Speedy Language Learning Tips from Polyglot Olly Richards

Many of us aspire to learn a second language—and with dedication, even a third. However, mastering more than three languages is an extraordinary feat, making it feel almost unattainable for most.

Among us are remarkable individuals known as polyglots, who embody the idea that mastering multiple languages—five, six, seven, or even eight—is not just a dream, but a realistic goal. Their journeys prove that with dedication and the right strategies, anyone can learn to communicate in several languages.

If mastering a new language is essential for achieving your goals—such as landing a job in a competitive global market or relocating overseas—it’s crucial to accelerate your learning. Although we can’t simply upload languages to our brains, you might be surprised at how quickly you can gain fluency with the right strategies and dedication.

In a recent webinar, we had the pleasure of chatting with renowned polyglot Olly Richards, who shared valuable insights on quickly mastering a new language drawn from his own experiences. With the ability to speak eight languages—including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, Arabic, Cantonese, and Italian—Richards is also celebrated for developing the innovative StoryLearning® method, which has gained significant popularity online.

Today, we’re diving into some of his effective tips for quickly mastering a new language—like the surprising strategy of turning off subtitles! We’ll also explore the importance of embracing the fact that you won’t grasp everything immediately.

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13 tips for how to learn a language fast

Are you eager to broaden your horizons by mastering a new language? The best way to navigate this journey is to seek insights from someone who has successfully accomplished it themselves. Here are 13 invaluable language learning tips from Olly Richards, a seasoned polyglot who has tackled this challenge not just once, but eight times!

1. Learn one language at a time

Richards, a passionate polyglot fluent in eight languages, often encounters the intriguing question: “What’s the secret to learning multiple languages simultaneously?”

Richards offers a straightforward piece of advice: “Don’t do it.” Learning a single language is already a significant challenge, and trying to add a second can dilute your focus and hinder your progress. By concentrating on one language, you maximize your exposure and practice, leading to quicker and more effective learning.

If you’re eager to tackle two languages simultaneously and aren’t overly concerned about speed, Richards encourages you to dive in—just be aware that it may slow your progress. To make this dual-language journey smoother, opt for languages that are distinct from one another, like Spanish and Japanese. This approach will help minimize confusion with vocabulary and grammar, allowing for a more effective learning experience.

2. Start with short, simple dialogues

Richards is convinced that you can achieve conversational fluency in a new language, like he did with Italian, in just 90 days by immersing yourself in reading and listening to stories. But how do you get started when the language feels completely foreign? According to Richards, the key is to begin with very simple materials that are easy to understand.

During your initial week, focus on reading the straightforward dialogues typically found in beginner language textbooks, like “I go to the grocery store” or “I enjoy running and watching movies.” While these phrases may appear simplistic, they offer valuable learning opportunities that can significantly enhance your language skills.

Richards highlights an interesting fact: many people overlook that the initial dialogues often feature the 100 to 200 most frequently used words in the language. These words account for over 50% of everyday conversation!

Kickstart your journey to fluency by creating your own simple dialogues using these helpful tips. Alternatively, draw inspiration from our curated phrase lists to boost your language skills quickly!

3. Study pronunciation very early on

When learning a new language, it’s important to pick up vocabulary and grammar progressively. However, it’s crucial to steer clear of developing bad habits early on in your language-learning adventure.

Richards emphasizes the importance of mastering pronunciation when learning a new language. “Focusing on pronunciation from the start makes it much easier than trying to correct mistakes down the line,” he advises.

Looking to improve your pronunciation? Start by immersing yourself in audio recordings or videos featuring native speakers. This exposure helps you grasp the nuances of their pronunciation. Practice by mimicking their sounds repeatedly until they feel comfortable. Additionally, consider using pronunciation apps like Glossika, which allow you to listen to a native speaker, record your own attempts, and then compare your pronunciation with theirs for valuable feedback.

To accelerate your pronunciation skills, consider partnering with a private tutor who is a native speaker of your target language. They can pinpoint the specific words you struggle with, provide clear demonstrations of correct pronunciation, and guide you through practice sessions until you master the sounds.

