Master Language Learning: The Benefits of Keeping a Language Learning Journal
Discover how a language learning journal can enhance your self-teaching methods and boost your fluency goals. Featuring a gallery of language notebook examples and podcast with expert language learners.
Are you an electric language fiend, armed with Flashcard apps and podcasts? Or going it old-school with pen and paper?
What if you had a language learning tool that costs you hardly anything, adapts to your own preferences, boosts your memory and helps concentration?
Turns out you do, and it's probably in your bag right now: Your notebook!
In today’s article, I want to introduce you to some of the tricks I use to get the most out of my language learning routine without adding to my screen time.
On the podcast I'm joined by language lovers Kathryn and Sam who are passionate about taking fantastic language notes. Listen to discover their experiences, language learning tips and strategies for effective note taking.
My absolute language learning essential is a notebook. Flashcards are great for vocabulary lists, but notebooks are for everything. The first thing I do with a new word is write it down in a notebook, maybe with an example and pronunciation note.
Get Step-by-Step Journal Tips with Write Your Way to Fluency: only $9!
Dive into a world where motivation meets organization, and discover how a simple journal can become your most powerful tool for mastering a new language. Click the image to find out more!
Like this article?
Then you’re going to LOVE Write Your Way to Fluency, my new guide to creating your language learning journal.
Why Keep a Language Learning Notebook?
Working with a paper notebook can bring many excellent benefits to your language learning routine. It provides a refreshing break if you spend most of your time chained to a computer screen or mobile phone. Here are a few reasons that writing on paper can help you add vocabulary, improve your memory and create a better learning experience:
Personalised Learning
Language learning notebooks are a completely blank canvas where you can design the textbook of your dreams. You control the layout and the content, and get to create what makes sense to you.
As you add notes, you are filling pages of paper with clear signs of your work. It is unmistakably yours as it’s written in your personal style and handwriting. No matter if you are 5 or 50 pages into the adventure, there is nothing like the proud feeling of looking back over what you have already done.
You are in charge of your learning experience. Writing allows you to start from zero and design your page in the way that aligns best with how your mind works.
Clearer Thinking
Writing in a notebook means expressing concepts and sentences in a way that makes sense to you personally. It automatically helps organise what you are learning. In the podcast episode, Sam mentions that he selects what he finds most helpful and important from podcasts, YouTube videos and online lessons so he can curate his own version of a personal textbook.
Your thoughts become clearer in your own mind. The UK Handwriting Association features this great quote from a 17-year-old student on its website, illustrating the way in which a screen can actually make it harder to focus on what you are learning. He says:
“The process of handwriting promotes clear thought and natural structure. Being so close to the page means that translation of thought has less opportunity for deviation.
When typing I find I compulsively re-read my work on the screen and the ability to edit is sometimes paralysing, Although computer work can allow for more complex structure, it is often too complex and has many complications for timed conditions.”
Memory Boosts
When you write your notes by hand, you become better at remembering them. The act of writing, perhaps even colouring or illustrating your note is an in-depth repetition of what you’re learning. Add to that the personal connection as you write what is meaningful to you, and the increased repetitions as you look back over your notebook, and what you have created is a reliable system for remembering what you learn.
If you want more inspiration for creating effective study notes in your notebook, check out my short course Write Your Way to Fluency.
Language Learning Motivation
Filling a book is visible progress, a huge psychological benefit which is going to keep you motivated and coming back to your language time and time again.
If you have a creative side you’d like to unleash, your language learning notebook is a welcome new playground. Kathryn and Sam already loved drawing, design and papercrafts. The language notebook became a way of adding language to what they enjoy, and it has helped create time to combine two great hobbies.
Freedom from Screens
Learning online gives you access to infinite materials, but sometimes it’s hard to remember everything that you see. The notebook becomes your place to capture the coolest bits you find online, the new words you learn from an app, everything you find in your personal language learning world.
Need Inspiration? Welcome to our Language Learning Notebook and Language Journal Gallery
How To Work With The Language Notebook?
