How I Learn To Speak Foreign Languages Without Talking To People | Polyglot Language Learning Tips

Learning to speak a language fluently is the primary motivation for many people who begin learning a language. There are many ways to get there, but one thing that is often focused on a lot is the need to talk to native speakers early and often along the way.
Personally, I have never found this to be an absolute necessity while developing those initial speaking skills required to begin having real conversations, and so I typically begin talking to people later on.
A lot of you have been asking about how and why I do this, so that's what we're talking about today!
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[@ABetterYouEm]

This title is introvert goals 😂

[@watmainibaadman]

loll exactlyy 😂

[@user-qj3rp3ue9u]

IKR?😂👁👄👁

[@tajayatomlinson5298]

Straight facts

[@cindykpower]

Totally 😂

[@YssaMD]

Hahaha i know right!?

[@salomongarcialopez5612]

1.- Constantly repeating things outloud (pronunciation, rythm, entonation, emotion). 2.- Manipulate those examples you repeat outloud (Ex. Change "I would like to have lunch" to "I would like to have dinner"). 3.- Think outloud in the language your learning (Describe your surroundings, how did your day go). → Express outloud your opinion and philosophize about things you like (TV shows, politics, movies, books). → Write down words or expressions you don't know how to say and find out how could you say that in a natural way. great video :D

[@stavshimoni2430]

Thanks!!!

[@pouyaabbasi]

Thank you, dear Salomon. You are a time(and life) saver.

[@enkelejdalaze3428]

Thank you. Well done.

[@chatonsacrement7454]

Thank you, this summary is perfect.

[@RanzeeBohugun]

Thanks, saved my time.

[@arlet101]

Introverts trying to learn a new language be like:

[@ynwmelly3865]

Lol that's me rn

[@michalbotor]

hah! good one! ;D

[@akf2000]

the struggle is real

[@79987]

@@ynwmelly3865 Same Here

[@user-zc2ec2bb3b]

if your an introvert what the point of learning a language

[@konstantindohms497]

and next time: How I avoid talking to people after I've learned their languages...

[@MysticHairBeautyNnails]

😭😂

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

me 💀💀💀

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

You might check out the follow-up 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl6nm2pqia-ihas

[@Thomas.Christodoulou]

@@RobinMacPhersonFilms ❤️

[@waeeeezeeeee]

broooo xDDDDDD

[@anisas8646]

I’m more confident talking to myself, because no one judges 😂😂

[@kitaduyphuong]

Me too

[@lisar3944]

yes. small children are also good language partners :)

[@92annamaria]

I’m even shy to talk to myself 😂

[@nosferatusbride9639]

I learned how to express everyday things in English by basically commenting on everything I did in a day (when I was alone) out loud to myself. Another thing that helped me was writing a diary in my target language. It helped me express my feelings and describe what happened in a day.

[@Veri7a]

transcribing and then translating song lyrics in your target language is also very helpful

[@zuluprince1450]

@@Veri7a I find that to be difficult cuz in songs sometimes they don't follow grammar really. At least for the language I'm learning lol

[@Veri7a]

@@zuluprince1450 Yes usually songs take shortcuts to rhyme and use slang. You must take account for that if you try what I mentioned. Hope it works out for you.

[@zachhunzeker1095]

How did you know if you what you were saying/writing was correct?

[@cristinanavarro8103]

I have been trying these in years sin ce my primary days , also through songs and another by reading my bible with it's equivalent english translations. I think that really helped me alot.

[@MiyaMam948]

When introverts get tired of the whole _"be social! :)"_ aspect of language learning

[@larakriss]

This👆🏽

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Me

[@hakon_brennus_wolff106]

Talking to yourself is not weird. It’s actually a sign of intelligence. Thinking that talking yourself is weird is what’s weird.

[@MarijaaaV1307]

Lol, I can relate to your comment. Not saying I'm super intelligent or something, but I always talk to myself becausr I find it calming and when my father heard me once while talking, he was like omg girl what are you doing?

