ML9: Olly Richards on Building Your Vocabulary, Perfecting Your Accent and How To Learn Any Language
Jun 7, 2016
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Language learning expert Olly Richards shares his tips and tricks for learning a foreign language, including choosing the right materials, creating good habits, and finding effective methods. He emphasizes the importance of reading extensively and explores the concept of two modes of thinking. He also discusses the challenges and roadblocks of language learning and the importance of building a strong foundation through experience. Olly reflects on the intersection of music and languages and expresses dissatisfaction with exam-focused education.
Building a solid foundation in a new language is crucial, starting with a suitable textbook to establish vocabulary and grammar knowledge.
Prioritizing speaking practice enhances language skills, social understanding, and confidence.
Being kind to yourself during challenges and low motivation in language learning is essential, with breaks and engagement in language-related content being beneficial.
Deep dives
Importance of Building a Solid Foundation
When starting to learn a new language, it is crucial to focus on building a solid foundation. Instead of getting caught up in advanced strategies or language hacks, it is recommended to start by finding a textbook that suits your learning style and working through it. A textbook can provide you with the necessary vocabulary and grammar knowledge to establish a strong base in the language.
The Value of Speaking
To make progress in language learning, it is important to prioritize speaking practice. Building speaking habits, creating opportunities to use the language, and finding conversation exchange partners can greatly enhance your language skills. Speaking helps develop not only linguistic ability but also social and cultural understanding, allowing you to become more confident and comfortable in using the language.
Navigating the Low Points
Language learning can come with challenges and moments of low motivation. It is essential to be kind to yourself during these times and not beat yourself up. Taking a break, engaging with language-related content like music, movies, or TV shows, and giving your brain a rest can be beneficial. Recognizing that low points are part of the learning journey and not overthinking them is key to bouncing back.
Setting Effective Goals
While goals can be useful, setting sensible language learning goals requires knowledge and experience. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in the language and how you plan to reach those goals. For beginners, focusing on the foundational work of learning vocabulary and grammar through textbooks and immersive resources is recommended before setting specific goals.
Importance of Self-Determination in Language Learning
The speaker discusses the intrinsic nature of learning a language, comparing it to personal happiness and self-worth. They emphasize that language learning is an ongoing pursuit and not simply a goal-oriented task. They caution against setting unrealistic expectations and trying to learn a language too quickly, as it can lead to a loss of motivation and slower progress. The speaker also highlights the value of self-discipline and the ability to create one's own path in life, encouraging individuals to consider their talents and explore self-directed learning.
Challenges in Language Learning and Balancing Skills
In terms of language learning strategies, the speaker shares their approach to learning Cantonese. They prioritize regular speaking sessions and consider them fundamental to making progress. Vocabulary growth is a key focus, which they enhance through conversations with tutors. Additionally, the speaker recognizes the need to balance other language skills, such as listening, and plans to allocate more time for it in their schedule. They acknowledge the challenge of limited resources for certain languages and the decision to prioritize speaking over learning Chinese characters in Cantonese. This personalized approach highlights the importance of resourcefulness and adaptability in language learning.
Olly Richards is a language learning expert and entrepreneur, who speaks 8 languages (including French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Cantonese) and runs the blog and podcast I Will Teach You A Language.
There are a lot of myths about language learning - and while natural ability and upbringing definitely influence someone's ability, I believe that everyone is capable of learning a foreign language to a good standard.
Olly is a perfect example of someone who's developed his ability over time - he started learning languages when he was 19 and since then has managed to pick up eight, which should serve as a big inspiration to the rest of us.
In this episode you’ll learn Olly’s tips and tricks for language learning including:
- Choosing the right materials in the ocean of available options - Creating good language learning habits and managing your time - The most effective methods Olly uses and how to find the ones that work for you
Whether you’re a beginner picking up your first foreign language, or an expert with several already under your belt, you’ll leave with some great new insights and actionable strategies that you can apply straight away to your learning.
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