Is There a LAZY Way to Learn a Language?

CC subtitles available in multiple languages.

Lazy language learning has been a hot topic lately. In this video, Steve explains why he considers lazy learning to be the best approach to learning a language, even if some researchers say otherwise.

⏲️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 I'm a lazy language learner
0:18 What is lazy language learning?
0:42 Arguments AGAINST lazy learning
2:40 Lazy learning and Vygotsky's scaffolding
3:19 Lazy learning and motivation
3:52 Lazy learning and retrieval
4:52 How to be a lazy learner

📺 WATCH NEXT:

🎙️ LISTEN TO MY PODCAST:

💡 LEARN MORE:

✅ FOLLOW ME:

CREDITS:

[Thelinguist]

❓Do you consider yourself a lazy learner? Tell me in the comments!

[solange.moraes]

The truth is that, as an English teacher for Brazilian students for 13 years, you realize that it is really boring, tiring and ineffective teaching grammar and following the textbook. I'm more and more convinced that the best way to learn a language is by being exposed to the language, by listening to authentic material and learning the vocabulary of that specific material. The patterns of the language, which we can call grammar, we'll learn naturally by being exposed to them a lot. Thanks for your videos!

[TWolf]

I agree 100%! When I first started learning Dutch, I used textbooks, and formal grammar lessons, and took online tests to see my level, etc., etc. Now I don't do any of that. I watch tons of Dutch TV shows and movies and read books in Dutch and read stuff online. I really enjoy all of it and my Dutch is improving all of the time. Lazy language learning is for me. I do meet with a native tutor once every week or two online to chat both in English and Dutch. She will let me know if I'm improving or not. I don't need tests.

[nickcox]

That’s a great tip about importing lesson audio into LingQ. A “top 10 non-obvious tricks” or “5 real world language workflows” for LingQ would be amazing.

[e-genieclimatique]

in brief:
The video titled discusses the concept of "lazy language learning."
1. **Steve's Approach to Language Learning**: Steve describes himself as a "lazy language learner, " avoiding traditional methods like tests, flashcards, classes, and the International Phonetic Alphabet. He prefers studying independently, fluctuating between difficult and easy content based on his interest and motivation.

2. **Arguments Against Lazy Learning**: He acknowledges arguments against lazy learning from books like "Outsmarting Our Brains" by Dan Willingham and "Make It Stick." These sources suggest that deliberate, structured learning and retrieval practice are effective for memory retention. However, Steve argues that this approach might not be suitable for everyone, especially in a classroom setting where individual student needs vary.

3. **Advantages of Lazy Learning in Language Acquisition**: Steve emphasizes the importance of using interesting content to learn a language. He argues that the goal is not to retain specific information but to improve language skills through engaging material. This approach aligns with the concept of staying within one's "zone of proximal knowledge, " where learners engage with content that is challenging but manageable.

4. **Motivation and Personalized Learning**: A key advantage of lazy learning is maintaining motivation. Steve argues that even if certain practices like retrieval and grammar study are theoretically beneficial, they can be counterproductive if they demotivate the learner.

5. **Natural Retrieval through Diverse Input**: Steve suggests that listening and reading a variety of materials naturally involve retrieval practice. This input-based learning allows learners to encounter words at different stages of acquisition, aiding in memory retention without the need for structured retrieval exercises.

6. **Curiosity and Effortless Learning**: He stresses the importance of curiosity about the language and culture. A relaxed, effortless approach, inspired by Zen philosophy, can be effective in language learning.

7. **Modern Resources for Lazy Learning**: Steve highlights the abundance of resources available for language learners today, such as YouTube, podcasts, and tools like LingQ that facilitate learning. He describes how learners can wander through different materials, enhancing their language skills in a flexible, enjoyable manner.

8. **Conclusion and Previous Discussions**: The video concludes with Steve reiterating his support for lazy language learning and providing links to his previous videos on the topic.

Overall, the video advocates for a more relaxed, interest-driven approach to language learning, emphasizing the importance of motivation, personal interest, and the natural process of learning through diverse and engaging content.