4. Concentrate on one language island at a time

If you’ve ever hit a wall in your language learning journey, you’re in good company. Many learners encounter what’s referred to as the “language plateau,” a phase where progress seems to stall, leaving them feeling stuck despite their efforts.

To tackle this challenge, Richards recommends concentrating on a specific “language island.” Rather than bouncing among diverse topics like World War II, gardening, and Harry Potter—each introducing a wide array of vocabulary—he advises delving into related subjects. This approach promotes a more cohesive and effective learning experience.

Exploring the histories of World War I, World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War creates a rich “language island.” The benefit of this approach? As Richards explains, you will encounter numerous military terms repeatedly, allowing you to see how they are used in various contexts, which enhances your understanding and retention.

The charm of this method is its straightforwardness. By diving into a focused “language island,” you repeatedly encounter the same vocabulary, accelerating your learning process. Richards exemplifies this with his own experience: “I’ve been watching Cantonese videos on creating YouTube content. As I progress to new videos, I keep seeing familiar words, which helps me grasp them more quickly.”

This approach sharpens your vocabulary skills by helping you concentrate on your learning while consistently reinforcing and expanding on your existing knowledge.

5. Focus on comprehensible input

To accelerate your language learning, it’s essential to understand the concept of comprehensible input. This idea, rooted in the work of renowned linguist Stephen Krashen, suggests that you should engage with materials that are at your current level or slightly more challenging. By doing so, you’ll enhance your understanding and retention of the language more effectively.

If you’re just starting to learn Spanish, diving straight into a full-length movie might be a bit overwhelming. Instead, focus on finding resources that slightly challenge you at each step of your language journey. As a beginner, this means engaging with short, straightforward dialogues that we talked about earlier. These manageable pieces will help you build your skills and confidence along the way.

Before long, you’ll find yourself grasping more than you ever expected, preparing you to dive into both fiction and non-fiction. Reading is a fantastic way to gain comprehensible input at your own speed, allowing you to highlight unfamiliar vocabulary as you go. Stories are especially powerful since their structures are universally relatable; the tales you’re familiar with in your native language can serve as helpful guides to enhance your understanding.

Stories offer a rich, immersive experience that engages your entire brain during the learning process, rather than just the analytical left hemisphere that focuses solely on grammar. By stimulating various areas of your brain, storytelling fosters the creation of new neural connections, which enhances your ability to retain a new language over the long term.

“According to Richards, native speakers acquire their language naturally, not through grammar lessons. Instead, they learn by listening to their parents read books aloud.”

6. Use a structured reading technique

Reading plays a crucial role in mastering a new language, but it’s important to have a strategic approach. Here are Richards’ recommendations for effective reading in a foreign language:

• Read the chapter from the beginning to the end: Don’t stop to look up new words or study grammar.
• Go back and reread the chapter: This allows your brain to notice more things, like conjugation or sentence structure.
• Identify words repeated five times or more: This allows you to concentrate on key vocabulary, ensuring you maximize reading time without excessive dictionary use.
• Move on to the next chapter: Don’t go back to memorize more words or learn new grammar rules.

While it may be tempting to revisit the chapter to look up additional words, the key to mastering a language is to keep moving forward. Concentrate on immersing yourself in your target language as much as possible. Richards emphasizes, “Your progress hinges on one crucial factor: the amount of time you dedicate to the language.” Therefore, instead of getting lost in the dictionary, prioritize engaging with content that allows you to absorb the language naturally.

7. Read wisely, not widely

Focusing your reading materials can be incredibly beneficial. By selecting books that align with your hobbies and interests, you can enhance your enjoyment and deepen your knowledge in areas you’re passionate about.

Richards suggests that if you have a passion for gardening, you should seek out gardening books in your target language. By exploring subjects that genuinely captivate you, you’ll naturally feel more motivated to learn and engage with the material.

