How to Learn Languages Like A Polyglot
Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategies and resources, anyone can become a polyglot. Polyglots, people who are fluent in multiple languages, have developed specific techniques to learn languages efficiently. In this article, we will explore seven ways to learn a new language like a polyglot. From immersing yourself in the language to finding a language exchange partner, these tips will help you achieve your language learning goals.
What is a Polyglot?
A polyglot is someone who is fluent in multiple languages. Being a polyglot requires a high level of proficiency in each language, as well as an ability to switch between them seamlessly. Polyglots are often able to communicate with people from different countries and cultures, which can be helpful in both personal and professional settings. They may also have a deeper understanding of different cultures and ways of life, which can be valuable in many different contexts. While becoming a polyglot requires a significant amount of time and effort, it is an achievable goal for anyone who is willing to put in the work.
1. Immerse Yourself in the Language
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. This means surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible. You can do this by watching TV shows and movies, listening to music, and talking to native speakers. Try to think in the language and practice speaking it as much as possible.
Here are some popular TV shows, movies, and music that can be useful for learning and practicing English:
TV Shows
TV shows can be an effective tool for learning English because they provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the language in a natural and engaging way. According to a study published in the Journal of Language Teaching and Research, watching TV shows in the target language can improve learners’ listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition (Zhao, 2016). This is because TV shows often use colloquial language and slang that may not be found in textbooks or other traditional language learning materials.
Furthermore, TV shows can be a useful tool for improving learners’ cultural understanding and awareness. By watching shows produced in English-speaking countries, learners can gain insight into the culture, customs, and norms of those countries, which can be helpful for improving their ability to communicate effectively with native speakers.
One case study published in the Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning found that using TV shows in language learning can also be motivating for learners (Kusumawati & Kurniawan, 2017). This is because learners can choose shows that are interesting and engaging to them, and because watching shows allows learners to see tangible progress in their language skills as they begin to understand and follow the plot of the show.
TV shows can be an effective tool for improving English language skills due to their ability to provide natural language input, cultural context, and motivation for learners. By incorporating TV shows into their language learning routine, learners can improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural understanding, while also enjoying the process of learning.
Where to Find TV Shows and Movies for Natural Language Input
Netflix and Youtube are both good places to find tv shows in your target language. However, these platforms don’t provide any supplementary tools specifically for language learning. For this reason I recommend LingoPie.com.
LingoPie.com is an online platform designed to help language learners immerse themselves in the target language by providing access to TV shows and movies. The platform is ideal for natural language learning because it allows learners to learn language in context, as it is used in real-life situations, rather than in isolation. By watching TV shows and movies in the target language, learners can gain exposure to colloquial language, slang, and cultural nuances that are not typically found in textbooks or traditional language learning materials.
LingoPie.com capitalizes on the language acquisition approach to learning, which emphasizes the importance of natural language input in learning a new language. By providing learners with access to authentic language input through TV shows and movies, LingoPie.com allows learners to improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and cultural understanding, while also enjoying the process of learning.
In addition to providing access to TV shows and movies, LingoPie.com also offers supplementary tools specifically designed for language learning, such as subtitles in both the target language and the learner’s native language, vocabulary lists, and quizzes. These tools help learners to engage with the material more effectively, and to track their progress over time.
Overall, LingoPie.com is an excellent resource for language learners who want to immerse themselves in the target language and improve their language skills in a natural and engaging way.
Check out how LingoPie works below:
Here is a review of the lingopie platform
To use these resources to achieve your language learning goals, try to immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. For example:
- Watch TV shows and movies with English audio and subtitles. This will help you to learn new vocabulary and improve your listening skills.
- Listen to English music and try to learn the lyrics. This will help you to improve your pronunciation and vocabulary.
- Practice speaking English with native speakers, using phrases and vocabulary you’ve learned from these resources.
Remember to be patient with yourself and keep practicing consistently. By immersing yourself in the language and using a variety of resources, you can improve your English skills and achieve your language learning goals.
2. Use a Variety of Resources
There are many resources available to help you learn a new language. Use a variety of resources such as textbooks, language learning apps, and podcasts. Each resource can help you learn in a different way, and using a variety of resources will keep you engaged and motivated.
If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of the language, such as grammar or pronunciation, try to find resources that specifically address that area. For example, you might use a grammar book or app to help you with grammar, or listen to podcasts that focus on pronunciation. Using a variety of resources will help you to improve your overall language skills and make the learning process more enjoyable.
3. Focus on High-Frequency Words
When you’re learning a new language, it’s important to focus on high-frequency words. These are the words that are used most frequently in the language. By learning these words first, you’ll be able to understand and communicate more effectively.
There are many resources available to help you identify high-frequency words in your target language. Here are a few:
- WordFrequency.info provides frequency lists for many different languages.
- Memrise offers courses on high-frequency words for many different languages.
- Anki is a flashcard app that allows you to create your own decks of high-frequency words.
Using these resources, you can focus on learning the words that will be most useful to you as you work to improve your language skills. Good luck!
4. Practice Consistently
Learning a new language takes time and effort. It’s important to practice consistently, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
One technique for practicing a foreign language is to immerse yourself in the language and finding a language exchange partner. Immersing yourself in the language involves surrounding yourself with the language as much as possible by watching TV shows and movies, listening to music, (as previously discussed) and talking to native speakers. Finding a language exchange partner involves finding someone who speaks the language you’re learning and who wants to learn your native language. This way, you can practice speaking with each other and help each other learn.
5. Make Mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes when learning a new language. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. In fact, it’s often through making mistakes that we learn the most.
Nevertheless, identifying mistakes when learning a new language can be a challenge. One way to do this is to have a native speaker review your work and provide feedback. You can also record yourself speaking or writing in the language and review it later to identify mistakes. Additionally, many language learning apps and programs have built-in tools to help identify and correct mistakes. Another helpful technique is to find a language exchange partner, who can help you identify mistakes and provide feedback.
6. Find a Language Exchange Partner
Find someone who speaks the language you’re learning and who wants to learn your native language. This way, you can practice speaking with each other and help each other learn.
Some benefits of practicing with a language partner include:
- Opportunities to practice speaking and listening skills
- Exposure to natural, everyday language use
- Feedback and corrections from a native speaker
- The ability to ask questions and clarify misunderstandings in real-time
- The chance to build a friendship and cultural understanding with someone from another country or culture.
Overall, finding a language exchange partner can be a great way to supplement your language learning and improve your skills.
https://mylanguageexchange.com
7. Be Patient
Learning a new language takes time and patience. Don’t expect to become fluent overnight. Keep practicing and be patient with yourself.
The amount of time it takes for an adult to learn a completely new language varies widely depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the language, the individual’s prior language learning experience, and the amount of time and effort devoted to learning. Generally, it can take anywhere from several months to several years to become proficient in a new language. However, with consistent practice and dedication, it is possible to make significant progress in a relatively short amount of time.
In Conclusion
By following these tips, you can learn a new language like a polyglot. Remember to immerse yourself in the language, use a variety of resources, focus on high-frequency words, practice consistently, make mistakes, find a language exchange partner, and remember not to be impatient with yourself. Good luck on your language learning journey!
References:
Kusumawati, A., & Kurniawan, D. (2017). The use of TV series to improve students’ vocabulary. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 1(1), 44-53.
Zhao, Y. (2016). The effect of watching English TV series on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 7(4), 720-726.
About The Author
genesis-english
Hello! My name is Shiloh Bell, and I am an experienced ESL English teacher with a decade of teaching abroad. With a passion for language and a commitment to helping students succeed, I have dedicated my career to empowering learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their language goals.