When you start learning languages, the notebook becomes more than just the place to note down the bare facts. You can use it for two core purposes:
1. Language Learning
Noting new vocabulary as and when you hear it, drawing memory aids, mapping out your memory palace even. Notebooks are also the right space to write down grammar rules and example sentences. On the pages of my own notebook, I see pronunciation notes and alphabet practice. Basically, anything.
For reviewing and testing yourself, there can be pages dedicated to vocabulary learning. My technique for such pages is to create special reference sections. This works in any book or journal, and you can learn it step by step in my $9 course, Write Your Way to Fluency. .
Here is an example of what this looks like in my current book:
It is easy to highlight words that I tend to forget, and even easier to add them to another list at a later stage so that my revision materials always stay fresh.
At the start of every new session, try looking through previous pages to review what you have learnt before. There is no need to memorize it word for word, but it will jog your memory and set up the ground today’s session can grow from.
2. Goal Setting and Productivity
Language learning is a big journey. For some learners it’s about growth and development, for others it’s a hobby or an aspiration. No matter what your goals and motivations are, you can gain a lot from creating a language learning journal..
Consider adding interesting facts about places, drawing maps or pasting in tickets and mementos from your trips.
Again, writing by hand and focusing on the book in front of you aids clarity and minimises distraction. In a busy world full of overachievers, this is more important than ever.
Here are some more ideas for what you can write in your language learning journal:
Vocab doodles or lists
Jokes & Cute Pictures
Repeat and review things you learnt from YouTube or a podcast
All types of language learning goals and motivations
Memories from cool things you’ve done
Tracking: Core skills balance, daily contact with an app
Your resource lists
Weekly learning plans
Ready to transform your language learning journey with just a pen and paper?
Join Write Your Way to Fluency for only $9! Dive into a world where motivation meets organization, and discover how a simple journal can become your most powerful tool for mastering a new language.
How Can You Navigate Your Language Learning Notebook?
One of the downsides of paper is that it doesn't have a search bar.
To aid yourself with a bookmark system, consider colour-coding areas like "grammar", "vocab" or "situations". Again, the beauty of your notebook is that this is your personal space. You’re no language learning robot, so work with what feels good to you.
The great thing about building your personal language learning system is that these categories can be unique to you and help you build the exact language course that you need (remember that this is one of the core principles in independent language learning).
My favourite bookmarks are sticky notes such as this cute set from Filofax, but this isn't the only way. You can experiment with a notebook in sections, with highlighter pens or beautiful bookmarks.
Good Notebook Options
You can get paper from anywhere of course, but the best language learning notebooks are durable and built to handle a bit of use.
Go for a notebook that is bound like a real book and lasts you all year. Next, discard any paper that is too thin or delicate to take scribbles, highlighters and different kinds of pen. You never know when you'll want to write something down and all you'll have to reach for is your auntie's fountain pen.
The style of paper does not matter - go for squared, lined or blank and pick a paper size that gives you a little space to work with. The language learning notebook works best it doesn't fill up too quickly. My favourite options are:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use A Bullet Journal for Language Learning
Having a bullet journal can be an incredibly effective tool for language learning, combining the flexibility of a notebook with the structure of a planner. Bullet Journaling not only improves productivity, it is also extremely flexible in terms of personalizing it for your own needs
Pinterest is excellent to see how other people are designing their bullet journals and to get inspiration for your own.
To keep simple, you set yourself a number of keys, which basically mean you choose which symbols have which meanings. Clarifying your keys is, pun intended, key to using bullet journaling successfully.
Once your keys are sorted, you need to decide on a format. This, however, doesn’t need to be strictly adhered to – indeed, I would actually encourage you to try out different things, since you will know when you’ve got a format that works for you. I like planning my whole year very briefly at the end or the beginning of my notebook. I use a Leuchtturm 1917 with dotted pages, having weekly spreads with the key events from each day, then doing daily pages with detailed to dos and agendas.
Why Do You Need a Language Learning Journal?
A language learning journal is an essential tool that helps you learn a new language more effectively and enjoyably.
Here's why a language learning journal is essential:
Progress Tracking: Helps you visually track your improvements and milestones.
