How to learn any language easily | Matthew Youlden | TEDxClapham (2)

that each and everyone of us should be doing

when going about learning a language.

The first rule is - wait for it -

the first rule is live the language,

speak it, read it, write it, dream in it,

sing it even; sing to yourself.

My brother and I when we started learning Greek,

we decided to write songs in the language.

Don't worry, I'm not about to embarrass my brother,

and I certainly won't be singing for you all this morning.

That said, in order to master the language,

you have to make it yours, own the language.

So why not put your phone or computer in the language you're learning?

Number two: make mistakes.

Yes, you heard me correctly.

Make as many as you want.

Why?

Because we learn by making mistakes.

It's actually the only way we can get things right.

As children, we're even expected to make them.

But as adults, we are apprehensive because they make us feel vulnerable.

Admitting from the beginning

we don't know absolutely everything there is to know about this new language

will not prevent us from learning it.

Furthermore, it will actually give us the freedom to go on and to master it.

So go forth and make as many mistakes as you like.

The last rule,

and this is the most important one, and this is essential:

make it fun.

Grammar rules aren't always fun.

I mean, I love grammar,

but I understand that not everyone is so enthusiastic about it;

not sure why, though.

But remember, whatever you can do in English,

you can do in any other language,

so make it fun.

And actually, by making it fun, by making the process entertaining,

you're helping yourself stay motivated.

And the more motivated you are, the better your chances are of succeeding.

So go out and let your creative juices flow.

The best thing as well

is why not try and get people, other people, involved?

Say, colleagues, friends, and turn it into a small, friendly competition.

Actually, studies show if you get a friendly competition going,

that your chances of succeeding are much better,

and they enhance your performance.

Languages are often perceived to be the great unknown.

We like to think of them as something unfamiliar,

and yet, we know so much about them

because all human languages have their own peculiar yet beautiful ways

of expressing ideas, concepts, and reality,

even if we're not aware of it at first.

By now delving into the unknown and realizing the familiar,

we will be able to master

one of the most fulfilling, rewarding, and efficient skills we possess as humans:

human communication.

And who could resist wanting to learn a language

with these linguistic pearls?

The first one would be, as you say in French,

(French) Ayez Les dents longues, (English) which is 'be ambitious.'

It literally means, however, 'have long teeth.'

(Laughter)

Mine aren't that long.

I'd like to wish you all in Italian

(Italian) In bocca al lupo, (English) which is 'good luck,'

but literally means 'into the mouth of the wolf.'

(Laughter)

And finally, as we say in Ukrainian,

(Ukrainian) Skil'ky mov ty znayesh - stil'ky raziv ty lyudyna,

(English) which means

"The more languages you know, the more people you are."

Enjoy learning a new language.

(Applause)