[@izaskuncaro5662]

That is how i learn English...

[@drts6955]

@@MarijaaaV1307 hahahaha I talk to myself CONSTANTLY. I can't study or think complex thoughts without it. I used to marvel at how people can. Now I suspect (though I could be wrong) is that few if any people can actually think things through in their head and that's why their opinions are often unconsidered (which doesn't mean wrong necessarily)

[@nickeman132]

@@drts6955 i always talk to myself in my head, I'm trying to practice my pronunciation by trying to talk to myself *not* in my head lol and yeah opinions become unconsidered sometimes

[@deadshxot4207]

Expressing your thoughts out loud helps me focus at times an....I talk to my self at times...didnt care if peeps thought it was weird but I still do it

[@deadheadfarmstead]

Dude. I speak to myself all the time.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Isn't it great!? 😄

[@wenderwalker8306]

Robin MacPherson me too always in the shower

[@selbiselbi8697]

I even argue with my inner voice

[@eddieyeoh4098]

Selbi Selbi Hilarious! I tried talking to myself and nearly ended being sectioned!! 🤪🤪🤪

[@nemoschmitz2374]

I always thought people who don't talk to themselves (when alone) are weird

[@g.s.3450]

Your closing remarks were: "…I find it so liberating. I can get a tutor. I can go find an exchange partner. But I don't necessarily need to..." Thanks for giving us introverts and shy people "permission" to learn using our own gifts. A person doesn’t have to be a raving extrovert to become fluent! Thanks. Many of us go through different phases in our language learning. Sometimes we are just not in the "socializing" phase. However, we can still continue learning without talking to other people. Then, when we do get a chance to speak to other people, our conversations are much deeper and more meaningful.

[@sarahmariposa9475]

I got u

[@Gigusx]

There is introversion, shyness, and then there is social anxiety and irrational fears. Yes, you can do it by yourself, you can teach yourself, you can assume you're speaking correctly without feedback. You can do it all alone. But why would you? Why make it even slower and more difficult if you're learning a language for, supposedly, purpose of speaking to other people? You can stay shy all your life if you want to, you don't need anybody's permission to do that, but you're missing out when you could just practice on that and kill 2 birds (shyness AND learning a language) with one stone.

[@noelayala5700]

@@Gigusx Because when you're first starting out, you can't get very far in a conversation anyway. I'm learning my fifth language and all I can say is like, "I'm learning Chinese. I like learning Chinese. I want to go to China" etc. It's nice to talk to native speakers, but in the beginning, so much goes over your head that you're not improving very much. So, I keep listening to my podcast and studying until I can have a longer conversation(like G.S. said) that will help me improve more.

[@elizabethfields6346]

I definitely agree as an introvert doing self study language learning.

[@deutschmitpurple2918]

Thank you for sharing

[@olbrok]

Right now I’m learning Latin so it’s not like there are that many native speakers to seek out! Thanks for the helpful video!

[@BulletTheEnforcer]

I’m studying Latin and Spanish right now! What materials are you using?

[@olbrok]

BulletTheEnforcer hi, I’m using the Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata series by H. Ørberg and after two months I made enough progress to start listening to Latin podcasts. Really recommend it. I couldn’t learn without the comprehensible input.

[@BulletTheEnforcer]

OKeijo That’s the series that I’m using as well! I’ve also noticed the same results. What podcasts are you listening to? For Spanish I’m using a combination of materials: Assimil and Practice Makes Perfect: Verbs. When I finish Assimil I’ll be moving on to some older materials: Cortina Spanish and Berlitz Self-Teacher Spanish. They’re older, but they were cheap and I like their approach. I’ll then move back to a more modern book: Spanish Made Simple. @Elliot Vernon I’ve been using Luke Ranieri’s LLPSI playlists. They’ve been extremely helpful!

