The Language Learning System

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TLDR: Use whatever method that is fun.

Languages cannot be taught, they can only be learned
—Luca Lampariello

My language learning system is an iterative system developed alongside many language learning journeys and will continue to evolve. The techniques described herein are techniques that I find useful, but I am sure that they are not perfect and there are better ones. However, it does not mean that we should spend a bunch of time looking for the optimal system because overboard optimisation is destructive.

Playing around with the language could be a good way to start. Language learning apps like Duolingo are fun to use to begin with. As long as they feel enjoyable and effective, use them.

Good pronunciation always helps. Being able to read aloud from writings enables better interaction with the language and thus more effective learning. Knowing a little bit about the phonology of your target language, learning the minimal pairs, and listening to the language are good ways to get very familiar with the sound of the language.

By the Pareto Principle, 20% of the vocabulary is used 80% of the time (well, it might be off in reality but that’s the idea), so focusing on the frequent and important words first allows you to start using the language much faster. The importance of words is different from person to person, so stop using other people’s lists and start creating a custom one. Also, learning the essential particles and sentence structures allows you to start understanding content more quickly, enabling an input-based learning approach.

Capturing new stuff is crucial for accumulating language knowledge, that’s why there are capturing systems. Whenever seeing new and interesting words or phrases, drop them into the Vocabulary Inbox for later memorisation. When grammatical stuff needs memorisation, drop it into the Memorisation Inbox. Other people’s poems and quotes that demonstrate effective language use shall be stored in the Quotes Inbox.

Though building up a critical mass of vocabulary is important, it should be noted that rote memorisation doesn’t work. Instead, evidence-based memorisation techniques shall be preferred as the optimal language learning method. As for the big picture, Spaced Repetition with Active Recall is the preferred framework because it helps to move new contents into long-term memory effectively. Meanwhile, Elaborative Encoding, Visual and Spacial Memory, and Minimum Information Principle shall be embraced for the details that are fed into Spaced Repetition. Remember to not spend time on known words and make timely use of new words. Sleep is also important as it helps to consolidate new knowledge!

A large amount of input allows you to develop a feel for the target language should be used while learning new vocabularies and expressions. Any type of input is possible: be it poems, films, podcasts, books, articles, songs, videos—you name it. These should be content you consume anyway, which makes consuming more of them fun. Personally, I use the programme Learning With Text for text-based inputs.

Make use of the language whenever possible. Simple.

References and inspirations

1. Foer, Joshua and Penguin Random House. Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remebering Everything. Penguin Books, 2012.
2. Wyner, Gabriel. Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It. First Edition, Harmony Books, 2014.
3. Ahrens, Sönke. How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking: For Students, Academics and Nonfiction Book Writers. CreateSpace, 2017.
4. https://selectedlanguageposts.quora.com/Overview-of-my-Language-Learning-Advice
5. There’s a Much Faster Way to Learn Languages: Here’s How https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95NgtNgmnWA
6. Learning With Text