Focused Improvement: Allows you to identify and concentrate on areas needing more work, like grammar or vocabulary.
Memory Aid: Writing down new information helps in better retention.
Customized Learning: Lets you tailor your notes with examples and visuals that make learning more fun and effective.
Self-reflection: Offers a space to ponder your learning methods and discover what techniques suit you best.
Share This Blog to Spread Language-Learning Inspiration With Your Friends!
Share this link on your Instagram stories or Facebook so your friends can create their own personalised language journal: https://www.fluentlanguage.co.uk/blog/language-notebooks.
Who knows, maybe you'll motivate someone to start learning. The more people you know who are learning a language, the more motivated you are!
Don't forget to tag @kerstin_fluent on Instagram or @fluentlanguage on X when you share it!
Further Links
Write Your Way to Fluency, your easy guide to creating the best language learning journa. (just $9)
How To: Bullet Journal for Effective Language Learning by Fluent Language
The Language Habit System | Fluent Language — Templates for building your language learning routine
Language Exchange Tips for Fun and Effective Conversations
The most rewarding way of practicing your language is by connecting with people on a 1-to-1 basis. It takes commitment to make any language exchange successful.
Discover the best tips for a fun and effective exchange with the Fluent Show, featuring Kerstin Cable, Lindsay Williams, and language exchange expert Jonathan Huggins, who runs several community challenges and groups for language learners.
Everyone and their dog knows that language learning is easier, faster, and more fun when you have found a great language partner. It makes it so much fun when you can easily practice your vocabulary with someone you really want to speak to.
In this article, I'm going to tell you the best tips from our Fluent Show episode with Lindsay Williams and Jonathan Huggins, who runs several community challenges and groups for language learners.
Listen to the episode here:
Ready to level up your language learning game with my very best tips?
Then make sure you join the Fluent Language newsletter right here! Subscribe now, and every week, I'll send you handpicked language learning tips right in your inbox.
How to Find The Perfect Language Exchange
The most rewarding way of practicing your language is by connecting with people on a 1-to-1 basis. It takes commitment to make any language exchange successful.
Approach Exchanges With The Right Mindset
No matter who you are speaking to in your target language, remember that a little consideration can go a long way. It is easy to add an exchange partner to your checklist right next to "app" and "coursebook", but harder to remember that they're a person with a life to live too.
Start by generously giving something, and consider how you can help the other learners instead of simply seeing them as a resource. It's important to respect your partner's life so you can build up a relationship that keeps on giving.
To make sure you’re ready for the new words you’ll learn in an exchange, review these great guidelines for improving your vocab memory.
Before you start a language exchange:
It's important to feel like you're going to both give and get something out of your language exchange.
Who would be a great exchange partner for you?
Consider whether you will benefit most from finding a native speaker, a teacher, a good explainer, or simply a buddy who can help you progress.
Think also about where you’d like them to be located, because online exchanges are much easier when your timezones are convenient for each other.
Look for people who you have something in common with. Find out if you'll be on your partner's wavelength by checking out their profile, hobbies, location, and more.
Is it best to practice with my partner?
It can be amazing to learn languages with your partner, but…not always! In my own relationship of German/English speaker, we never really made it work. Read my story and get 5 Ways to Inspire Your Partner to Learn Your Language.
Where to find the best language exchange partners?
For detailed tips on finding great people locally and online, make sure you check out this blog article on the best places to find great exchange partners.
You can also look for people on these apps.
Tandem | Find Conversation Exchange Partners
— here is a detailed review of TandemHelloTalk - Language Exchange App
— here is a detailed review of HelloTalk
Language Exchange — Jonathan's Facebook group for anyone who wants to practice with native speakers.
Before starting a conversation or following someone, it's important to check their bios on social media. It helps gauge their interests and motivations. Sharing a brief summary of your background, interests, and goals can also increase the chances of a satisfying exchange.
Tools and technology needed for a language exchange
Most language exchanges online require fast internet, a good webcam, a microphone, and video conferencing software.
Click here to read about our recommended online teaching tools, which you can use for exchanges too!
