Ask Benny: When should I move on to the next language, if I want to be a polyglot?
Dec 18, 2023
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Benny Lewis, a language enthusiast and polyglot, shares insights on when to move on to a new language. He advises focusing on one language until reaching a B2 proficiency level to avoid interference and lack of focus. Taking breaks from languages once they're more advanced is also beneficial for fortifying linguistic skills. Learn about the advantages of concentrating on one language at a time and the resources available for newcomers aspiring to be polyglots.
Focusing on one language at a time until achieving a solid B2 level helps minimize interference and build a strong foundation.
Sequential language learning, mastering one language before moving on, ensures solid proficiency that can be easily refreshed.
Deep dives
Focus and momentum are key in language learning
The podcast emphasizes the importance of focusing on one language at a time to achieve fluency. Learning multiple languages simultaneously can lead to split attention and less momentum for each language. The host shares personal experiences of interference between languages when learning them concurrently. By focusing on one language until achieving at least a B2 level, learners can fortify their knowledge and minimize interference when starting a new language.
Sequential language learning yields better long-term results
The podcast advises learners to prioritize sequential language learning, where one language is mastered before moving on to the next. While some polyglots may pursue multiple languages simultaneously, this approach is seen as more suitable for experienced learners. Sequential learning ensures that language proficiency is solid and can be maintained even after taking a break. Languages learned up to a B2 level or higher can be easily refreshed, while lower level languages may require starting over. The podcast cautions that becoming a polyglot is a long-term project requiring commitment and strategic planning.
In this episode of the Language Hacking podcast, Benny Lewis tackles a question that language enthusiasts often ponder: When is the right time to move on to the next language in your polyglot journey? Benny dismisses the common notion that polyglots must juggle multiple languages simultaneously and introduces a compelling alternative—focusing on one language until achieving a solid B2 proficiency level.
Benny delves into the pitfalls of trying to learn several languages at once, including interference and lack of focus. Benny's advice is laced with personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of building a mental fortress around a language to prevent interference from others. He shares insights into the benefits of taking breaks from languages once they've reached a higher proficiency level, likening it to fortifying your linguistic skills.