Chapter 1: Skip the Written Standard

When embarking on your language learning journey, you aren't obligated to master any writing systems or written standards. Your ability to read and write depends entirely on your personal language objectives. Speaking and listening skills are the primary indicators of language proficiency. If you can comprehend fast-paced conversation, you'll easily catch the humor in discussions around you. While written texts or emails can be revisited and translated, speaking requires immediate comprehension. If your available study time is limited, investing all your effort into speaking and listening will yield better results than dividing it among reading and writing tasks.

As your language studies deepen, you may find that a writing system becomes beneficial. For instance, I am currently learning both the spoken and written forms of Finnish, as the complexity of the language merits this investment. In contrast, I'm postponing the learning of Mandarin characters until I achieve a level of fluency in speaking. Any time spent on writing would detract from my focus on developing listening and speaking skills.

The first video, How I Learn Languages Fast (I speak 7+), offers insights into effective language acquisition methods. It emphasizes practical strategies that can significantly enhance your learning experience.

Chapter 2: Embrace Real Conversations

To familiarize yourself with the unpredictable nature of casual conversations, dive into reality shows and comedy podcasts. These formats replicate real-life discussions among friends, where interjections, jokes, and informal references abound. Begin by watching with subtitles until you can grasp about 75% of an episode without them. Focus on the main ideas rather than translating every single word.

In comparison to scientific or historical podcasts, where guests often provide lengthy, clear monologues, reality shows offer a more authentic representation of social interactions.

The second video, If You Aren't Using These 10 Language Tricks, DON'T Travel, shares practical tips that can enhance your travel and language experiences.

Chapter 3: Use Audiobooks for Vocabulary Enrichment

While reality shows and podcasts provide exposure to natural speech patterns, audiobooks serve as an excellent source for vocabulary acquisition. Engaging with audiobooks allows you to absorb rich vocabulary in context. I typically listen to a chapter while following along with a machine-translated version on Google Play Books. I then revisit the chapter solely in my target language, concentrating on the storyline rather than memorizing individual words. This contextual approach helps reinforce vocabulary organically.

Chapter 4: Self-Talk for Speaking Practice

Booking speaking lessons can be both complex and costly, making it essential to activate your speaking skills independently. Use self-talk to describe your daily activities, such as "I'm heading upstairs" or "I'm taking a shower." Narrate the view outside your window and your day's plans. Integrating this practice into your routine doesn't take additional time, and while you won't receive immediate feedback, you'll cultivate your speaking abilities.

Chapter 5: Avoid Grammar Overload

Consider the common English phrases "I'm doing well" versus "I'm doing good." While one is grammatically correct, the other reflects more natural speech. To achieve a more fluid speaking style, immerse yourself in authentic conversations. Textbooks and grammar exercises can detract from this goal. Instead, focus on listening to natural speech patterns, which will enable your brain to develop an intuitive understanding of the language's structure.

Chapter 6: Say No to Conventional Courses

Traditional group lessons or online courses often progress at the pace of the slowest participant, leading to frustration. When classmates struggle to engage in conversation or derail the lesson with grammar queries, it can hinder your learning journey. Opting for a private tutor on platforms like Italki allows you to learn at a pace that suits you. Personally, I dedicate an average of three hours daily to self-study in Finnish—something a group course would not accommodate.

Chapter 7: Prioritize Enjoyable Learning

Your greatest challenge in language learning will be maintaining consistent engagement over time. While initial enthusiasm is common, it's crucial to plan for future dips in motivation. Make your learning process enjoyable by consuming media that captivates you. I avoid "learning podcasts," children's programming, textbooks, and flashcards in favor of advanced content aimed at native speakers. Though this approach may feel slow at first, it accelerates significantly after a few months. Even if you start with the basics, integrating TV shows will enrich your understanding of cultural references and keep you engaged with the language.