[@ChristiansEntertainmentEcke]

Hello, I have to state a first that I just learned Latin in school and kinda forgot most of it. But I want to suggest a KZbin-Channel called Scorpio Martinus, who sometines does speak with other latinlearners on camera. Even though I forgt most of Latin and was kind of bad at it in school, it helps me a lot with not only scientific words, because I can relate to the word-stems in Latin (at least for germanic/indo-germanic languages). Despive Scorpio Martianus there seems to be a growing group of languae enthusiasts/polyglots that are engaging more and more in the "forgotten" language trying to make it more commen. I personally have started learning spanish and latin is very helpful for it. Have fun with the language!

[@EdwardRock1]

OKeijo Vatican 🇻🇦

[@sindhujasai1345]

As someone who loves talking to themselves when alone, these methods give me a reassurance that I am not weird to monolgue.

[@TeachingEnglishASMR]

It can be hard to speak when you can barely construct a sentence.. Years ago I learnt my English through reading and just listening, it works. That's why am teaching beginner English this way, I know it works through experience.

[@yousrahaouam567]

May I ask you ,is reading and watching enough to speak English fluently please I need your answer, thnks 😊

[@TeachingEnglishASMR]

@@yousrahaouam567 hello.. It is not entirely enough but it will help you improve and slowly start to speak as the language gets familiar. Try to speak as little as possible in addition.

[@yousrahaouam567]

thank you so much @@TeachingEnglishASMR

[@olenkachc]

I've been learning English for a long time and all I can say is that as soon as you fall in love with a language these ideas wil come naturally to you. It was awesome to see them shown in a video.

[@garruksson]

I heard some people actually don't have that "inner voice". How crazy is that!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

That is crazy indeed! 😧

[@glennkelly4058]

How do they talk to their imaginary friends?

[@monstrumopanowuje2373]

I was thinking the same! I read an article about it but I forgot the terms. Do you remember any?

[@V.CatCroissant]

How would someone THINK without an inner voice??😲

[@garruksson]

@@V.CatCroissant I cant rly wrap my head around it, i saw some people on yt who claimed they lacked the inner monologue and what they said didnt rly make sense, but thats because i literally cant concieve thinking without the voice or language. Anyways, they say i think, that its all conceptual or something, but again cant rly wrap my head around it.

[@michaelrobinson2069]

Wonderful advice Robin. We are constantly bombarded with ‘experts’ telling us to start talking with people at the first opportunity. I’m finding my Spanish is improving so much by just talking to myself. What is more is that I find I’m so interesting and always totally agree with everything I say Ha, Ha, Ha. I’m just so amusing. Sadly no one else seems to think so!! Seriously though Robin, thanks so much for this video. The method that you are advocating is improving my Spanish so much more than any other method that I have tried. Stay well and happy and keep the videos coming

[@butterflyjessica1]

😂 🤣

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

The main benefit to speaking with native speakers at the very begging is that you don't have that cliff you have to get over when you do start speaking. But, realistically, it's not an either or. You can start speaking whenever your ready, even if it's just a few phrases that you rehearse before trying.

[@beforethedawn2701]

I agree, I've never spoken to anyone in English, yet I'm quite fluent, only by talking to myself lol

[@alejandromazo874]

Do you study spanish still, i need to practice my english

[@JustFrenchIt]

Oui! I keep repeating this to my students. Speaking to yourself, to your dog, speaking out loud; so important so you get a smooth transition into real conversations later on. Also, answering actors in movies, encouraging characters to kiss (that might be just me...), having conversations with book, asking questions to them.

[@pollymat991]

I didn't think of that. Helpful ☺️

[@mystical_cupcake]

"Encouraging characters to kiss" 😆

[@imyours4369]

and laughing to yourself because of your mistake when you talk to yourself 😑

[@cheefechef7589]

en lacoste tn le sang

[@Canarinhas]

I also encourage my students to sing along to their favourite tunes. It is how I learned (and I talk to myself everyday too.

