Matthew Youlden speaks nine languages fluently and understands more than a dozen more.
When I told Matthew how I've been working hard to only pick up a second language, he had the following advice for me.
Know why you are doing it
This might sound easy, but if you don't have a good reason to learn a language, you are less likely to stay interested over the long-run. Wanting to get to know a French person in his or her own language is another matter entirely. No matter what your reason is,once you've decided on a language, it is important to carry out.
Matthew learned several languages together with his twin brother Michael. They learned their first language, Greek, when they were only eight years old! Even if you can't get a sister or brother to join you on your language adventure, having any kind of partner will push both of you to always try just a little bit harder and stay with it.
Have fun with it
Think of some fun ways to practice your new language: make a radio play with a friend, draw a comic strip, write a poem, or simply talk to whomever you can. If you can't find a way to have fun with the new language, chances are that you aren't following step four.
Act like a child
We learn by making mistakes. But as adults, mistakes become taboo(禁忌). Think how an adult is more likely to say," I can't", rather than "I haven't learned that yet." (I can't swim, I can't drive, I can't speak Spanish.) When it comes to learning a language, admitting that you don't know everything is the key to growth and freedom.
A. Find a partner
B. Leave your comfort place
C. We work in the same office in Berlin.
D. As kids, we are expected to make mistakes.
E. You are learning a language to be able to use it.
F. Using your new language in any way is a creative act.
G. Wanting to impress English-speakers with your French is not a very good reason.
