Chris Lonsdale gives a good TED talk on how to learn languages quickly and below is my summary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0yGdNEWdn0 5 principles of Rapid Language Acquisition
- Focus on language content that is relevant to you - information that helps survival, personal goals, business, etc.
- Use language as a tool to communicate
- When you first understand the message, you will unconsciously acquire the language
- Comprehension is key
- Physiological training (filters in brain to native languages, facial muscles must adapt to new sounds)
- Psycho-physiological state
- Will learn much better when happy, relaxed, curious
- Must learn to tolerate ambiguity
7 Actions to take for Rapid Language Acquisition
- Listen a lot - brain soaking
- Focus on getting the meaning FIRST (before you get the words)
- Body language, nonverbal cues
- Start Mixing
- Mix verbs, nouns, adverbs...incredible amounts of sentences can be made with few words
- Focus on the most common words
- Week 1 - use target language (what is this?...)
- Week 2 - pronouns, common verbs, adjectives (you, that, give, hot...)
- Week 3/4 - Glue words (although, but, therefore...)
- Get a Language Parent - creates a safe environment to practice
- Works to understand what you are saying
- Does not correct mistake
- Confirms understanding by using correct language
- Uses words the learner knows
- Copy the facial movements
- Direct Connect" to mental images
- Don't convert from mother tongue to new language, use memories and imagery to connect new path