[@HrvojePelin]

Robin, I just want to take a moment to congratulate you on your persistance with KZbin and regular publishing even though your channel is still growing. Your videos are very helpful for us, language learners. Thank you!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks for this awesome comment, Hrvoje! I'm so so fortunate to have people who take the time to watch and support my work here, so thanks for encouraging me and noticing the hard work. I'm really glad my videos are helpful and I just can't wait to make even better videos in the future! 😄

[@ziadirayene9879]

YES! finally he's starting to get some of the recognition he deserves, i'm so happy your channel is growing ♥♥

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thank you Ziadi!

[@statistical-cats-sophia]

"Talking to yourself is just thinking out loud" Me, with no internal monologue: 👁👄👁

[@vminmotivationalcurve88yea64]

@Luka Bazon hahaha. Okay

[@statistical-cats-sophia]

@Luka Bazon LMAO

[@sophihia]

Hii, I'm 14 yo👋 English isn't my first/native language and I could learn it by talking to myself and having curiosity about learning new words, it actually helped me a lot to start building a confidence while talking in English, and then writing and listening started to be really easy I'm using this method to learn Japanese and I think it's going to help me as well, meanwhile japanese has a lot of things to learn (ALPHABET....), but I'm trying my best and I know that with practice and motivation I can archive my goal! I think I prefer learning a language by my own, of course I think online courses might help you a lot, but there is anyone who knows better your weakness than yourself, so I think I can work and learn a new language without pressure when I do it by my own and studying at my time, I don't want to learn a language by obligation (btw I learnt English bcause of that, but I could enjoy the process and started to love English📚), I want to learn a language because it's fun and helps you to interact with new cultures and people! I'm learning Japanese because I find the write very beautiful and I really want to go to Japan with my family! For me, learning new languages mean that you can express yourself in many ways! And that's the best part of learning a completely different idiom, thinking that way make me feel the passion of learning something new! If I made some mistakes please tell me!☺️ I hope you all can improve in your target language! 💪🏃‍♀️

[@nicoleraheem1195]

Dictionary and reading. Read read read

[@Leayfus]

Hey, how much time did it take you to talk English like a native person?

[@sophihia]

@@Leayfus Hi! I'm still learning English and my goal is to speak like a native! But to achieve this level of English (prob high-intermediate), it took me 2/3 years with much hard work! My auntie put me into an English course so I can improve more and more. I started learning English at the age of 7, but I didn't care at all and studied English like the rest of the subjects (math, science, etc) But I've realized that I just started to speak and communicate well in English after love to study it, and then, only then I'd speak English in such a high level! It was impossible for me at the beginning, but the love and curiosity made achieve this "almost-there fluency" A tip that have been helping me is to watch movies that I enjoy in English with English subtitles! And I've watched those movies again and again till reach a moment where I could understand almost everything that's said there! For example: I've watched Mulan many many times, at the first time I was focusing on understand what they were saying and it kinda turned everything stressful, but I watched and watched again, and again, and again till I started to stop focusing on reading the subtitles and translate the meaning of the words to just watch the movie and naturally understand almost every word and expression! Just don't be to overwhelmed or hard on yourself, you have you time and I have mine! Perhaps I learned too fast or too slow compared to you! Everyone can learn something new, I hope you too! Keep going 💪

[@Leayfus]

@@sophihia Thank you! I'm also 14, I think I'm probably advanced but I still have a lot of things to learn, especially because I want to make a gaming channel on youtube but I no where near to be able to speak without interruption (I can't think of anything to say) every 20 seconds, so it's kinda frustrating seeing people of my age (natives of course) talking magically without interruption. But I think with the new things I discovered and with practice I will be able to make videos with a little smoother improvisation soon (I think).

