Be Fluent Insights

Course details

Would you like to Speak French in 3, 6 or 9 months? The Fastest Way to Learn a New Language in 3 Simple Steps Students starting French, French , Arabic… often ask us: “How long to learn a language?” “How many hours should I study per day?” “What’s the fastest way to learn?”. These questions make sense, especially with so many websites now claiming “Learn a language in X weeks/months”. But you really need to be smart about these promises… If it’s too good to be true, then it’s likely to be clickbait!! #1 – Learn the right words, the right way. To learn any language in 3 months, we take advantage of the Pareto principle, realizing that 20% of the effort you spend on acquiring new vocab could ultimately give you 80% comprehension in a language—for instance, in French just 300 words make up 65% of all written material. We use those words a lot, and that’s the case in every other language as well. #2 – Interact in your language daily without traveling. Another reason (or excuse, depending on how you look at it) people cite for not learning languages is that they can’t visit a country where it’s a native language. No time, no money, etc. We have met countless expats who lived abroad for years without learning the local language. Living abroad and being immersed is not the same thing. If you need to hear and use a language consistently to be immersed, can’t virtual immersion be just as effective? Of course. Technology makes it possible for immersion to come to you, and you don’t even have to buy a plane ticket. To hear the language consistently, watch Netflix, go to that country’s equivalent URL for Amazon or Ebay (amazon.es, amazon.fr, amazon.co.jp, etc.) and buy your favorite TV series dubbed in that language, or get a local equivalent by seeing what’s on the top charts. #3 – Zoom today for daily online spoken practice. So you’ve been listening to, watching, and even reading in your target language—and all in the comfort of your own home. Now it’s time for the big one: speaking it live with a native. This may be our most controversial piece of advice, but it is one that Be Fluent absolutely insists upon when advising beginners: you must speak the language right away if your goals in the target language involve speaking it.