[RM-jbbv]

I’m also a ‘lazy’ learner. I put in lots of time reading, listening and watching content that I like. It keeps me compliant. It does take some brute force in the beginning to get to that of phase. But the beginner stages are possible bc the language is new and interesting / honeymoon phase.

Having said that, I’m sure I would make faster and better progress by being more active in the learning process eg making flash cards, doing grammar drills to nail down difficult concepts etc

[cesarchiarelli]

In fact deliberately study feels so boring, hard and ineffective for me.

I much rather just expose myself to a bunch of English content in order to my brain do it’s work.

Learning is an absolutely subconscious thing.

Thanks for all your advices, Steve. I’ve been studying English for about 3 years and it’s very fulfilling the fact that I can read and understand almost 99% of everything I come across and I keep learning.

Shout out from Brazil.

[morrisalanisette]

lately i really like relistening to audio on lingq like 50 times, sometimes i do is passively. what sticks in my head are phrases. i think remembering phrases is better than learning words. Because a phrase contains much more information and yet it requires the same amount of memory to store it

[Speechbound]

Steve, this year I took your advice to heart and started applying a more "lazy attitude" to my language learning by consuming more input, rather than always focusing on structured learning material. I made a ton of progress studying Chinese and that makes me incredibly happy!
I'm a Vancouver based language lover, also running a Youtube channel, I would love to connect and see if we could meet up for a coffee to chat one day! All the best!

[Carol]

As always Steve you inspire me, learning a language is exciting with all the different methods and podcasts available. I for one freak out at exams, go blank and can’t recall. Thank you so much for your amazing videos🎉

[TeaTexas]

I didn’t start “learning” a language until I found you. I love this way of learning.

[sanetersoy]

Am I the only one who loves vocabulary lists and learning new words deliberately?

[SilvanaPersan]

Happy to see Ruben Alves here ❤ He taught that some schools are cages and some schools are wings. In my opinion, the learning experience is a constant fly on wings.

[windworldwidespread]

I’ve just started learning Japanese, and I think this lazy “intuitive” approach makes it so much fun.

I’ve found some videos of Japanese people on the streets being asked questions and listening to them repeatedly, and occasionally skimming a grammar book.

Each time I listen, the talking seems slower and I pick up a little more than before. I’ve been able to absorb so many of the constructs and important vocabulary than when I was actively testing myself.

[CouchPolyglot]

yeeees, what I like the most is using podcasts about interesting topics while doing other stuff that does not require thinking much (like taking a walk, washing the dishes, cooking...). I do not like learning stuff by heart or doing grammar exercises. Going to class can be nice too though :)

[negar]

I love you so much and your videos
I'm learning English and
you are my role model in learning language
Your words motivate me
I can understand your video 100% after 1year learning language
Thanks a lot ❤❤❤

[LanguageKing]

The lazy attitude is also great because it goes beyond motivation. I don’t view languages in terms of motivation, I look at it like food. If you have a favorite food you like, it doesn’t mean you want to eat it everyday, it’s the same with languages. If you eat your favorite food all the time there will be a point where you won’t feel like eating it. But it doesn’t mean you’ll never eat it again, you’ll eat it again when you FEEL like it. Same with languages!❤

[dedanialakozlov]

quality of videos is getting better, like!

[zeroone]

I am russian, who learned english pretty well in my own way of drinking vodka and beer throuout the movies with subtitles(english and russian) after work for 12 hours as a bartender during the 2/2 schedule. For 3 years of alcoholism i can understand what people saying without translating the english subtitles. And i'm not very proud of my dicease, which i am working on and not drinking for a while now, something about 1.7 months(yeah for me it is an achievement), but also i am basiclly very happy to know my level of language understandment. I've started to learn Spanish as well, because i love how it sounds. NO HAY MANERA DE QUE PUEDAS OBLIGARME A HACER ESTO

[noviboerniat]

I exactly as same as you, and love studying languages using duolingo. Lazy and slow learner, but enjoy every moment of learning