Luca Lampariello, speaker of 14 languages, discusses the challenges and motivations of learning a new language, a holistic approach to language learning, creating a learning plan, strategies for overcoming challenges, and the importance of showing up fully in language learning.
Language learning can help build connections and rapport with others, especially in multicultural environments.
Adopting effective language learning strategies, such as deliberate practice and prioritizing frequency and consistency, can accelerate progress in language fluency.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Learning a New Language
Learning a new language can be a self-improvement goal that often falls by the wayside due to lack of time and half-hearted efforts. However, there are various benefits to be gained from language learning, such as building connections with others, especially in multicultural environments. By speaking someone's native language, instant rapport and friendship can be established, leading to greater social connections and understanding. Moreover, language learning can be particularly valuable for individuals working as teachers or instructors, as it helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment for refugees and immigrants.
Effective Language Learning Strategies
Language learners often face challenges in their journey to fluency, such as struggling with tenses and feeling frustrated by slow progress. However, by adopting effective language learning strategies, progress can be accelerated. One such strategy is deliberate practice, which involves focused, purposeful engagement with the language, rather than mindless repetition. This can include listening and reading simultaneously, using bilingual texts to enhance comprehension, and simplifying sentences to improve communication. It's also important to prioritize frequency and consistency in language practice, creating a balanced approach that includes a strong emphasis on input (reading and listening), output (speaking and writing), and study activities (such as grammar drills) to ensure a well-rounded language learning experience.
The Value of Simplifying Language Learning
When it comes to language learning, it is crucial to focus on communication rather than perfection. The fear of making mistakes and sounding unintelligent often hinders learners' progress. By simplifying sentences and focusing on conveying meaning rather than using complex language structures, learners can overcome their fear, gain confidence, and effectively communicate with others. Taking inspiration from deliberate practice, learners can engage in conversations with native speakers, even if their language skills are limited, and gradually build their language proficiency. The goal is to create a positive and supportive environment where learners can feel comfortable expressing themselves and experiencing the joy of connecting with others through language.
Overcoming Language Learning Plateaus
Many language learners experience a plateau in their progress, where they feel stuck and unable to move forward. However, overcoming these plateaus is possible by reevaluating language learning strategies and incorporating new techniques. Often, learners reach a plateau when the initial excitement wears off and the challenge becomes more apparent. During such times, it's essential to reflect on the learning process, experiment with different approaches, and seek guidance from experienced language learners or tutors. By adjusting the balance between input, output, and study activities, learners can reignite their progress and continue their journey to fluency with renewed enthusiasm.
Niky just isn’t jibing with Spanish. She’s tried courses, podcasts, apps, and even private tutors in order to make a connection with Spanish speakers around Toronto, at her job, and while traveling. But years into her language-learning journey, she’s not even close to being fluent. On this episode of How To!, Carvell Wallace introduces Niky to Luca Lampariello. A speaker of 14 languages, Luca is a teacher and the founder of the Smart Language Learning Academy. He offers up tons of insight into why we learn the way we do, making what we learn actually stick, and how to have fun along the way.
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Podcast production by Derek John, Joel Meyer, Rosemary Belson, Kevin Bendis, and Jabari Butler.
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