The only video about 'language-learning' you will ever need

This is a full explanation of how to start or improve a language. My philosophy is not new. There are heaps of videos about the topic "language acquisition" and "comprehensible input". However, I decided to pour in some of my own knowledge and my experiences, which I have not seen so far in other videos.

My main channel: Thomas Korell

stock videos from:

📸 Equipment:
Sony a7c II
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD E-mount

Editing software: Davinci Resolve

⏱️timecode:
0:00 Intro
0:35 language acquisition
2:06 Input & Output
2:58 trust the process
4:34 translation vs meaning
5:15 just exposure is not enough
6:18 How to start from scratch
6:32 1. How to learn X
7:34 2. Pronunciation (new tongue movements)
9:13 3. Most frequent words
10:04 mnemonics for vocabulary
11:34 get the input
15:03 the best tip
17:12 YouTube - your best friend
17:40 the problem of apps/books
19:51 HelloTalk
20:22 Don't learn from natives
21:12 the "bridge"
22:58 1. stop translating
25:43 2. Its all about confidence
26:20 3. learn in context
27:07 4. learn patterns
27:39 1. SRS
28:41 2. Speaking practice
29:55 summary

[berniemae]

1. Watch YouTube videos on how to learn target language
Search how to learn X on YouTube on watch videos so you can at least be familiar with the concepts you must know to be fluent in that language.

2. Start prononciation practice immersion
Learn alphabet of language, and learn the tongue and mouth movements. don’t go in pronouncing words of target language in native language (that sets you up for an accent).

3. Learn the first 300-500 words sorted by frequency (the most commonly used words)
Do not just memorize by reading, instead use visualization and mnemonics. (Example: agitāre means to stir in Latin, sounds like guitar, so picture stirring soup with a guitar. Another one: ita means so, and he remembers this by the sentence so you cook ITAlien

4. Consume content in target language (input) along with grammar points
Actively and consciously listen, watch, or read pieces of media in your target language, this way you will hear words over and over and eventually you will catch on. Search up words you don’t know, repeat phrases you hear to get as close to speaker’s pronunciation as possible, and most importantly listen or read anywhere in any position you like. Consume media based on your language level. If you are beginning, you can search 1000 basic target language sentences and listen to those videos multiple times, then go on to advanced and short etories. Look at the literal translations of these sentences to understand grammar concepts of your language.
For grammar points, you can search up “A1 target language grammar requirements”. Relate words you have learned to real life situations so it will stick more.

5. Practice reducing the time you need to comprehend and process sentences you hear, and also reducing the time you need to speak what you intend to say.
With fluency, you can simply comprehend a sentence in your target language without thinking about it and speak in your target language without thinking about it. Have a bridge between what you hear and what you understand, and what you intend to say and what you put into words.

6. After having learned the language for a few months, stop translating. Every language has a different logical and grammatical structure, so translating will not benefit. Become familiar with idioms and figurative phrases.

7. Be confident. Speak, even with the knowledge that you may make mistakes.

8. Learn in context. Don’t learn isolated words, but instead entire sentences and sentence patterns. (Ex. Not only.. or although…)

9. Speaking practice: you can do something as simple as talking to a camera for 10-15 minutes. With this, you can bridge the gap between saying what you intend to say and speaking.

Summary:
1. Language acquisition = sponge
2. No shortcuts, it takes time
3. Habit for consistency
4. Listen and observe (so mimic like your a baby)
5. Passive learning

[ameliasteynberg]

There's nothing annoying about an accent! It's what makes you unique, and it's a symbol of your journey as a student of language.

[stefanhansen]

Research tells us that it's a myth that adults learn languages at a slower pace. Actually adults learn faster. Children acquire a language in a shorter span of time due to the enormous number of hours they engage with the language. IF an adult engaged with a language as much they would learn faster. Research also tells us that just being immersed with a language works, but that it's not the most efficient way.

[Azkahamm]

One thing that has helped me stay encouraged is I don’t say I’m “learning” Spanish but that Spanish IS my second language, even though I’m nowhere near fluent. Yet.

[e-genieclimatique]

in bireif: The video covers a comprehensive approach to language learning.
1. **Natural Language Acquisition**: Emphasizes learning languages naturally, like a child, through exposure and immersion rather than through traditional study methods.

2. **Input and Output**: Stresses the importance of both consuming the language (input) and using it (output). Recommends starting with slow, easy sentences and gradually increasing complexity.

3. **Understanding Over Translation**: Advises learning the meaning and use of words in context, rather than direct translation.

