7 Bullet Points About Languages - Week 9
Hi everybody,
I hope your study of your language(s?) is still going strong!
Each week, I share 7 things that could be useful to your learning odyssey. I hope they can help you improve your journey, tickle your curiosity, and inspire you to keep exploring.
Let's dive right in!
One video: The Natural Language Learning Cycle & Why You Should Embrace It — By Robin MacPherson
In this video, Robin uses his experience with Mandarin as an example to talk about taking a step back in language-learning. He explains why taking a break isn't that bad if you're coming back to the language more motivated and ready to tackle your blindspots. I've had troubles with that in the past, but every time I did take a step back, my language skills rose to higher levels.
One article I read: Giving up on Language Learning — By Richard Simcott
In this piece, Richard also talks about taking a break. As one of the most prolific hyperpolyglots, seeing him talk about giving up languages is refreshing. Here, he discusses his own method regarding going back after a break. His is quite different from Robin and focuses on swiftly going through old materials before moving forward. This has proven to work well for me when I restarted Japanese after taking a break a few years ago.
One article I wrote: 3 Simple Methods to Overcome Your Fear of Speaking a New Language
In this article, I talk about 3 methods I've used in the past to overcome my struggles speaking a new language. I rely on preparing myself, alone, to increase my confidence before I get to start my first conversation. This has worked wonders for every language I've studied so far.
One podcast episode: How To Stop Procrastination And Be More Productive — 7 Good Minutes Podcast
This episode talks about something we've all struggled with at one point: procrastination. Here, they explain the reasons behind our procrastination are too much anxiety and low self-confidence. It makes sense to fall prey to these when we start a new language because everything seems new but the more you study, the more you'll realize it isn't that hard. That's why the easiest way to stop procrastinating is to start. Even for one single minute.
One tool to try: OneTab
This extension is amazing. I use it all the time when I finish a study session without being done with a particular website. After installing it on your navigator, you can right-click any page and send it to OneTab. Then, it will be closed but saved on the OneTab page. You can just click it when you start your next session to reopen it instantly. I find this convenient to keep things easily accessible without clogging my computer's memory.
One quote: "If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough." — Mario Andretti
One challenge for the week ahead: Find a song and translate its lyrics
This week, let's make use of music. Whatever language you chose to learn, there will be songs you can fall in love with. They may be hard to find but I can assure you, they exist. Find one, then search for the lyrics in the language on Google, and try to translate it all with the use of a dictionary (bonus points if you don't need one!). After you're done with that part, listen to it many more times and try to retranslate it on the spot, without help, next Sunday.
Last week's challenge was to dive into a topic. As I told you, I chose to learn more about Korean Buddhism (Seon). In doing that, I discovered a few nuances with Japanese Zen (such as the impossibility to get married or have a job for Korean monks compared to Japanese who can, or the fact they prostrate (a term I learned in English too!) more in Korea). I also found a relaxing and interesting YouTube channel about Seon, which will be great to interact with Korean on a regular basis. All in all, a very interesting topic this week!
Let me know how it went for you by sending me a mail at barra.mathias(at)gmail.com !
As always, thanks for reading!
Mathias Barra
For more of my articles, you can find them here.