In a surprising twist to popular advice, Richards suggests steering clear of well-known book series, such as Harry Potter, for language learning. He points out that many works of fiction are packed with unusual vocabulary that rarely comes up in everyday conversations—unless, of course, you happen to be a wizard!

Begin your journey with nonfiction books, as they employ straightforward language that’s relevant to your everyday conversations. Unlike novels, which often feature intricate vocabulary and elaborate sentence structures, nonfiction presents information in a clear and accessible manner, making it easier for you to grasp and apply in real life.

When you dive into a nonfiction book related to your interests, you already have a grasp of the subject matter. This familiarity allows you to concentrate on mastering the new language instead of grappling with unfamiliar ideas.

8. Avoid relying on parallel texts while learning

Parallel texts are an invaluable resource for language learners, featuring the target language on one side and the native language on the opposite page. This format allows you to read a sentence in English and instantly access its German translation, providing immediate support and enhancing comprehension.

Richards cautions against over-dependence on translation tools, emphasizing that they can eliminate the challenge of language learning. “It removes the struggle,” he explains. When you receive an instant translation, your brain skips the vital process of deciphering the meaning in the foreign language. While some may believe they can resist the urge to check translations, Richards remains doubtful: “We always cheat.”

Picture this: you’re at the gym, but instead of challenging yourself with heavier weights, you stick to light ones. Without resistance, your muscles can’t develop and grow stronger. The same principle applies to learning a new language—without pushing your brain beyond its comfort zone, it won’t expand or improve.

Richards suggests immersing yourself in reading materials exclusively in the target language, rather than relying on parallel texts. His books exemplify this approach, featuring 100% content in the target language and no translations. To aid understanding, the most difficult vocabulary is highlighted in bold and accompanied by explanations at the end of each chapter.

This approach invites learners to wrestle with the language, fostering a more profound comprehension. “Essentially, you encounter challenges while reading and navigating the story, leading to moments of confusion,” explains Richards. “However, by the end of the chapter, you discover new words that clarify what you’ve just read. This process enhances your ability to engage with the language effectively.”

9. Start speaking early

While we’ve shared numerous tips on language input, we must also emphasize the vital role of speaking. When Richards mastered Italian in just 90 days, he dedicated the entire second and third months to conversing in the language. If you’re eager to learn a new language quickly, he suggests starting daily conversations by the second month.

You don’t need to travel to a foreign country to practice a new language—there are plenty of options available right at your fingertips! Consider finding a language exchange partner or utilizing a language exchange app, which offers convenient speaking tools for learning on the go.

“I recommend using a platform like LingualNeeds to schedule daily lessons with a tutor, ensuring you practice speaking the language every day,” Richards advises. By incorporating regular conversations alongside your reading and listening activities, you’ll see rapid progress in your language skills within just three months.

10. Immerse yourself in the language

After honing your skill to effectively articulate your thoughts, as Richards puts it, it’s time to amplify your efforts. Engage in conversations with a wider array of individuals and immerse yourself in language through extensive reading and listening. The goal is to maximize your exposure to the language and enhance your speaking practice dramatically.

To fully immerse yourself in a foreign language from the comfort of your home, it’s essential to integrate it into your everyday life. As mentioned earlier, focusing on your personal interests can significantly enhance your learning experience, keeping you motivated and engaged as you navigate the language.

Other ways to create an immersion environment from home include:

• Listening to podcasts in your target language while doing chores, commuting or exercises
• Watch videos on YouTube in your target language
• Change your mobile phone to your target language (but make sure you know how to change it back!)
• Talk to a smart assistant like Siri or Alexa in your target language for stress-free conversation practice

Many of these examples come at no cost, making it easy to explore and experiment! Consider weaving them into your daily routine to immerse yourself in your new language and boost your learning experience.

11. Turn off the subtitles when watching movies and TV shows

A widely recommended strategy for language learning is to immerse yourself in movies and TV shows in the target language. However, Richards believes this method may not be the most effective approach for serious language study.

