The Seven Secrets to Successful Language Learning: #7 Become an Independent Language Learner

http://www.lingq.com/

Above all other tasks, the most important part of language learning is becoming an independent learner. Taking hold of your learning is the key to being successful in learning a foreign language

Category:

Education

Tags:

• language learning
• LingQ
• vocabulary
• grammar
• seven
• secrets
• learning a language
• independent
• successful

[jakafe1188]

I came across your video series in youtube and thought they were all very helpful.

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful information with us.

[lingosteve]

@jakafe1188 Thank you for your comment.

[theceltickitten]

I'm taking Spanish classes (soon French as well) in High School, but I also study what we're working thoroughly and I frequently speak to myself and other in Spanish.

Is that enough to be considered an independent language learner?

[lingosteve]

@theceltickitten definitely!

[lingosteve]

@krishall001 I always get a few dislikes. That is normal. There are some people who do not like what I have to say. That is their right.

[AdnTheNecrosadist]

It's funny how he said "I won't review the secrets from 1-6 cause I can't remember them here off the bat" Then he goes and mentions them XD

Thanks, Steve! Very helpful! =)

[pisaniforprez]

I somewhat disagree with going full-on independant; I find that having someone to ask 1001 questions (regardless of the area of study) at the very start helps me understand the basics and build the core. Afterwards, I can explore, knowing that I can always fall back on the basics.

Great video series!

[Bonnenouvellesjonny]

Now I've watched all 7. Awesome stuff.

[rilwena]

I find teacher's guidance vital at the first stages of studying. In my opinion starting all by yourself can mess up as much as teach you anything. (Of course, for others it might work well.) I have to agree on exploring though - without it language one studies is nothing more than grammar and textbook quotations.

Thanks for the series, Steve. It was nice to review the important things.

-Alex (7 languages and counting)

[ronironiism]

There are a great number of people out there preferring courses, like lesson 1, lesson 2 and so on. That's the way that Livemocha basically works. I find this way more suitable for beginners but exploring the language freely is always superior!

[idwtsasoj]

@themafia306 I used the michel thomas cd's before lingq and i think that that's the best way to learn because he give you a basic vocabulary and a complete knowlage of grammer and then lingq gives vocab and get a sense of how the language is used.

[lingosteve]

@untmdsprt I use the content we have at LingQ which will be increasing shortly. I set dictionary to English but have books at home written for Japanese learners of Korean as well.

[untmdsprt]

Most people assume it's the teacher's job to teach them something and yet they won't ever take responsibility for their own learning. I've been using Anki to increase my vocabulary, and just go to school to have a teacher correct my pronunciation and make sure that I understand everything. Also a teacher and classmates are good instant feedback to your output.

[untmdsprt]

@lingosteve What are you using to learn Korean? I'm thinking about that as my 3rd language to learn. Do you use your native languages to learn others or do you use a language that's most similar to the one you're wanting to learn? My native language is English, but currently learning Japanese as my 2nd language, so I would assume Korean would be more similar to Japanese as far as grammar.