How to Learn Any Language?

The ideal system – and progression – is based on three elements in this order…

1. Effectiveness (Priority)
2. Adherence (Interest)
3. Efficiency (Process)

Effectiveness, adherence, and efficiency refer to the “what”, “why”, and “how” of learning a target language, respectively. In simple terms, you first decide what to learn, based on usage frequency (priority); you then filter materials based on your likelihood of continued study and review, or adherence (interest); lastly, you determine how to learn the material most efficiently (process).

Effectiveness

If you select the wrong material, it does not matter how you study or if you study – practical fluency is impossible without the proper tools (material).

Adherence

Review, and multiple exposures to the same material, will always present an element of monotony, which must be countered by an interest in the material. Even if you select the most effective material and efficient method, if you don’t adhere with repeated study, effectiveness and efficiency mean nothing. In other words: can you persist with the material and method you’ve chosen? If not, less effective materials or methods will still be better. The best approach means nothing if you don’t use it.

Oftentimes, it is best to select content that matches your interests in your native language. Use the target language as a vehicle for learning more about a subject, skill, or cultural area of interest.

Efficiency

It matters little if you have the best material and adherence if time-to-fluency is 20 years. The ROI won’t compel you. Ask yourself: Will this method allow me to reach accurate recognition and recall with the fewest number of exposures, within the shortest period of time? If the answer is no, your method must be refined or replaced.

* Source: Tim Ferriss – How to Learn Any Language in 3 Months

5 Principles

1. Focus on language content that is relevant to you
2. Use your new language as a tool to communicate from day 1
3. When you first understand the message, you will unconsciously acquire the language
4. Physiological training
5. Psycho-physiological state matters

7 Actions

1. Listen A LOT
2. Focus on getting the meaning FIRST (before the words)
3. Start Mixing
4. Focus on the Core
5. Get a Language Parent
6. Copy the Face
7. “Direct Connect” to Mental Images

* Source: TED – How to learn any language in six months