Richards believes movies aren’t the best study tool due to their lengthy format. “Rewinding can be a hassle, and you can only view one sentence at a time,” he explains. Instead, he favors books, as they present all the information on the page, allowing him to easily revisit and clarify any concepts he finds confusing.

If you’re using foreign-language movies or TV shows to enhance your learning, it’s best to ditch the subtitles altogether—even those in your target language. When you rely on subtitles, your focus shifts from listening to reading, which diminishes the effectiveness of your learning. This is especially true if you opt for subtitles in your native language; in that case, you miss out on valuable exposure to the foreign language. Embrace the challenge of listening without subtitles to boost your comprehension skills!

“According to Richards, if you have the choice, dedicating two hours to Spanish practice is more beneficial than the same amount of time spent on English. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that simply watching a movie for two hours will significantly enhance your language skills; unfortunately, that’s not the case.”

12. Have a strong tolerance for ambiguity

You may be surprised to hear that it’s possible for someone to achieve conversational fluency in a new language within just three months. While many of us believe that mastering a language requires years of study, this accelerated approach challenges that notion. Isn’t that intriguing?

Richards highlights that a key factor in why learning a new language can be protracted is the necessity for learners to cultivate a strong “tolerance for ambiguity.” This essentially means embracing the countless uncertainties and complexities that come with language acquisition, allowing you to navigate through the confusion and enhance your learning experience.

Richards emphasizes that one of the biggest pitfalls people encounter is the need to know every detail before taking action. He points out that obsessively scrutinizing each word in a text can lead to stagnation, making the process inefficient and time-consuming. Instead, it’s important to keep moving forward rather than getting bogged down in minutiae.

Having a high tolerance for ambiguity is a key trait of effective language learners. Embracing uncertainty allows you to feel at ease even when things seem unclear. By accepting this ambiguity, you open yourself up to continuous exposure to the language, fostering curiosity and a deeper understanding as you explore its nuances.

13. Focus on real concentrated study, not cheap hacks

Learning a language, much like mastering any skill, is often surrounded by myths and tempting shortcuts found online. However, the reality is clear: genuine progress in language acquisition demands more than minimal effort. Embrace the challenge for meaningful results!

Can you really learn a language while you sleep? According to Richards, the answer is a resounding no: “It’s a waste of time.” While the thought of effortlessly picking up a new language during slumber may be tempting, the truth is that genuine language learning demands active participation and dedicated effort.

Immersion is the most powerful method for mastering a new language, as it compels you to think, process, and communicate in that language. This approach accelerates your learning and enables you to respond more instinctively, allowing you to think in your new language with greater ease.

To truly master a new language, it’s essential to actively practice speaking and writing—an aspect that is frequently neglected. If your aim is to utilize this language in a professional setting, honing your writing skills is crucial. Effective communication goes beyond speaking; you’ll need to confidently respond to emails and craft engaging presentations for meetings.

Engaging with writing prompts is an excellent way to hone your skills. By responding to these prompts, you can refine your sentence structure and articulate your ideas more clearly. This practice not only boosts your vocabulary and grammar but also enhances your ability to communicate effectively in professional settings.

Take the time to learn a language right, not just fast

Richards provides tips that are designed for rapid language learning, but they are equally beneficial for those who prefer a more leisurely pace. Unless you’re under significant pressure to master a new language in just 90 days, there’s no need to rush. Embrace the journey of learning at your own speed, and enjoy the process!

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on becoming a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. Embrace and celebrate the small, gradual progress you make, as these little victories are essential in mastering a new language. Remember, the most effective learning methods are those that resonate with you personally. So, immerse yourself in the journey and enjoy every step of the way!

If you’re eager to accelerate your language learning, teaming up with an online English tutor from LingualNeeds could be your best move. A dedicated tutor will design a customized learning plan tailored to your proficiency level and specific goals, ensuring you make rapid progress in your language journey.

With a selection of more than 16,000 English tutors at your fingertips, discovering the perfect match for your learning style is a breeze. Plus, tutors are available across all time zones, making it convenient to schedule personalized 1-on-1 sessions that seamlessly fit into your busy life.