834. The best way to learn a language according to research (Article)

Reading an article by Gavin Lamb (PhD) about the conclusions of academic studies into language learning, and adding my own reflections and comments. What does research tell us about the best way to learn a language? What are the most important things to consider? What are the best methods? The article boils it all down to three main points.

[ceciliarivera]

Hi Luke. I started learning English by myself when I was 30 years old. At the beginning, I studied grammar, and small readings. Latter, when the audiobooks came out, I started listening to them and I'm still doing it. I have been learning it for fun.
I speak Spanish and have learned portuguese. As in English, I have used the same method for learning Portuguese. Currently, I'm 71 years old, and I have been learning French for 3 years now. Since the arrival of the internet, the learning of a foreign language has became easier because I can use all the resources such as postscast, like yours which are very interesting, and I appreciate them a lot. Also audiobooks, music, news reports, among many others.
In my opinion and according to my experience, I can say that listening and repeating have played an important part in my learning of the foreign languages. Currently, I enjoy reading English, Portuguese, Spanish and French literatura. I believe there's no age to learn.

[FrankKimono]

I learn whole sentences saying them aloud. 5 days - 300 repetitions per day at least. Later I don't need to translate. I know the meaning of words straight away like in my native language. And also I remember the meaning longer than by learning separate words. This method is called: chunking. It was a real game changer in my learning process and communication skills in English and other languages.😊

[jubayerahmed]

Luke's English podcast deserve more than 1M subscriber. I always recommend Luke's English podcast to my friends who wants to learn English.

[Hanif]

In my opinion, listening to Luke's English Podcast and applying his valuable advice to improve your English proficiency is one of the most effective ways to language learning.

[관찰은나의힘]

I.m 58years old south korean.
I stoped learning English 30years ago. But l always had have wish to learning English.
I luckily met your podcast two weeks ago.
And then i have enjojed listening to your podcast day and night.
It.s likely to meet God to me.
Thank you so much.^^

[summatim]

Summary was generated by Summatim, let us know if there are any inaccuracies! 🤖

0:01: Introduction to the episode
0:49: Importance of finding a method that works for you
2:24: Introduction to the article
5:36: Steve Kaufman's approach to language learning
6:08: Different methods that work for different people
8:36: Introduction to the article on the best way to learn a language
9:05: Discussion questions on language learning
10:08: Differences between first and second language learning
9:09: Having a knack for learning languages
14:32: Some people are naturally good at learning languages
15:36: Motivation and attitude play a role in language learning
18:00: Age can affect language learning
19:14: Learning styles can impact language learning
21:53: Conscious attention and immersion in language learning
25:08: First language influences second language learning
28:57: Effective language learning strategies
29:31: Definition of everyday language learner
31:28: Adapting English for different situations
30:59: Using English effectively
32:21: Using English in different places
32:38: Using English for different actions
33:03: Challenges in second language acquisition research
34:14: Practical insights from SLA research
40:16: Definition of language learning strategy
38:27: Concrete strategies for language learning
42:38: Three-point approach for effective language learning
44:00: Learning the language in context
46:38: Language learning should be done in context
48:58: Language learning should involve using the language for specific purposes
52:27: Language learning should involve face-to-face interaction
56:42: Daily practice and self-research are important in language learning
58:35: Setting realistic language learning goals
1:01:24: Importance of adapting English for different situations
1:05:01: Finding a method that works for you
1:08:18: Developing intuition and experimenting
1:10:30: Language learning is complex
1:13:00: Expanding perspective and understanding diversity
1:13:40: Maintaining sensitivity to insights and intuitions
1:16:25: Experimenting with different methods of practicing
1:16:37: Asking for feedback
1:16:56: Promoting the podcast
1:17:56: Premium episodes
1:18:14: Becoming a stakeholder
1:16:52: Closing remarks

[kikiww]

The way I study English is comprehensible input, find the favorite topics in YouTube and keep watch it for 1 hour everyday, then I would talk to my self in English to draw a conclusion of the contents of video. I can totally understand the contents of Luke's English Podcast, though my English is not good enough. 🥲Thank you so much Luke and I hope I could see more videos about language learning.