Don’t forget, you might even find a local exchange partner to meet in a café. Then you only need a phone to send a message and organise the meeting!
Don’t just start with “hello”
Send more than just a "hello", and try asking questions and connecting based on something you saw in your potential partner's profile. For example, if they are a Frencg learner and they talk about a place they love to travel to, you can say: “Hey, I saw that you’re learning French and you’ve travelled to La Rochelle. I love it there! Have you ever eaten at Le Petit Marinier?".
Consider your expectations. Being someone's language learning partner is a commitment to be taken seriously, and it is your partner's decision whether they will be ready to join you.
Agree on how your exchange is going to work:
When will you practice which language?
Who's going to arrange the timeslots?
Will you send recordings, chat, focus on specific language points like grammar topics or vocab?
What will you talk about each week?
Finally, consider what level you are at in your target language and how this will impact the kinds of things that you can say and understand.
Once Your Language Exchange is Underway
“A language exchange is like a plant: If you don't look after it, it's going to die.”
Jonathan
Great job, you’ve started meeting your language exchange partners. Here’s how to make sure the new connection doesn’t fizzle out.
Keep the Conversations Interesting
Prepare something to talk about in each session and make sure you don't let each other down and spend the whole session asking superficial questions. For example, find a news item and explain what it means in your local context, share a recipe, or select a conversation starter question. This directory is an incredible list of topics, you’ll never run out of ideas.
Stay Kind to Yourself
No one needs to expect a miracle from a language exchange. If you are shy and you don't establish what you have in common with another person, your language exchange will be just as uncomfortable as it would be in a monolingual environment.
Before and during the exchange, it helps to have a notebook ready. You can even start a language learning journal so you have space to reflect on how it went. Here’s my online course showing you exactly how to organise this journal for success, and here are some tips about using the bullet journal technique.
We love to try these tricks for helping you with your mindset and any self-doubt that comes up while you’re speaking another language. And if you want more ideas, here’s a list of 5 creative ideas for language lessons and exchanges.
Don’t Partner-Hop Like You’re on Tinder
Language exchanges are best treated like a really great friendship. Find consistent people to talk to so you can establish common ground and start going beyond the broring, repetitive topics that happen at the start of creating a new relationship.
Try alternative ways of making your exchange work, for example recording yourself so you can send a "message in a bottle" and still stay in touch even when life gets busy.
Don’t Forget About Group Exchanges
If you haven’t found a 1:1 language exchange partner yet, you can also join a language exchange group and talk to other learners.
In my podcast episode with Brian from Online Language Exchange, we discussed the best ways to get a lot out of these groups.
Don’t worry if you are a beginner: If you find somebody who is at a more advanced stage than you are, you can give them advice and share tips and resources.
No more dull textbooks or mundane drills – you'll be part of a community of like-minded learners who are passionate about mastering new languages. See you in the newsletter!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start an effective language exchange?
Remember, language exchanges are about building relationships. So don’t just look for “someone to talk to”, instead imagine you are getting in touch with a brand new friend. You can find exchange partners online in forums, groups, through apps like HelloTalk and the fantastic website italki. (affiliate link, we recommend italki)
What makes a good language partner?
A good exchange partner will be learning a language you know well, and fluent in a language you are learning. This way, you can share the time each of you spends practicing speaking.
It has to be someone that you enjoy talking to, and feel comfortable with. In conversations, it helps if your exchange partner is patient, interesting, and doesn’t correct too much.
What do you talk about during a language exchange?
There are no rules! You don’t have to talk about language rules at all, because exchanges are not like lessons. Find some common ground, talk about what you like, the sports and hobbies you do, favourite foods, and what bands you’ve seen live. A great language exchange is just like talking to a good friend…only in another language!
Why is a language exchange good?
Language exchanges are a powerful language learning tool! They give you
Authentic conversations to improve your listening skills, pronunciation, and fluency
Language learning on a budget. They are often free, both partners give up their time.
A great opportunity to meet new people, grow your relationships, and learn more about the culture of your target language.
Do you need to practice with native speakers?
