1. Context Over Vocabulary

A common piece of advice floating around is that mastering just the 100 to 300 most frequently used words in a language can allow you to understand over 90% of it. While this may hold some truth, the reality is much more nuanced.

Take the word "to," for instance. Its meaning can vary dramatically depending on the context. Therefore, I prioritize learning phrases or full sentences rather than isolating individual words. For example, the meaning of "to" becomes clearer when embedded in sentences like, "I went to the market" or "From 2 to 3 PM, I have a meeting." This approach applies to languages like Korean and Japanese as well, where particles must be understood within phrases.

2. Embracing Grammar Patterns

Another common misconception is that grammar is irrelevant. It’s easy to dismiss grammar, especially when many have had negative experiences with tedious drills in school. Yet, the issue often lies not with grammar itself, but with how it is taught.

When I began studying Japanese independently, I didn't start with the traditional grammar rules deemed essential. Instead, I focused on the grammar that intrigued me. This made my learning experience enjoyable and revealed that only a handful of grammatical structures are necessary for effective communication.

3. The Value of Passive Exposure

Recently, the concept of passive exposure has gained popularity, especially among those who solely rely on this method. While I believe it shouldn’t be overemphasized, passive exposure undeniably offers significant benefits.

For over a decade, I have incorporated passive exposure into my routine without sacrificing active study time. Daily, I engage with my target languages in various ways, such as:

• Watching Netflix with double subtitles using the Language Reactor extension.
• Listening to music in my target language through platforms like Radio.garden.
• Setting my phone or specific apps to my target language.

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4. Gaming as a Learning Tool

Another enjoyable way I immerse myself in target languages is through video games. Since my childhood, gaming has been a beloved pastime, and I still play daily for both relaxation and educational purposes.

Video games create a contained universe, making it easy to learn once you grasp the basics. For instance, I recently started playing Honkai Impact: Star Rail in Japanese, where I discovered new phrases like "isshin ittai" (一進一退) and "shakō jirei" (社交辞令). While I may not need these expressions as an advanced learner, my curiosity drives me to learn them.

5. Reading Strategically

I acknowledge that not every word I learn is essential. Recently, while gaming in Korean, I focused only on key terms that clarified the plot.

Learning a language does not equate to memorizing every word. Instead, it's important to grasp the most relevant vocabulary first. New learners often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of words, leading to frustration. It’s crucial to recognize that understanding the context is more important than knowing every single term.

6. Keeping a Language Diary

I previously wrote extensively about the benefits of maintaining a language diary, so I won’t delve too deeply here. However, this practice is invaluable for reinforcing language skills without requiring a significant time commitment.

A diary allows you to practice various tenses and vocabulary relevant to your life. As you write, you can enhance your sentences over time and seek corrections from native speakers through platforms like HiNative or Journaly.

7. Cultivating Curiosity

Of all the habits mentioned, curiosity is the most vital. The most effective language learners are driven by their curiosity. If you don't naturally possess this trait, remember that curiosity can be cultivated just like any other skill.

Explore topics on platforms like Wikipedia or YouTube that intrigue you and switch to your target language to delve deeper into those subjects. When driven by genuine interest, learning becomes enjoyable rather than a chore.

Final Thoughts

Polyglots are ordinary individuals who have invested time and effort into language learning. Just as we recognize that someone with a well-developed physique has dedicated themselves to fitness, we should understand that polyglots have similarly exercised their linguistic abilities.

I firmly believe anyone can become a polyglot by integrating languages into their daily life—just a small but consistent effort can yield remarkable results. The enriching conversations and experiences I’ve had as a result of my language skills have made my life profoundly rewarding. You can achieve the same!

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