, perhaps you should try this method.
The point of this way of learning languages is to translate words and sentences from the target language to your native language. After you see improvement, you can translate vice versa.
How does this way can be helpful?
First of all, this way of learning a second language helps with your vocabulary.
By translating, you have to find the right words and phrases and use them. Therefore, you memorize them fast, and you start constructing sentences on your own in no time.
If you are a beginner, start translating easy sentences and some everyday topics so that you can memorize common words and phrases.
For advanced learners, it is recommended to translate from their native languages to the target ones. In the beginning, it may be challenging, but once you succeed, every next time will be better, easier, and you will realize how helpful this method actually is.
Reading And Listening
If you are the type of person who is wondering how to learn languages on their own with textbooks and podcasts, then you should consider learning languages with this method.
The goal of reading and listening as much as possible makes you learn new words and phrases, understand the context, and move to more challenging texts.
This method is developed by Steve Kaufmann, one more famous polyglot.
What is the point of reading and listening?
You can read whatever you want, or whatever you think is entertaining. Beginners should start with short, easy texts, something like baby and toddler books. When you progress, you can read more challenging books, texts, magazines, etc.
As for listening, many appealing ways can improve your listening skills, such as listening to the radio or podcasts.
Over time, when you start understanding what you are reading and listening, then you are ready to speak. Your brain is well-prepared with words and phrases so you can begin with any conversation.
Understanding The Context
Understanding the context is essential.
It means that you don’t have to know every single word to understand the context.
Slowly, you can understand more and more until you get to the point where you comprehend everything, not only the context in general.
Not rarely, many words or expressions can’t be understood from the context. If you, however, come to an obstacle, a word or phrase that you simply can’t understand in many different contexts, then ask for the meaning, or look up in the dictionary.
Different Ways, Same Goal
Even though these ways of learning a foreign language are completely different, all of them have something in common.
Besides the obvious goal of learning a language easily and quickly, these ways teach you to use the language actively.
As for the reading and listening part, it may seem, at first, that you learn the language passively. However, you understand how the language works, and the moment you start speaking, you already know the sentence structure, appropriate words, and how they should be used.
Final Thoughts
Now, you see that polyglot aren’t supernatural beings. They’re just like us.
The only difference between them and us is that polyglots are well aware of the advantages these methods give, so they are giving their best to apply them all the time.
Pick a method and start learning a language. It is up to you to choose the method you think is the right for you.
Don’t forget the essentials when learning a language:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
Try all these tips, and you’ll be proud of yourself when you become a polyglot. And every language you wish will be the easiest language to learn.
After all, do you know how many languages are there in the world?
They are all waiting for you, so start your journey to fluency now!