You don’t have to find a native speaker! Often, learners who are more advanced than you are a great person to practice with. With native speakers, it can be difficult to understand regional accents and they don’t always know how to explain their language rules in detail.
To get native-level practice into your studies before you go hunting for speakers all over town, try bringing in audio resources or even TV. It's easy to watch television in other languages or use cool software like Yabla. (affiliate link)
Read more about this in this blog article: Language Practice: Why You Don't Need A Native Speaker
How to Learn Multiple Languages At The Same Time
It's the dream of many language learners...to study more than one language at the same time and start speaking in more languages within just a year, or maybe even in months. But is this realistic? And what about rules like "don't study languages from the same family"?
In this episode of the podcast, Lindsay and I looked deep into the topic and shared our own experience and best tips. Some of those rules out there didn't hold up!
Is it possible to learn multiple languages at the same time?
Well of course!
In this article, I have collected some solid tips to help you stay sane and make progress even if you are learning more than one language.
And if you want to know how to structure your journey to learning multiple languages, discover the short Multilingual Power-Up online course today!
5 Tips For Learning Multiple Languages At The Same Time
These tips are based on our own experiences over 20+ years of teaching and learning languages, and include our verdicts on the internet's most common "rules".
DO Make Peace With Slower Language Progress
It's undeniable. When you're splitting your time between several languages, you'll save a lot of time by cutting out the worry. The key is to build and maintain a schedule, to build that habit, so you can focus on action instead of worrying about how much progress you're making.
-> Read more about building successful slow language routines herd
Remember that the best way to make progress in language learning is to concentrate on how you spend your time well. The idea of "saving time" itself can be contentious. If you're learning languages because you love them, it's unlikely you'll ever be finished.
DO Commit To Some Kind of Study Schedule
Having a set schedule saves time that you may spend deciding, also saves energy. It comes to decision fatigue.
I wrote about decision fatigue in the Language Habit Toolkit:
At a certain point in the day, > > > > > decision fatigue> > > > > sets in. This term, coined by psychologists studying irrational behaviour in humans, describes the many unhelpful actions you many start to take when you’re tired of all that thinking. It can lead to a loss of willpower, and even a loss of perspective on the choices that people do make.
In a multi-language situation, decision fatigue can zap your energy when you need it most. Take control by following the language habit system so you never have to think "Should I focus on this one or that one now?"
This doesn't have to be elaborate or complicated - for example, I’ve done “French Thursday” for example, using one day a week to take a break from looking at the Welsh language and instead study French.
DO Use Multilingual Resources
If your languages are at different levels, try studying one language through another, for example through buying from local language publishers, using Glossika, Clozemaster, or the awesome Yabla software. And don't forget that vocabulary can be a lot more fun and creative than just rote learning from a list: here are my easy tips for learning vocabulary.
DO Use Your Environment
Sometimes, just being in a different environment can help you gain more focus on specific target languags. Lindsay has done this in the past, for example studying Japanese every time she drove. Try moving around in your home or selecting a favourite café or walking route for interaction with a specific language.
DO or maybe DON'T Start 2 At The Same Time
It's definitely more demanding to start two brand new languages at the same time, so be aware that a project like this would require a lot of time and some support.
Polyglot Luca Lampariello has written about this, recommending learners build a language core. It essentially means moving past the levels where you’re still wondering how to string sentences together or make questions.
BUT - does that mean it's impossible to do? Heck no!
It is an ambitious undertaking, but it's definitely not impossible. We found that the key to starting more than one language at once is to stay realistic and confident, and to set very clear goals about the purpose of learning each language.
For example, you may study one language to become "travel fluent" for a trip, but another one because you want to add it to your life for good. With a project as big as language learning, it's important to make sure that your goals are solid.
DO OR DO Choose Languages From The Same Language Family
Here's another debate from the internet: Should you learn languages that are closely related? Or is that confusing?
Or should you choose two completely different languages?
Either way, we found no evidence that you would be likely to "do it wrong". Building confidence and working at different levels in different languages is beneficial, and you can definitely mix an "easy language" with a "hard language".
