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Lýdia Machová - Ten things polyglots do differently [EN] - PG 2017

Polyglot Gathering・34 minutes read

Polyglots employ unique methods to learn languages effectively, focusing on speaking fluently rather than traditional approaches. They develop personalized systems, emphasizing enjoyment in the learning process for successful language acquisition.

Insights

  • Polyglots have diverse, successful approaches to language learning, such as using flashcards without translation, breaking down phrases, or distilling vocabulary into long-term memory, emphasizing the importance of finding a method that works best for individual learners.
  • The key to effective language learning lies in consistency, enjoyment of the process, and focusing on specific priorities for 2-3 months at a time, with an emphasis on listening and speaking skills, debunking the myth of special language talents and highlighting the value of self-learning and personalized materials creation.

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Recent questions

  • How do polyglots approach language learning?

    Polyglots have successful methods focusing on specific priorities for 2-3 months, mastering one skill at a time, like writing, reading, listening, or speaking. They create their own materials, advocate for learning one language at a time, and emphasize spending significant time listening and speaking to improve language skills.

  • Who are some famous polyglots known for their language learning methods?

    Various polyglots like Benny Lewis, Steve Kaufmann, Lucas Bighetti, Gabriel Wyner, Luca Lampariello, Robin McPherson, and David James have different approaches to language learning. Each polyglot develops their unique method, focusing on fluency in multiple languages.

  • What are some unique language learning methods used by polyglots?

    Polyglots use methods like "Language Boost" for quick learning, flashcard systems without translation, translation for high-level learning without flashcards, the "Dissection Method" for breaking down phrases, and "The Goldlist Method" for distilling vocabulary into long-term memory.

  • How do polyglots differ from traditional language learning approaches?

    Polyglots predominantly learn independently, creating their own materials like flashcards and books. They learn in small, regular chunks, not dedicating hours daily, and emphasize enjoying the process as a key factor for effective progress in language learning.

  • What is the key to successful language learning according to polyglots?

    Polyglots emphasize finding ways to enjoy the language learning process, making it a hobby through various enjoyable activities. Consistent daily contact with the language, along with positive feedback and language mentoring, aids in successful language learning for anyone willing to learn.

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Summary

00:00

Polyglots' Innovative Language Learning Methods

  • The speaker is passionate about the way polyglots learn languages compared to traditional methods.
  • Polyglots have a successful approach to language learning that the speaker aims to share with others.
  • The speaker identifies a group called "time-keepers" who spend years learning languages but struggle to speak them fluently.
  • Polyglots, on the other hand, can speak multiple languages fluently due to their unique learning methods.
  • Various polyglots, like Benny Lewis and Steve Kaufmann, have different approaches to language learning.
  • Lucas Bighetti uses a method called "Language Boost" to learn languages quickly and effectively.
  • Gabriel Wyner uses a flashcard system without translation to learn languages successfully.
  • Luca Lampariello relies on translation to learn languages to a high level without using flashcards.
  • Robin McPherson uses the "Dissection Method" to learn languages by breaking down phrases and memorizing them.
  • David James utilizes "The Goldlist Method" to distill vocabulary into long-term memory through rewriting lists every two weeks.

12:54

"Polyglots' System for Language Learning Success"

  • The speaker has a system for language learning, focusing on specific priorities for 2-3 months at a time.
  • They concentrate on one skill at a time, such as writing, reading, listening, or speaking.
  • A structured routine includes vocabulary distillation and grammar exercises early in the day.
  • The goal is to achieve fluency in multiple languages, not just basic proficiency.
  • Polyglots do not possess special language talents but emphasize their approach to learning.
  • Each polyglot develops their unique language learning method.
  • Polyglots predominantly learn languages independently, differing from traditional classroom approaches.
  • They create their own language learning materials, like flashcards and books.
  • Polyglots advocate for learning one language at a time for optimal results.
  • Emphasis is placed on spending significant time listening and speaking to improve language skills.

26:01

Effective Language Learning Strategies for Polyglots

  • Lucas simplifies ideas using his 500 most frequent words for quick improvement in speaking lessons.
  • Polyglots learn in small, regular chunks, not dedicating hours daily to language learning.
  • Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint; enjoying the process is key for effective progress.
  • Polyglots enjoy learning languages, making it a hobby through various enjoyable activities.
  • Learning grammar through an app significantly improved a student's English fluency.
  • Success in language learning depends on finding ways to enjoy the process, as stated by Steve.
  • Polyglots' strategies are key to successful language learning, applicable to anyone willing to learn.
  • Language mentoring is an effective approach to learning languages, emphasizing self-learning.
  • Positive feedback from learners shows the impact of enjoyable language learning on their lives.
  • Consistent daily contact with the language, along with enjoyable activities, aids in language learning success.

29:20

Gratitude for Gathering attendees and language learning

  • Speaker expresses gratitude for attendees at the Gathering
  • Speaker mentions their unique approach to learning languages, opting to fully commit or not at all
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