Smart Language Learner - Advice on Language Learning, Travel, and Living Abroad

The Come-to-Me vs the Go-Get-It Mentality

On October 11, 2017 By Noel van Vliet In Psychology

If you want to get fluent in a new language:

You’ll have to go get Fluency, it won’t come to you by itself.

Too many people are sleepwalking their way through language learning.

They have too much of a Come-To-Me mentality, instead of the superior Go-Get-It mentality.

With the Come-To-Me mentality, you can do a lot of language learning without making strides.

You’re busy, but not really advancing.

Are You an Introvert? Don’t Worry!

On September 27, 2017 By Noel van Vliet In Noel's Advice

Most experts agree:

Extroverts are better language learners than Introverts.

If you’re an Introvert, you’d better learn to change your personality or you’re doomed. You won’t be able to learn another language well if you’re an Introvert.

Well, what a load of ……..

The idea that Extroverts are better language learners is only partially true and hurts Introvert learners.

The Right Amount of Time You Should Spend on Language Learning Each Day

On September 20, 2017 By Noel van Vliet In Noel's Advice, Time Management

Let’s get straight to the point:

There’s no ideal fixed amount of daily time you should spend on your language learning.

There is a right amount, though.

But…

While it’s sometimes a good idea to schedule a fixed amount of daily language learning time, I now believe you won’t optimize your language learning time this way.

Not all days are created equal, and thus, the time you spend learning each day should take that into account.

Translating in Your Head is a Good Thing

On September 6, 2017 By Noel van Vliet In Noel's Advice

Many language learners worry about translating in their heads.

And since many people agonize about it – experts rush to prescribe all kinds of methods to cure you from your translating-in-your-head disease.

I’m sure they have good intentions, but it’s a problem that doesn’t really exist.

If you’re a beginner or intermediate language learner, don’t sweat it:

It’s normal that you translate in your head. It will go away on its own with enough speaking practice and exposure.

Imagine From Day One

On August 29, 2017 By Noel van Vliet In Noel's Advice, Tactics and Strategies

As you might know:

When it comes to learning a new language, I’m not a fan of conversing from the get-go.

I think it’s a waste of time, and you set yourself up to have many fossilized errors that are tough to correct later on if almost everything you say to the bewildered natives speakers is incorrect.

…and although touted as a way to motivate yourself, it may actually shatter confidence to speak in your new language before you’ve even started.