15 Comments
User's avatar
Alex Chavers's avatar

I like this take. For Spanish, Portuguese, French so much of my input is based on interviews, podcasts, and movies/news in my target languages. Treating them the same way I would English on a daily basis. Besides just relying on Duolingo .

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Thanks, Alex!

Spiritual Japan Journal's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to learn Japanese.

I am still studying English myself, but I truly feel that what you said is exactly right.

Thank you for reminding me of something important.

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Thank you!

日本の文化と言葉が好きで、学べば学ぶほど魅了されています。

D. uit de Duim's avatar

So basicly, and i agree. Go to the local library get childrensbooks watch children tv.

Missy LaRae's avatar

Currently learning Italian and this is helpful! I need more Italian media.

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Glad you liked it!

Erich Winkler's avatar

I am currently learning German, and I must say that the only thing that works for me is to meet people and try to talk to them in German.

That’s what actually forces me to improve and helps me memorize the rules.

Tobias Winkler's avatar

That's great, Erich!

I would argue that the part that makes you improve the most actually comes from the immersion in the language, rather than the pure speaking itself, though.

Still, since that is a system for you to stay consistent and get better, that's obviously great. :)

Rainbow Roxy's avatar

Excellent analysis! This resonates so much. As a massive booklover, I've always felt immersing myself in stories was key, like my brain its just processing the data.

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Thanks a lot!

Janessa Elise's avatar

I know this--I teach this to my own English students. And then I forget to apply it regularly in my own language learning journey 😂 Time to add a new goal to the new year!

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Happens to the best of us! :)

Patchwork Librarian's avatar

I agree with you about not getting lost in getting every word right it actually slows down learning. I found that when I just spoke, fully aware of my mistakes, it revealed areas I needed to improve that I later tailored to my learning plan. Letting input flow even when imperfect feels uncomfortable at first, but it’s amazing how quickly the fog lifts once you allow yourself to just follow along. Thanks for sharing!

Tobias Winkler's avatar

Thanks for your comment!