So that's why I got a sudden urge to read a German phrasebook in the middle of my failing Japanese studies. Either that or my brain was looking for the path of least resistance.
Switching up and giving a language a temporary rest is great advice, Steve.
I've reached plateaus in every language I've learned so far (German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese). When I'm feeling I'm not making any progress I will either
1) give it a temporary rest, as you suggest, and focus on another language for a while, or
2) come at the language from a different angle. If I've found myself reading a lot, I'll put more effort into spending time speaking it, or writing it.
wow steve, really great video here! I had a similar thing happen to me. I was in Germany learning German and progressing at a good pace. However, I started to plateau, slow down, whatever you want to call. I then had a short (4-5 day) trip to Paris and when I came back to Germany my german was "magically" better. It was a fascinating thing, but it totally makes sense with what you are saying in this video.
@namitsu1 I have always favoured doing what you want. i either concentrate on one, ro go 80 20. But I may reconsider. Still the minor language is still minor.
What you say is very true. Quite a lot of people who claim to be studying a language appear to go at the pace which is set by the classroom, as opposed to pushing themselves to get ahead. It is when we push ourselves that we make progress. We only need to look at you to realise that!(^O^)／
I don't like repetition too much. I can read a Spanish short story, quickly learn the new vocab, and be done with that story. I think it's dull to read or listen to the same content over and over again. 2 or 3 times is as much as I can do.
Thanks for the video. I've always found your advice to be incredibly helpful!
i love this message, thanks steve!
SOGN0 5 months ago
I have completely understood I wil try it!
TheMartikaa 5 months ago
This sounds like an example of Yerkes-Dodson law
pon00050 6 months ago
thanks for this steve !
metiube 7 months ago
So that's why I got a sudden urge to read a German phrasebook in the middle of my failing Japanese studies. Either that or my brain was looking for the path of least resistance.
drushtvo 7 months ago
Switching up and giving a language a temporary rest is great advice, Steve.
I've reached plateaus in every language I've learned so far (German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Mandarin Chinese). When I'm feeling I'm not making any progress I will either
1) give it a temporary rest, as you suggest, and focus on another language for a while, or
2) come at the language from a different angle. If I've found myself reading a lot, I'll put more effort into spending time speaking it, or writing it.
crushalanguage 7 months ago
wow steve, really great video here! I had a similar thing happen to me. I was in Germany learning German and progressing at a good pace. However, I started to plateau, slow down, whatever you want to call. I then had a short (4-5 day) trip to Paris and when I came back to Germany my german was "magically" better. It was a fascinating thing, but it totally makes sense with what you are saying in this video.
payn0094 7 months ago
Thank you so much, all your pieces of advice are really precious. You're a real inspiration to me!
izimata 7 months ago
awesome thank you so much
xnightxamex 7 months ago
Very interesting Steve. I heard you saying it's good to focus on one language at a time. Do you think you are reconsidering this statement?
namitsu1 7 months ago
@namitsu1 I have always favoured doing what you want. i either concentrate on one, ro go 80 20. But I may reconsider. Still the minor language is still minor.
lingosteve 7 months ago
Good to see you back.
What you say is very true. Quite a lot of people who claim to be studying a language appear to go at the pace which is set by the classroom, as opposed to pushing themselves to get ahead. It is when we push ourselves that we make progress. We only need to look at you to realise that!(^O^)／
tias90 7 months ago
I really like this analogy
daglug1 7 months ago
I don't like repetition too much. I can read a Spanish short story, quickly learn the new vocab, and be done with that story. I think it's dull to read or listen to the same content over and over again. 2 or 3 times is as much as I can do.
Thanks for the video. I've always found your advice to be incredibly helpful!
SubjectAlpha100 7 months ago
There's been alot of videos of plateauing recently.
nihongogogo 7 months ago 6
Oh god i needed this lol Thanks :)
yalc183 7 months ago
thanks for the physical training reference that was perfect thanks steve :)
SchwarzerMannn 7 months ago 4