The secrets of learning a new language | Lýdia Machová | TED

Want to learn a new language but feel daunted or unsure where to begin? You don't need some special talent or a "language gene," says Lýdia Machová. In an upbeat, inspiring talk, she reveals the secrets of polyglots (people who speak multiple languages) and shares four principles to help unlock your own hidden language talent -- and have fun while doing it.

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[lshahbazyan]

"there is nothing that motivates us more than our own success"

[MMMMMM-czdq]

Every day i learn english in skype with teachers. Also i wath You Tube video. This is my first comment in inglish.
I am proud by myself.

[muhammadrehan]

7:48 "There is nothing that motivates us more than our own success" I love this quote

[jenniferyanez]

In my view, she shares some really valuable insights on language learning. Her focus on making the process fun and personalized really stands out. Using spaced repetition for vocabulary is super practical and backed by science. Plus, she clearly lays out the importance of having a structured plan and staying consistent. Overall, her advice is both motivating and doable for anyone wanting to learn a new language. Thanks for uploading the video.

[asapb]

you know you are a language lover when this video has made you smile several times.

[evangelist]

I've been trying to learn Spanish for years, being deaf makes it hard, but I'll keep trying I've got nothing to lose.

[tata-gvwb]

I'm a Japanese college student and learning Chinese and English now. The first time I watched this video was when I was in high school. I've been visiting here a lot since then. This presentation is very encouraging and fun☺️
Good luck to all the foreign language learners!!

[OswaldoRodriguez]

I loved this video, thank you very much for sharing it. It reminded me of those times when I didn't know nothing about English and after several attempts, I thought it would be impossible for me to learn it. Nowadays, seeing everything I've achieved, I'm glad I didn't pay attention to those bad thoughts that I had being an introvert person. Every day that passes I have more knowledge and I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who finds it complicated. And for all the people who see this comment, just keep working hard, set smart goals and most of all, enjoy the process, that one day you will be happy to see all that you have achieved.

[prunusserrulata]

I watched this ted talk one year ago, turned on the eng sub cuz I didn't quite get the words. And now I'm rewatching this again and I can understand what she's saying without turning on the subtitle!

[trendymaths]

I’m gonna steal that Russian learning dude’s technique. What a genius!

[SAMUELMURILLOVARGAS]

Hi! my name is Samuel, I'm 18 and I live in Colombia. I like the idea that we have unique methods of learn languages and I think that is very important identify them.

[SANDRYJULIETGARCIABURGOS]

Hello! My name is Sandry, I'm 17 years old, I'm from Colombia. What I learned from the video talk is that many times we underestimate ourselves and by doing this we leave aside learning new things, it is true when he said that we do not have to be geniuses to learn one or several languages ​​we just have to discover ways to enjoy the process of learning, we should not get carried away because it can be boring, on the contrary, each person can create their own method to learn and thus enjoy the experience while doing it, it can become something pleasurable. Although it is clearly about discipline, that there is a real desire to do it and not give up, this video gives me the reflection to start planning my time well and leave the fear and accept that if others can do it, I will do it. I will also be able to learn the languages ​​I want. Thank you.

[Scandalizei]

I’m Brazilian and when I was 7 years old I had a dream, I dreamed that I was living in New York and I could speak English fluently, after that I started study English by myself.

I don’t know if were a fate or whatever, today I live in New York City and I am so happy for it!

If you have a dream or want to achieve your goals never give up!

[AhmedalHijazi]

1- Make the learning fun.
2-Don’t compare yourself with other learners.
3- Be Patient (Don’t say when I learn the language like a native, make it step by step)
4- Make a suitable method for you, there’re thousands of methods to learn a language choose a fun method.
5-Discipline, you have to practice the language every single day
- Listen at least for 30 minutes.
- Read a novel or a news or anything you are interested in for 30 minutes.
- Speak with yourself or a partner if you have, discuss different topics, or before you go to sleep talk with yourself about what happened in your day.
- Learn 5 new words or sentences and repeat them every day day, use them in your conversations.
Remind yourself about the benefits of learning this language, That will motivate you.
Read this quote out load every day ‘’If some professional in something remember he/she was beginner’’

[camitoloza]

I really love the way Lýdia sees learning new languages, it is true that people spend years trying to learn and I feel that what she says is key, you have to find your own method, not all of us learn in the same way, we must enjoy the process and also do it according to our methodology, time, needs, expectations, etc.
I think it is very important that if you are learn a new language, you do it because it is something you really want, not because of an obligation or to prove something, since it is easier when you do something for pleasure and for your own goal.

[yukah]

I am learning english. I started watching TED to study. There are days when I don't have confidence and give up on learning, but I learned that it's important to keep trying without giving up and that it's important to keep trying. I was encouraged by everyone's comments. thank you.

[borisgolovko]

Most important; don't be shy and don't be lazy.

[zarrissofea]

i love her voice, so clear and strong

[MARIANAFOREROAVENDANO]

Hi my name is Mariana, I am 18 years old and I believe that to learn a language you have to try, not give up and enjoy it because that is the best way to practice, until you find the right method and system with which you can learn in the fastest and most effective way. This video encourages us to get out of the routine and to try to learn.

[yoshiyoshi]

I started learning English from scratch four years ago when I was 35. I got 6.0 score in IELTS one year later. I hope I will improve more now. I have two kids and work hard for my regular job, so it’s difficult to manage time for all of my tasks, but I don’t want to give up and don’t say complain anything until reaching my ideal English level. Taking time is the new motivation to learn English, because I put several thousands hours into English so far. If I gave up, it means it would waste time. My aspiration is to work and live abroad with my family. I know I will make it happen.