Language learning in an era of abundance

I recall as a high school student watching the news in French on television despite understanding very little of it. Back then (when dinosaurs were still roaming the earth!), there were precious few resources available for language learners beyond the textbooks we used at school, so I would watch the news despite it being well above my comprehension level.

The situation has changed radically since then. There is now an amazing abundance of resources for learning languages, including Japanese. In my previous article, I considered the incredible treasure trove called YouTube. But in addition to YouTube, there are countless podcasts, apps, audio books, websites, online tutors, online courses, and books. And a lot of them are free or inexpensive.

A new learning strategy

This wealth of resources is a huge boon for language learners. But it does require adopting a different learning strategy from when there were few resources. In those days, learning tended to be teacher directed and textbook based. Now, learning is student driven and is based on their needs, learning style, and goals.

The great benefit of having so many resources means that language learning can be much more personalized than previously. By finding something that works for you and matches your learning style and aims, you can tailor a personal language-learning plan. No more ploughing through uninspiring textbooks!

It requires a level of self-awareness about how you learn the best. It also involves a considerable amount of trial and error as you try different things and find out what works for you.

The plan will be personal for you and will look different from those of other learners. I’m hesitant to name specific language-learning tools in this column because there are so many good ones out there and also because what I find helpful might not be helpful for you.

Having said that, my personal language-learning regime involves the following four main elements:

• The Duolingo app: A great, free AI-powered app that adopts a gamified approach to learning languages. I find it quite addictive and effective.
• Cafetalk (cafetalk.com): An online platform for taking language lessons with tutors via Skype or Zoom. I always take free-conversation lessons. It’s a great way to practice conversation while learning about the culture as well.
• Tadoku reading method: A reading method that emphasizes reading a lot at a level that doesn’t stretch you too much. It eschews looking up words in a dictionary; instead, you try to surmise the meaning of unknown words from their contexts (see my article in Winter 2023 issue of Japan Harvest¹).
• Podcasts and videos: These really help to improve comprehension and it’s possible to listen while doing other tasks such as working out or walking.

I repeat: this is just an example—what you do will probably look very different from what I do.

Make sure that you cover the four bases of reading, writing, speaking, and listening (although the balance will vary depending on your language-learning priorities). Also, as much as possible, try to find activities that you enjoy. That will take the drudgery out of language learning and could even make it something you look forward to doing.

Achieving a balance

One downside to having so many resources is that you can sometimes feel overwhelmed and feel like you’re drowning in options. There are always new language-learning tools waiting for you to try, and you could end up spending all your time checking out new ones.

My advice would be to invest a fair amount of time initially in discovering resources that are effective for you. Once you’ve got a strategy in place that works for you, you can periodically review it and, every once in a while, try a new tool to see if it could be incorporated.

The key thing is to take responsibility for your own learning and intrepidly dip your toe into the vast ocean of resources out there.

1. https://japanharvest.org/tadoku-six-years-on/