I recently watched a fascinating TED talk on the secrets of learning a new language. The presenter, Lýdia Machová is a polyglot—meaning she can fluently speak multiple languages.
As the talk began and Machová first revealed her ability to speak no less than eight languages, I immediately knew she was a lot smarter than me! In fact, while her ability to speak so many languages is very impressive and definitely qualifies her to speak about the language-learning process, it is also intimidating.
Obviously she must be some sort of language genius, and ordinary mortals like me and you have no hope of ever achieving anything like that! Moreover, it almost seems impossible that she could impart any useful tips to average people, when she appears to simply have “the language gene” or something. Machová is one of those people who makes an extremely difficult skill look easy—and believes it is easy—so how could she possibly teach to our level?
Well, those were my skeptical thoughts as the video started. But after watching the whole TED talk and hearing Machová share examples of fellow polyglots who struggled for years to learn a new language before figuring out the secret to success, I started to realize that maybe it is possible for “ordinary people” to learn incredible new skills. Machová discussed 4 basic principles:
- Enjoyment
- Methods
- System
- Patience
Basically, she explained that the keys to success in your efforts to learn a new language are 1) finding a way to enjoy the process, 2) selecting methods that are effective for your own learning style, 3) creating and implementing a system for everyday learning and reinforcement of that learning, and 4) having patience with yourself as you proceed.
Personally, I am not intent on learning another language. But I believe the concepts and principles that Lýdia Machová shared in her TED talk are really excellent, and can be applied not only to language learning, but to virtually any new skill you wish to acquire!
Think about it. What new skill could you learn this year using these 4 simple principles?
- Find a way to enjoy the process.
- Select methods that are effective for your own learning style.
- Create and implement a system for everyday learning and reinforcement of that learning.
- Have patience with yourself as you proceed.
What do you have to lose?!