[@sophihia]

@@Leayfus I've got the same exactly problem! But sometimes I think I'm more embarrassed or insecure to speak to strangers, when I'm by my own I can speak very clearly but when I speak to some strangers or with English teacher I suddenly stop and I think more and more which make me feel nervous, the good thing is that we know our issue so we can improve on it! I wish the best for you and for you upcoming channel! I will definitely watch some videos of yours so I can get more confidence! Have a nice day or night 🤗

[@roxannecowlesrosado3449]

Finally some actual "how to" steps on learning a language without having to depend on finding people with whom to practice. After several failed attempts at learning a language the traditional ways, I have decided to teach myself, but as an introvert, I have struggled with the decision of when to take the plunge and arrange to meet with a native speaker to develop my speaking skills. Now I know it is possible and OK to develop the aspects of the language-grammar, pronunciation, intonation-I know will make me, not only feel more comfortable speaking to a native speaker, but will allow me to have the types of conversations we can both enjoy.

[@Yamizan]

I'm not a native English speaker but I used to talk to myself in English while cooking. Going over which ingredients I use and what I do to them helped me to program parts of my brain to think in English, too. Which is a game changer in terms of fluency, because you don't have to translate things anymore you just know them.

[@papaxsmurf7678]

I learned a language 100% by myself, no native or even speakers at all, and am near fluent. Achieving fluency by yourself can be done, just speak to yourself when learning the content, and have a lot of input. Don't let your mind tell you it's impossible, it very much is possible.

[@user-zr7ok8yi2k]

What language did u learn?

[@papaxsmurf7678]

@@user-zr7ok8yi2k German, french, Arabic, Old English

[@JT-qw9cr]

I find it extremely hard to believe that you achieved near fluency speaking to yourself. You can learn to drive in a close circuit, but that doesn't mean you'll be able to cope on the road surrounded by other drivers. I've met lots of people who claimed this and it was either not true or they didn't actually learnt "by themselves", sorry. If it's really the case, congratulations.

[@OneAdam12Adam]

How do you know that you are "fluent" Did you achieve a Distinguished level on the ACTFL OPI or WPT tests? Did you pass the C2 test in Europe? Or did you score a 5 on the Foreign Service Institute test? Those are tools to measure. You can't self assess

[@papaxsmurf7678]

@@OneAdam12Adam That's actually a common misconception. I know i'm fluent because I can understand audio flawlessly and speak perfectly. This has actually been verified by natives.

[@gardnerdean]

Very helpful. Thank you. *Repeat outloud w rhythm, intonation *Manipulate phrase w variations *Join short phrases into longer sentence *Think outloud w emotion, opinion. (React to movie, event, story. What's my opinion? How do I feel? Tell my story.)

[@RedPandas3111]

Hey this is not strange at all, I’ve been learning French for a little over two years now and while I’ve had the opportunity to engage in many conversations with french speakers at work ( customers not coworkers) I never stop my shower conversations, and when I’m not in the shower I pretend to be on the phone and I have full blown conversations in French with myself lol , when I go do my groceries I put on my headphones and I practice my shadowing right in the middle of the supermarket, I somehow make it seem like I’m just talking to someone on the phone, most people look at me then look away, I do all this because it’s fun and I’ve noticed that it helps me make progress quickly but I’m not afraid to engage people in French, as a matter of fact, I get excited when I come across a French speaker because all I see is a new opportunity to test myself.

[@tinahrovamalala2336]

Et donc là tu comprends sûrement ce que je dis.

[@RedPandas3111]

Tinah Rovamalala bien entendu, je pourrais t’écrire un sacré pavé si tu veux lol

[@sarau2289]

Cette est très bien, a l’école je dis avec mes copains. Nous disons toujours différents languages. C’est amusante pratique!

[@tinahrovamalala2336]

@@RedPandas3111 woah si seulement ça marchait pour moi avec le coréen...

