Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash
By Federica Lupis, https://www.federicalupis.com/
Author of "Fluent On The First Try" and "Why You're Not Fluent and How To Fix It"
Language trainer, interpreter and translator.
If last week you had told me that I was going to write about my interview with one of the hottest celebrities out there, I would have laughed at you.
It all started as a joke. I contacted Nyuz’s manager with no hope of getting an answer, but then the miracle happened. I got a call confirming the date and time of our meeting.
Here are the highlights of the conversation I had with Miss Nyuz Letter, the guru of language learning.
Enjoy!
Nuyz, first of all, congratulations on making it big! You’ve become an inspiration to many people around the globe. Can you tell us more about how you started?
To be honest, it was totally unexpected. My friends asked me what language they should learn in the new year, so I posted a video on social media where I told them to pick something they loved. My answer went viral as if I said something incredible… when it’s just common sense to me. If you don’t like it, don’t do it!
I remember that video, it was pretty good.
Okay, so you went viral and started a blog on language learning, but how did you keep creating great content? Where did you find the inspiration?
I have tried to be helpful and to answer the most common questions. For example, I know that some people would like to learn a language on their own, but based on my experience, I can say that it would be extremely difficult without a lot of self-discipline. I think the people who follow me appreciate my honesty and practical advice.
I agree. As for me, I found your article on private and group classes very helpful. Can you tell us about your experience?
Look... I’ve tried both of them and they both have their good and bad sides. I can tell you that when it was just me and my teacher, the lessons were more tailored to my needs. As part of a group, on the other hand, I worked harder because I didn’t want to fall behind. It really depends on your personality. There’s no right or wrong.
That’s true. As you said in your article, trying them both is probably the best way to choose.
Now… Suppose you can travel back in time, before you start learning languages, and give yourself some advice. What would it be? Is there something you wish you had known that you would like to share with us?
Oh! Lots of things, but I’ll only tell you three, or we’ll have to stay here until tomorrow.
That’s not a problem for me!
Haha! I don’t think my manager would be happy… Anyway…
Number one: stop worrying about making mistakes. This is how we all learn.
Number two: stop trying to learn grammar to perfection and hope that one day it will make you speak fluently. If you don’t practice conversation, you’ll never improve.
Number three: you are never too old to learn a language. We have 100-year-old people skydiving. Why should you be too old to learn a language?
I know it may sound harsh, but I’m the first to put limitations on myself and hopefully saying these things out loud will affect me positively too.
I think many people can relate to this. Sometimes, our beliefs can prevent us from making progress.
Now, the million-dollar question. How long does it take to learn a language?
A month, according to the smartasses trying to sell you their magic products.
For me? It depends on how regularly you can spend time learning a language and the variety of activities you choose.
For example, if you do something every day, you can reach a good level within a year, but then it depends on what you do during that time. Do you do grammar exercises all the time or also practice conversation, reading books and watching movies? It’s all in the balance, I’d say.
Any chance you can be more specific? For example, suppose I want to learn Spanish. How long will it take?
If you want data, you should go to the Foreign Service Institute’s website where you will find a timeframe for over 60 languages. Just don’t take it too literally, it’s more of a guideline.
Yeah, that makes sense. Their data doesn’t take all variables into account. For example, many people have a very busy schedule. What do you recommend in this case? How can they find more time to learn a language?
Two words. Downtime and multitasking.
Whenever you are commuting or waiting for an appointment, you should do something with the foreign language, whether it’s listening to a podcast or doing crosswords.
And when you do something around the house, like cooking or cleaning, you should do the same.
You’ll realise that you don’t have to make more time to learn a language, you just need to make the most out of what you already have.
That makes me feel better. Now I think I have a better chance of interviewing Miyazaki in Japanese one day, haha!
I remember, at one point, you met a guy who asked if learning languages would become obsolete one day. Tell me more about it.
Well, I was at this party, and a guy asked me if I thought technology, like microchips, you know, would replace language learning altogether.
The short answer is no. I don’t think it will happen, at least, not in the foreseeable future. Machines cannot translate emotions. If one day they started doing it, I think we’d be living in ‘Apocalypse Now: Men vs Machines’. I hope it never happens.
I hope not too!
And now we come to one of my favourite topics: learning a language in your sleep. Do you think it’s possible?
There’s research out there that suggests it is indeed possible. I’ve tried… and failed miserably, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
After I posted my article on this topic, a friend reached out to me and told me he tried this strategy at university and had good results with it.
You never know… it could be like one of those grandma’s remedies you refused to believe until you tried it!
I must confess that I tried too and failed, but I invite those who have been successful with this strategy to contact me for an interview. Maybe you should give me your friend’s number.
I’m sure he’d love talking to you! Now, let me ask you a question.
Oh, wow. I wasn’t prepared for this. The celebrity interviewing the interviewer. I hope I will not disappoint you.
Don’t worry, it’s a simple question. Do you think that someone can tell you if you can or can’t learn a language?
I know this one! I remember the article. People can say what they want, but ultimately, it’s up to you and what you believe!
You read my article!
Of course, I did. I’m one of your biggest fans!
That’s sweet!
Now, if you’ll allow it, I’ll take back the lead. Our time is almost up, and I still have a few questions.
Sure.
Most students wonder why it’s easier to understand a language than to speak it. What’s your take on this topic?
It’s because we do everything but speaking the language.
I’m guilty of it myself.
Doing grammar exercises, watching movies and using apps is much safer than speaking Japanese to a friend and risking making a fool of myself.
But at some point, you have to let go of your fears and jump into the unknown.
If you only work on understanding the language, you’ll get good at understanding the language. If you work on speaking the language, you’ll get good at speaking the language. It’s that simple.
I should post it on my bedroom’s wall… maybe it would encourage me to talk more!
One of the topics you discussed that surprised me the most was the Pareto Principle. Is it true that you can become fluent in a language with 20% of the effort?
To be honest, the proportion doesn’t really matter. The idea is that we can achieve our goal with way less effort.
For example, by focusing on the most common words and the most effective strategies, we can save a lot of time!
That’s true. So many times, I try to remember words that I would only use in a formal meeting and then I stop and remind myself that I just want to travel to Japan. I don’t want to meet the Prime Minister, even if it would be cool!
Okay, Nyuz… Almost time to say goodbye. Do you have a final message for our readers?
Mmm… Let me think… probably “Care less and talk more!”
Unless you’re trying to get a job at the United Nations, nobody cares if you use the wrong tense when ordering your drink!
Haha! You should print some “Care less and talk more!” T-shirts! I’m sure they would sell out!
The time has come to say goodbye. Thanks for sharing your advice with us Nyuz. Can’t wait to hear more from you in the new year!
And thank YOU, my precious reader, for sharing this year with me.
I hope my Nyuz Letter has helped you progress in your quest to learn a new language!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
See you next year!
Federica
If you enjoyed my article, you can discover my tried and tested language learning strategies in my books:
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