📘 Part 3: Learning new languages

This episode's vocabulary

Contingent on/upon sth - depending on something else in the future in order to happen.

To convey (verb) - to express a thought, feeling, or idea so that it is understood by other people.

Willpower (noun) - the ability to control your own thoughts and the way in which you behave.

To channel (verb) - to direct something into a particular place or situation.

Exposure (noun) - the fact of experiencing something or being affected by it because of being in a particular situation or place.

To advocate (verb) - to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something.

To immerse yourself in sth. - to become completely involved in something.

Credence (noun) - the belief that something is true.

Exploitative (adj.) - using someone unfairly for your own advantage.

To nail sth. down (phrasal verb) - to make something certain or final.

Cater to sb/sth (phrasal verb) - to satisfy a need or to provide what is wanted or needed by a particular person or group.

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Questions and Answers

M: Rory, are you there? Are you here?

R: I'm always here.

M: Good for us. Let's talk about learning a new language. What are the difficulties of learning a new language?

R: Well, I think that's contingent on the language you're learning and your own first language, assuming that's the main one that you're using. So it's all relative in that sense. If we compare people who speak English trying to learn Russian, then the vocabulary should be easy when compared to the grammar. Because the grammar uses completely different structures to convey meaning. There are also case changes, which we don't really have in English. So that's one example.

M: What difficulties do people face when learning a language?

R: Well, I think I just mentioned them. But aside from the issues of learning a new language, when you already have one you know well, you need to find a good teacher, the time, and the money, and the resources to learn. It also requires willpower, which can come and go if you don't manage it well.

M: Do you think language learning is important?

R: Well, I have to say yes, because my entire career is built on it. But from a less selfish angle, I would still say it's a good idea, it expands your cultural awareness and job opportunities and social networks. And I'm told by reliable sources can make holidays cheaper.

M: How does it make holidays cheaper?

R: Because you don't have to buy options provided by tourism agencies, which are usually marked up at higher prices, because they have to pay for like translation and everything. So if you can already speak the language, then you don't need that.

M: What's the best way to learn a language?

R: Well, with a good teacher. They don't have to be a professional or even a native speaker. Just someone that you can talk to who can motivate you and channel your efforts, explaining things when they get difficult and providing opportunities to practice. Obviously, success is more likely with someone who has training and experience, but it's not the most important part. Money can't replace the value of good people.

M: What can people do to learn a language?

R: Aside from hiring a teacher? There are apps, and websites, and book series, that focus on developing people's language skills and systems. There's also this idea called exposure that advocates the principle of just immersing yourself in the language and allowing your brain to work out the meaning. And there is some credence to that as well.

M: Is making foreign friends the best way to learn a language?

R: That's a bit exploitative, isn't it? You make friends because you like people for whatever reason, not just some transactional purpose. It might help. But it shouldn't be the main reason like having interests in common and it's so much better and less sociopathic reason.

M: Is travelling a good idea for learning a language?

R: I'd say so. After you have the basics nailed down, you have a chance to use your language in the wild, so to speak, and it might give you some practice dealing with unexpected situations. And with people using slang words that they don't usually teach in textbooks.

M: Which is better studying alone, or studying in a group?

R: I think that depends entirely on why you learn. If you like a more social experience, then a group works well. If it's more about fast progress and having the full attention of a teacher catering to your needs, then obviously it's better to be alone.

M: Thank you, Rory, for your answers!

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