5 techniques to speak any language | Sid Efromovich | TEDxUpperEastSide

TL;DR

Sid Efromovich shares five effective techniques for learning languages.

Transcript

Transcriber: Наталья Овчинникова Reviewer: Adrienne Lin I speak seven languages. As soon as people find out about that, what I'm most often asked -- other than for my phone number -- is: "How did you do it? How did you go about learning all these different languages?" Well, today I'm going to share with you some an... Read More

Key Insights

• Sid Efromovich discusses his unique approach to learning languages, emphasizing enjoyment and fun over stress and difficulty.
• He highlights the importance of making mistakes in language learning, as they indicate exploration beyond one's current knowledge base.
• Sid advises against relying on foreign alphabets for pronunciation, suggesting alternative methods for accurate sound reproduction.
• Finding a 'stickler' or someone who will correct your mistakes is crucial for language improvement and confidence.
• Sid promotes 'shower conversations' as a practice method, allowing learners to simulate real-life dialogues and identify knowledge gaps.
• He introduces the 'Buddy Formula' for finding conversation partners, ensuring the target language is the best language in common.
• Sid suggests using the target language as a secret language among friends for private conversations in public settings.
• The ultimate goal of language learning, according to Sid, is to explore new cultures and learn more about oneself.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Sid's first technique for learning languages?

Sid's first technique is to allow oneself to make mistakes. He believes that making mistakes is crucial because it indicates that you are exploring beyond your current language database. This exploration is necessary for learning new sounds and structures in a foreign language.

Q: Why does Sid advise against using foreign alphabets?

Sid advises against using foreign alphabets because they can give incorrect signals about pronunciation. Instead, he suggests using alternative methods to replicate the sounds accurately, as relying on the foreign alphabet can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect pronunciations.

Q: What role does a 'stickler' play in language learning?

A 'stickler' is someone who will correct your mistakes and ensure you are learning the language correctly. This person could be a teacher, tutor, friend, or even someone online. The key is to establish a relationship where the stickler feels comfortable correcting you, helping you improve your language skills.

Q: What are 'shower conversations' and their purpose?

Shower conversations are a practice method where learners simulate dialogues in the target language, identifying gaps in their knowledge. These conversations can be held anywhere, not just in the shower, and allow learners to practice both sides of a conversation without relying on others.

Q: What is the 'Buddy Formula' in language learning?

The 'Buddy Formula' involves finding a conversation partner where the target language is the best language in common. This ensures that both parties are incentivized to use the target language, facilitating practical use and improvement of language skills through regular conversation.

Q: How can the target language be used as a secret language?

The target language can be used as a secret language among friends for private conversations in public settings. This not only provides a sense of privacy but also encourages regular use of the language, reinforcing learning and fluency in a practical context.

Q: What is the ultimate goal of language learning according to Sid?

According to Sid, the ultimate goal of language learning is to explore new cultures and learn more about oneself. By understanding different ways of living and thinking, language learners can gain deeper insights into their own identities and the world around them.

Q: What is Sid's perspective on the stress of language learning?

Sid believes that language learning should be an enjoyable and fun experience rather than a stressful and difficult task. He encourages learners to embrace mistakes, practice creatively, and engage with the language in ways that spark curiosity and excitement, making the process more rewarding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sid Efromovich, a polyglot, shares his five techniques for learning languages, focusing on making mistakes, scrapping foreign alphabets, finding a stickler, practicing through shower conversations, and using the Buddy Formula.

• He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the language learning process and using it as a tool to explore new cultures and understand oneself better.

• Sid also highlights the benefits of using the target language as a secret language among friends for private conversations, enhancing the practical use of language skills.