The secrets of learning a new language | Lýdia Machová | TED

A passion for learning foreign languages drives the speaker to tackle a new language every two years, currently pursuing their eighth. This enthusiasm often prompts others to inquire about the secret behind such rapid progress in language acquisition. Despite initially attributing success solely to love for languages, curiosity leads them on a quest to understand what distinguishes polyglots from those struggling with fluency. To uncover these insights, they plan to attend global events where fellow language enthusiasts gather and share experiences.

Benny from Ireland emphasizes the importance of speaking from day one, learning phrases quickly and engaging with native speakers to improve through feedback. He embraces making numerous mistakes as a vital part of his language acquisition process, leveraging online platforms for conversations without needing extensive travel. Lucas from Brazil adopts an innovative approach by adding random Russian speakers on Skype and facilitating indirect conversations between them until he gains confidence in typing himself. Various polyglots share their unique strategies: some focus on imitating sounds, others prioritize mastering frequent vocabulary or studying grammar first.

Polyglots share a variety of unique approaches to language learning, yet they all achieve fluency. The common thread among them is the enjoyment found in the process. Their enthusiasm shines through as they discuss colorful grammar charts, handmade flashcards, and engaging with foreign recipes while cooking. Each polyglot tailors their methods to what brings them joy in learning languages.

Finding joy in language learning transforms it from a chore into an enjoyable activity. Engaging with beloved content, like reading favorite books or watching cherished shows in the target language, fosters understanding over time despite initial difficulties. Polyglots emphasize that enjoyment is essential but not sufficient for fluency; additional principles must be applied to achieve mastery.

To retain vocabulary long-term, effective methods are essential. Relying on short-term memorization leads to quick forgetting; instead, utilize spaced repetition techniques over several days for better retention. Tools like Anki and Memrise can facilitate this process, or you might prefer the Goldlist method in a notebook favored by many polyglots. For additional strategies and inspiration, explore resources from successful language learners on YouTube and other platforms.

Creating a structured learning system is essential for language acquisition amidst busy schedules. By integrating short, consistent practices into daily routines—like waking up 15 minutes earlier or listening to podcasts during commutes—you can effectively utilize time that might otherwise be wasted. Establishing specific plans, such as practicing speaking with a friend twice a week or watching educational videos at breakfast, ensures that language learning becomes an integral part of life rather than an additional task. Ultimately, patience is also crucial in the journey toward fluency.

Learning a language in two months is unrealistic, but significant improvement is achievable through daily practice and enjoyable methods. Personal success stories fuel motivation; moments of understanding lead to fluency over time. Polyglots thrive by systematically using effective techniques they enjoy, not because of innate talent. Many successful learners initially struggled with languages until they discovered personalized learning strategies that worked for them. If you've faced challenges in language learning before, reconsider your approach—an engaging method could unlock your potential.