Hey, self-taught polyglots! I’d love to hear about your language journey. Which languages have you learned, how long did it take you, and what methods have you found to be the most effective?
Hey, self-taught polyglots! I’d love to hear about your language journey. Which languages have you learned, how long did it take you, and what methods have you found to be the most effective?
I’m a self-taught polyglot who’s been learning languages for several years now! Here’s a quick rundown of my journey:
Languages:
1. Spanish – 4 years
2. French – 3 years
3. Japanese – 2 years
4. German – 1 year
Methods:
– Immersion: I found that immersing myself in the language through movies, music, and podcasts really helped. Watching shows with subtitles in the target language was particularly effective to understand context and improve listening skills.
Language Exchange: I regularly participate in language exchange meet-ups and online platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk. Speaking with native speakers has been invaluable for practicing conversation and pronunciation.
Apps & Online Resources: I used apps like Duolingo for basics and Anki for vocabulary building. For grammar, I relied on online courses and YouTube channels tailored to each language.
Reading & Writing: I try to read books, articles, or even social media in the target language. I also keep a journal where I write in that language to improve my writing skills.
Consistency: I set aside time each day to focus on language learning, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes. Regular practice has kept me engaged and motivated.
Overall, a mix of immersive experiences combined with consistent practice has brought me the most success. I’d love to hear about what’s worked for others as well!