🫰 Yes, I do have tips for learning a new language

My genuine answer to a friend

Dear reader,

A family friend recently asked me for tips on how to learn to understand Korean, and other languages in general. I shared an overview of my method, and figured it would be a good reference to have here. Learning languages can be intimidating, but you can use these points as guidelines to help you on your journey.

In doubt, start at page 1.

If you’re not familiar with the target language family, it can be worth giving grammar lessons a shot. If you’re a native English speaker learning Korean or Mandarin Chinese, you’ll gain a lot of time from learning about the language before learning the language itself.

💡 Using translators, dictionaries and other specialised tools can help you target specific grammar points or conjugations from sentences you encounter. I use the app Mirinae for Korean.

Can’t understand what people say?

First, you need to listen to your language all the time. My favourites are podcasts, YouTube videos and TV through Netflix or other streaming services.

💡 Using double subtitles is more relaxing than it seems! You’ll understand everything through English subs, and will match the words from your target language to the sounds you’re hearing. Don’t worry if you’re reading too slow at first, it’s OK to pause or to let it go. I use Language Reactor on my browser.

If you’re at a lower level, target content meant for language learners. Some websites or channels offer videos and audio with a script for you to study.

Unsure what you need to learn?

Don’t delay practising with real people. Find an app to read and write, or even listen and speak. This will help you find what knowledge you need, and what you lack.

💡 Voice messages are a good alternative to calling if it’s too intimidating at first. I use Tandem for Korean exchange.

Can’t come up with phrases on the spot?

If you follow both these tips, you’ll start gathering interesting sentences from media you listen to and conversations with native speakers. Gather these sentences in Anki flashcards, or any SRS (spaced-repetition system) of your choice. Your job is making good sentences, the app will ask you to recall them at the perfect interval to work your memory.

💡 This builds a database of useful phrases you will know by heart and will be able to use them or recognise them instinctively during conversations.

Going too slow?

There is no shortcut, but the more you listen, the easier it will get. No one is judging how fast you’re going, I’ve been learning Korean for more than 3 years and still struggle in unfamiliar situations.

The hardest factor is staying motivated throughout the process. You have to accept this will be a long-term investment, and won’t get satisfying results before months or years.

---

Best,

Lou

✍️ Dear language learner

Learn your target language with useful phrases! Here are a few to translate to test yourself. If they’re relevant to you, you can add them to your notes or spaced-repetition system.

🌱 Beginner

I chatted with a friend to practise.

🌿 Intermediate

I started learning grammar points with a textbook.

🌳 Advanced

I’m not sure how much I should be listening versus speaking.

Thank you for reading “I heard from Lou”. It can be hard to find people who share your passion for learning. If you have friends who might like this letter, let them know.