[claudio]

Your Podcast make me happy. Im 80 live in Thailand all my friends coming from english spoken countries . When we meet us the discussion is very exhaustive they speaking so tough. Sometimes i have the impression i don't have any knowledge of English. Now i watch your Podcast and I'm Abel to follow the stories almost 100 % that give me the motivation to continue. THANK YOU

[juliasavos]

I remember being 'greedy' in my language learning journey. There was always not enough for me, I was looking for more ways and resources to help me to be better at English. I remember reading fiction books in English and looking for someone I could talk to. There were no apps at the time like today where you could easily find English speaking friends but I did find a website and it was so incredibly interesting to chat with people around the world. So, the most important thing in your learning is that what you do must be something you can hook on, so this way it's easier to turn anything into a regular habit.

[muro_]

i speak intermediate turkish, intermediate english and advanced german. i enjoy learning languages. that is not an agony for me. i listened to many of your podcasts now. you are a true language expert luke! the way how you teach is impressive. the way how you play with words and sentences. the way how you read stories and how you put vocabulary under the microscope is also very skilful. i am preparing for the C1 cambridge certificate since three weeks. this channel is a massive support for reaching this goal. 😎

[dawa]

So many good English Teacher on line, thank you for everything you do.

[中島蓮-kz]

Hello Luke, Thank you for the great podcast.
It helps me a lot improve my English especially for my listening skill.
In my opinion, finding the best way to learn is extremely difficult.
However, immersion myself in English through podcasts will be a quite good way to learn English.
Everyone, go for it!! We can make it!!
Thanks from Japan :D

[jean-louismorgenthaler]

Very interesting. I would add one more skill to the usual four that are: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The fifth skill, to my opinion, is thinking. When you have trained your brain to work according to a 2L vocabulary, grammar and proper wording/phrasing, you can express yourself. Expressing oneself is basically "speaking out". What can one speak out if there is nothing in? So to me, learning a language is an ongoing process of building another inner world through - that sounds absolutely right - interaction with other people, their feelings, opinions, interests and knowledge. When you speak a second language, you don't just change your old clothes for new ones, I mean you don't put new words on the same ideas you're made of. New words are the very threads your new ideas are woven into. They are the new way you see a new world while becoming a new person, while adding new perspective to your entire worldview.

[elenad]

I've end up being among those the blessed who have a knack for learning a language. I finished school with a poor A2 level and returned back to studying almost at 40. Being passionate about this global language, I've managed to successfully complete courses B1, B2 and confirmed the level by IELTS EXAM. Of course, age matters, memory doesn't work like it used to work in my 20 s, yet learning new things are immensely rewarding. Owing to knowing English I've altered my career dramatically and become a teacher of English, possessing freedom of working from home and being in a high demand. Good luck with everyone's language journey. Greetings from Ukraine. 💙💛

[yukunLi-selg]

Luke's English podcast is my favorite. When I listen to him, just like facing an old friend. In this episode, when he took "meditation bell" as an example, I smiled from my heart, because I am a meditator and always slightly hit that sort of bell at the end of each session

[kenntyovanny]

I think that the influence of our native language over the L2 language is due to our encyclopedical knowledge, and it helps us to compare and recognise the meaning of the words about the foreign language we are learning because we have already got an idea about the world.

[tatiana]

Hello! Thanks for this new episode, Luke! Your personal view on the best way of learning a language absolutely resonates with my idea on this issue. I guess there is no universal method everyone can apply in order to become fluent in L2. I mean, of course, any regular language practice is helpful in language learning. The thing is we can't practise regularly for a long time(and language learning is a lifelong journey) if we are not enjoying the process that's why every learner should work out their own approach to learning which will appeal to them.

[Aloy]

Hi Luke. I started learning English 5 months ago and i only start understanding native speakers like you but i really like your pronunciation. It helps me to improve my listening skills. Thank you and i wish you all the best.

P. S. The best way to learn English it starts learning. Becouse a lots of people ask how to learn English but don't begin learning.

[Caparzo_]

The best way to learn English is with you, you're the best teacher ever.

[MingYuxiao-wi]

The approach now I am using involves shadowing the whole episode (sometime just half of it), for those which I personally find intrigue me the most (for example the conversation with Amber and Paul, or when Luck talks on his own). I would shadow it first without any subtitles, in this way, some words could be pronounced without knowing the meaning, but I would guess and feel it in context and infer the possible meaning by looking at their facial expressions and so on. After this, I would go back and turn on the subtitle, looking up the words that I have noticed, then check the meaning IN ENGLISH rather than in my first language. I find this is extremely help for me as it allows me to try my best to keep up the normal native speaker's talking speed and get a sense of how they connect words together in sentences.