How to Learn a Language
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve probably took a couple language classes in school and found it very challenging. Perhaps you came to the conclusion that you are bad at languages, that languages were for smart linguistic people and not for you. Maybe you even hated the class, as I did, and never wanted to learn a language again.
I understand what that is like. I was there once. I had two years of Latin in high-school. It was my least favorite subject. I thought I would never learn a language again.
But years later, I learned something: I wasn’t bad at languages. I was language taught poorly.
What does it mean to learn a language?
Before we discuss how to learn a language, we first need to talk about learning. Most of the time, when we talk about learning, we usually talk about what’s called explicit learning. Explicit learning is developing conscious knowledge about a subject. For example, knowledge about history or mathematics would count as explicit learning. In language learning, studying grammar and memorizing vocabulary by rote (casa means house) would also be explicit learning.
However, language learning is an implicit form of learning. In the words of SLA Linguist Stephen Krashen, “Language acquisition is a subconscious process; language acquirers are not usually aware of the fact that they are acquiring language, but are only aware of the fact that they are using the language for communication”. Language acquisition is not done by rote memorization or studying grammar charts, but through comprehensible input (CI).
What is Comprehensible Input?
Comprehensible input means taking in the language, through reading or listening, at a level that is just above our own. It can come in any form: books, movies, youtube or interaction. When we get CI, our brain starts to “pick up” on the language.
But, the input needs to be about our level. If the input is too hard, we won’t get much out of it because we understand everything. If the input is too easy, we likewise wont get much out of it as we all ready understand the language.
For some examples, read my post on CI here.
So, how to learn a language?
There are a lot of different ways that people approach learning a language. A simple search on youtube will yield hundreds of different methods that people use to learn the language.
But one thing is clear: comprehensible input is essential. You need tons and tons of CI. That means spending as much time as you can with the language. This can be done through movies, YouTube, music, podcasts, books or speaking with a Brazilian.
This is where things can get fun, because as you get better, you can find input material that is interesting to you. You can watch videos about topics you’re interested in, or explore the rich culture of Brazilian music. And, if you are in a relationship with a Brazilian, you have someone special to talk to. As long as you are getting CI, your brain will be developing the language.
What about speaking?
While there is some discussion on if speaking the language helps in the acquisition process, the main benefit is that speaking with someone opens up more opportunities for getting CI. It can also reveal areas that you need to work on.
However, speaking can also be a source of anxiety for beginners. And we want to keep anxiety low while learning a language. According to Krashen, “Low anxiety appears to be conducive to second language acquisition, whether measured as personal or classroom anxiety.” In other words, keeping anxiety low is good for language acquisition.
So what should you do? Well, that is up to you. If you are the kind of person who enjoys putting yourself out there and speaking in a new language, then by all means do so! But if the thought of doing so causes you a lot of anxiety, there is nothing wrong with taking a silent period and focusing on getting lots of CI. Eventually, though, you will need to converse.
Is there a place for explicit learning?
Perhaps. Linguists don’t agree on this issue. On one hand it can be helpful if you need to translate in your head, or to help with reading comprehension. But trying to speak while juggling verb conjugations, gender agreement, word order and the ser/estar distinction can be a burden all while trying to hold a conversation.
Therefore, if you decide to learn explicitly, I recommend spending the vast majority of your time with CI. This will be the most effective use of your time, and it is essential for achieving fluency. It will also make things like studying grammar easier, as you will encounter the grammar structures all the time.
Where to Start in Portuguese?
On my Resources page, I’ve listed a number of places you can go to get CI for absolute beginners. I also recommend finding cartoons made for young children dubbed in Portuguese (you can find hours of Peppa Pig on YouTube). It sounds silly, but they often speak slowly and clearly and it’s easy to tell what is going on.
Lastly, have some patience. Learning a language is gradual and a life-long journey. It can seem daunting at times, but if you keep at it and enjoy the process, you will get there! Yes, you can learn a language!