4. **Starting from Scratch**: Suggests beginning language learning by watching YouTube videos about the language to familiarize oneself with basic concepts and technical terms.

5. **Pronunciation and Vocabulary**: Highlights the importance of correct pronunciation and learning the most frequent words in the target language using mnemonics.

6. **Content Consumption**: Recommends consuming content in the target language, starting with simple sentences and progressing to more complex material. For advanced learners, watching TV shows and movies in the target language is suggested.

7. **Active Engagement**: Encourages actively questioning the language and accepting corrections to improve.

8. **Real-Life Application**: Stresses the importance of applying language skills in real-life situations and learning from native speakers.

9. **Building Confidence**: Points out that confidence is key in language learning. Encourages speaking and making mistakes as part of the learning process.

10. **Learning Patterns and Context**: Advises learning sentence patterns and understanding the context in which words are used.

11. **Tools and Techniques**: Recommends using spaced repetition software for vocabulary, engaging in speaking practice, and writing in a diary in the target language.

12. **Consistency and Habit**: Emphasizes the importance of making language learning a daily habit and not getting discouraged by initial difficulties.

13. **Final Thoughts**: Concludes that there are no shortcuts to language fluency and that consistent effort and relaxed, stress-free learning are crucial.

The video provides a holistic view of language learning, combining practical tips with a focus on natural acquisition and the importance of understanding context and culture.gpt4

[Prince_Gordon]

Maybe babies would start speaking sooner if they’d actually do some studying instead of laying around crying all day!

[denzelnatha]

I learned english by pure exposure, watching yt content of things I liked with subtitles so I could translate if I didn't understand something. It took almost 4 years, I don't have perfect grammar or vocabulary but I can definitely communicate and understand in english well

[wallysonguimaraes]

3:20 I agree 100%, I see language learning as running a marathon, it's a "simple" (but not easy) task, but it takes time so you need to believe in the process and have patience, the hardest part is not giving up.

[shamicentertainment]

to anyone learning german, theres a podcast called The Slow German Podcast for Beginners A1-B1. Has nearly 100 clips of him speaking slow german about a wide range of topics. Only just started german again recently but I can vaguely make out what he is saying based on the limited vocab I already have.Then at the end he has the english translation of some of the words he used a lot within that episode. Very good podcast, definitely takes me quite a bit of concentration to understand

Edit : although in hindsight I’d probably start off full speed. it was still helpful, but I think it’s important to move to quicker speaking as fast as you can because no one ever speaks slowly like that in real life. Easy German I'd definitely recommend because they have heaps of videos and also a podcast

[Maki-]

Yes! My first French teacher said that when we were babies, our parents didn’t sit us down with a textbook to learn English! I watched Korean movies for years with no desire to even learn the language, but I picked up many words and intonations, which made it easier decades later when I actually wanted to learn Korean!

[lilahnunez]

Literally, context is everything. I was at my class, and my teacher said a slang word in Spanish. I could kind of understand from the context, and I just started using it now. It's a part of my vocabulary now. The word is Neta.

[giacomogalli]

10:04 The best way to make sure new vocabulary isn't forgotten is first and foremost to learn words within sentences that have meaning

This way the word has attachment points over an entire sentence, it has context to support it

[draconismagnus]

I can hear your Australian accent, it's almost like native... but then sometimes hear your German accent. Great advice in this video. I want to go back and continue learning Japanese.

[andreasstavrinides]

I've watched a lot of videos about learning languages. This is the best single video I've seen. Well done! Really excellent insights.

[егорлысенко-зх]

listening to all your thoughts and ideas of how to learn a new language and all of a sudden hearing "надоел" is somthing that touched my heart

[DioJeans]

It’s so funny because I thought the bird was part of the dubbed in background noise so it was surprising when you told it to shut up 😂

[daniilastapenko]

This is one of the best videos about learning foreign languages! Love that you have concrete points, tips and recommendations. This video really inspires, thank you!

[maxhatush]

“Cheeky” simply means impudent but in a non-serious way. This is the literal definition btw not just how it is used in real life. I don’t know who told you that it was a serious word with a negative connotation, because in reality it almost never is. Of course it depends on the context as well.

[tedcrowley]

BEST foreign-language-learning video I've seen. And I've seen many. I've studied 5 languages, and am intermediate in 3 of them, but I still took notes and will use some of your ideas. Thank you!. 谢谢你这个很好的视频。

[KandiKapricorn]

Such a good point about not translating one language directly to another. That gets me more than anything it seems.