But ultimately, language choice should not be about easy vs. hard. It should be about which language you WANT TO learn right now, what you will enjoy the most.
Watch my in-depth video about language choices here
And when it comes to confusing and forgetting the vocabulary, our experience says that this will happen no matter what you do.
Either way you do it, it's definitely a DO. Just give this a go, consider what you are most interested in, and trust that good planning, consistent tracking, and regular reviews will guide you through.
DO Relish The Challenge For Your Brain
Keeping several languages active can have better study results than switching around. Beyond that, it's also bound to give you a wonderful feeling of hard work and reward, and will challenge your brain.
Benny Lewis has a good anecdote about this. Here he describes an experience of progressing and improving in both Spanish and Italian:
"At first, I was indeed producing a kind of “espaliano” when trying to speak either, but forcing myself to speak Spanish constantly every day, while also doing the same for Italian while I was learning and improving it meant that I learned how to compartmentalise each language in my head.")
The Fluent Show: Podcast About Learning Languages
Listen to the full episode including news & updates, or skip to 21:45 to go straight to our tips.
Finally…
Learning languages gets easier with each language you tackle, and a lot of this is related to your improved learning skills and confidence.
Abraham Lincoln said “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe", and in the same vein it's helpful to spend some time and energy on learning how to learn productively.
So, How Many Languages Do You Speak? 😝
Have you tackled more than language at once? What are the strategies you are using to avoid mixing them up?
Want more details and a Multilingual Power-Up?
Check out the Multilingual Power-Up online course to learn just how easy it can be to learn two or even more languages at the same time!
Clear the List October 2019: My italki Speaking Challenge Plans
Hello and welcome to another blog post in the Clear The List series, the monthly language learning round-up about language learning goals and progress. Gretchen Rubin says
The days are long, but the years are short.
Well, I get the feeling that the days were >< this long in September. Nothing like a check-in post to remember what even happened!
If you’re inspired to try your own check-in, why not join our #clearthelist blog round-up hosted by Shannon Kennedy and Lindsay Williams.
What Happened in September?
In the last week of September I spoke a lot of German! My husband is a fairly inactive German learner and we switched to the language for all conversations for a bit. I have not found it realistic to just “teach him German by speaking all the time”, so that short-term effort is unlikely to stick. Read this if you want to know more about learning languages through a partner.
The Fluent Show
First of all: The Fluent Show has opened a Patreon page. This allows all listeners to become involved in making the show with a small monthly pledge (though you can send a huge one if you like).
If you want to become a part of the community, please visit our Patreon page.
If you listen to just one episode from September 2019, I recommend the exciting recap of Langfest in Montréal. You’ll be transported there instantly!
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Language Goals and Progress
Here’s the short summary of what you’re about to read: I didn’t do much in one big chunk, but I did lots of little things and they added up. Or in another Gretchen Rubin quote…”what you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while.”
Mandarin Chinese
I am feeling progress with this language. There is not a huge jump ahead as I’m not putting the big hours in, but still it’s going from noisenoisenoisenoisenoise to noise-word-noisenoisenoise-something-I-know. And phone typing in Chinese is also easier now. Hooray!
Here’s how I did with my goals:
- Look for a tutor and ask for listening support
I did look but I didn’t book. Hah! Must do better in October.
I did use Yabla this month to start a bit of TV in Chinese. I found a fun reality TV show on there and I’m excited that there are a few more learning materials available to me compared to Welsh.
- Use LingQ 4 days a week
No LingQ but it’s been an appy month anyway (GEDDIT?), as I moved ahead and levelled up with the wonderful Lingodeer. It is the best app-based course I’ve seen in Chinese.
By the way, I contacted Lingodeer and asked them for a discount code so you can now get 15% off Lingodeer membership using the code FLUENTSHOW.
- Vague speaking ambitions
I recorded myself reading the Chinese challenges on Lingodeer, but beyond that there wasn’t much progress. Again, stuck on getting a tutor.
Welsh
File under “what you do every day matters more than what you do once in a while”. In other words: I spoke Welsh, I read Welsh, I heard some Welsh, I typed a bit, but none of it in huge quantities.
