Slow down to speed up

This topic expands on the previous topics related to learning the core of a language.

By learning the core of the language we don’t just gain the ability to speak more naturally and effortlessly, we also can become more efficient in our learning. Around the B1 level or so, it’s beneficial to take some time to pause at that level and solidify the basics. This can be done in many forms such as watching a lot of learning videos at your comfort level (B1-ish), talking to tutors about topics that don’t require too much struggle and effort, etc.

After pausing at this level until you feel comfortable and relatively effortless (making mistakes is ok still), you can then start to do all your learning in the target language. You can choose tutors who don’t speak your native language, you can have all grammar and vocabulary explanation done in your target language, etc. (Of course you may still need to fall back on using a translator or dictionary at times).

This is critical because if you continue to learn your target language using your native language for explanations you are missing out on a few huge benefits:

1. You will approach the language analytically rather than by feeling. You will continue to try to match the target language to your native language vocabulary rather than building up from a completely separate base.
2. You will not be solidifying the basics. Basic sentences and sentence structures are used exponentially more often than complicated and niche vocab, so your learning should be structured that way too, it’s almost like a pyramid shape.
3. You aren’t learning the true feeling of the language. Most languages have words and concepts that are unique to that given language and culture. Why not learn those things in the target language?