Language Goals for October 2019
This month I need a little time to recover and focus on promoting the next Fluent German Retreat, and there’s a 10-day trip to the USA in my plans as well. Busy one, so I’ll be combining my goals for Welsh and Chinese.
Listening and Speaking
October is an italki challenge month, so I have a good reason to book lessons in both Chinese and Welsh, which should cover some of my speaking and listening needs.
The minimum hours to put in for a badge are 12, so I’ll divide mine into
- 4 hours of Welsh conversation (exciting)
- 4 hours of Chinese practice (terrifying)
- 4 hours of wildcard languages (exciting)
I’m thinking I might throw in a bit of French and BSL. What about you?
Reading
Apps and LingQ for Chinese, the final pages of Ffenestri in Welsh. My focus is not on this for the month.
Writing
I’ll see if I can make writing a part of my lessons somehow for the Chinese part. In Welsh, it’s a little easier since I have a few people I can always message in the language.
And that’s it for October’s #clearthelist!
How are You Getting On in Language Learning?
Boy, I’m so looking forward to my next trip to Wales. Nothing is booked yet and autumn is already going to be fairly travel heavy, but then..what’s better than learning in the country? This is why I run retreats in Germany after all!
What about you? Share your check-in and plans in the comments below!
What Are the Easiest Languages in the World?
Imagine you're learning a language that's so easy that you're having full conversations within just a few hours. The vocabulary makes sense, the grammar feels natural...it's all just very easy. You've found the holy grail of languages...the one that you'll find so easy that you'll master it in just a few hours.
Listen to the latest podcast episode to hear Lindsay and me discuss this topic with lots of surprising insights and our own hit lists of top 5 easiest languages.
Here are a few of the factors that determine if you will find a language easy or difficult:
Language Families: What Is Similar to What You Already Know?
Familiarity is the most obvious way to guess whether a language is going to be easy for you to learn. The closer its structures and vocabulary are to your native language, the easier it should be to understand and learn them.
The idea: Languages in your language family are the ones that give you the least new material to learn. With less to learn, that means you don't have to work as hard. It's easy!
What You See = All You Get?
The language families theory works perfectly, but it has one flaw: Without knowing about the languages you don't know...how can you tell that those familiar ones really are the easiest?
For example, speakers of a Latin-based language like Spanish will list Italian and Portuguese as their easy languages... but fewer people mention Romanian. Romanian is less popular, but it is still Latin-based and fairly accessible.
Many people start to mistake languages that are widely spoken with languages that are easy. And that makes sense in terms of access - how easy is it to find materials for your language? How unusual do you feel when you’re learning this language?
But is the most popular language really the easiest? Maybe there's more to it!
Language History: Where Have Languages Been Designed to Ease Communication?
Sometimes, a language emerges because it needs to create ease of communication quickly and often this leads to simplified grammar structures. Languages designed to aid communication are Pidgins and sign languages, for example. They’re considered easy partly because they are based on existing languages.
In the podcast, we discuss whether a pidgin or a sign language could be the easiest language in the world...or maybe not?
Learner Situation: Which Language(s) Have You Learnt Before?
In my Facebook group, one learner replied to my question “Which are the easiest languages for you?” in an unusual way. She said:
"I think the easiest three are often your last three, because you develop your language learning strategy as you work out which things help you learn"
It's very true. Languages can be easier or harder depending on you and where your skillset and mindset are at.
A bad experience in the past (like in school) can give you the impression that a language is hard, when it may have been more to do with your learning environment.
In addition to this, some languages just call to you and that motivation makes the complex grammar or weird vocabulary a joy to learn rather than a burden.
So What Makes a Language Easy or Hard?
It's personal to you as the language learner, so there is no general answer. What you know and the languages you know are also limited, so...in a way you won't ever have the answer until you try.
But remember: It’s hard not to confuse “easy” with “available".
What Were Your Top 5 Easiest Languages?
Listen to the podcast to hear our lists of easy languages and share your views in the comments below
Struggling with listening? Discover realistic tips, challenge prompts, and the best tools for improving your listening skills as a self-guided language learner