[@zhorbijja6273]

Très jolie expérience je te félicite pour ca . Just keep going ...bravo je serais heureuse de pratiquer la langue française avec toi

[@Denzelzeldi]

6:45 repeat out loud dialog examples (series, movies, podcasts, books, mimic others) 7:12 manipulate example sentences that you repeat out loud 8:08 manipulate dialog examples 10:02 learn good amount of connector words 10:45 talk to yourself - think out loud in the language you are learning (focus on expressing emotions and opinions about stuff that 12:55) 15:28 write down expressions you don't understand and find out what they mean and your way around them Great video, thanks for the insights Robin!

[@teresita.lozada]

This is cool.

[@baratorealty591]

thank you!

[@josecarvajal6654]

Talking a lot to myself has really helped me with my language skills, imagining situations, conversations or just talking about my day. It might sound crazy but it really helps you see the ideas you struggle the most to express, words and concepts of everyday life that you simply have never had the need to say. As a musician, I see learning a language as learning to play a new instrument; even though you know how it should sound like, you still don´t have the practice and the skills to play (pronounce) certain sounds, so by practicing talking everyday you manage to get the sound right.

[@serpentdevil5251]

No one's here2 speak, whom I should practice with🙄😑

[@josecarvajal6654]

@@serpentdevil5251 there are two really good apps where you can connect with native speakers who are learning your language: Hellotalk (a little bit like Facebook with posts and groups) and Tandem (more like WhatsApp, focused in chating/calls). Those are awesome places for finding language buddies!

[@serpentdevil5251]

@@josecarvajal6654 Il try,but we have made group already on whatsapp...N the problem is, some ppl learn fast N some take Tym,n if u r begginer, intermediate n so on,so u need ppl who r in the same level💁

[@josecarvajal6654]

@@serpentdevil5251 ah yes, groups are only good if you are all more or less in the same level. But in those apps you can have private conversations with natives too, that helps a lot! What's your native language?

[@serpentdevil5251]

@@josecarvajal6654 Hindi... I'm an Indian🇮🇳,,, what'bout ya?

[@laboratoriodepsicologiadob4972]

Totally agree! I’ve been doing exactly the same for a couple of years now and it really works! I call it “rephrasing the input”, even though I don’t think there’s a name for that in the Second Language Acquisition field. I like to say to my students (I research psychology of bilingualism) that there’s no point in playing in a band if you can’t even playing the guitar alone in your bedroom! Haha! I think speaking a language works the same way! Congrats on your awesome videos!

[@le-gadp5629]

As an interpretor and teacher, I’m used to manipulating words and phrases. I practise all the time and do think it’s great to improve your speaking skills. Thank you for your video!

[@not_today_satan-wu2ib]

Where my introvert polyglots at

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

I'm pretty introverted, the German I speak is mostly the result of doing things similar to what he recommends, I just made the mistake of setting the bar on success too low. My Mandarin got to be where it was because I needed it so that I wouldn't starve. But, the process there was largely similar, taking a phrasebook and figuring out how to customize the language and rehearsing until I got something that sort of worked. I'm looking forward to Farsi because it'll give me the opportunity to see how much talking with other people impacts the process.

[@katerinap.5662]

Hey, just came across your video and it seemed incredibly helpful. I understand way more than I'm able to speak in my target language. And I feel too insecure to speak even when I have the opportunity to do so. I was actively seeking for language partners, only to realize that I can't really talk about anything since I haven't practiced on my own at all. Thank you for the inspiration, keep up the good work!

[@isaacross8001]

Such a great video! I definitely found that my ability to express myself really took off after I focused on vocabulary surrounding emotion. You're so right that much of what you end up discussing in real life is about what you think/feel about different things. Thanks so much for connecting the dots for me! I can't wait to give my apartment a piece of my mind 😅

[@chokrihamouda9114]

You're absolutely right my brother

[@raziyahyucetas2581]

I've actually developed a habit of speaking to myself

[@eddieyeoh4098]

Seek help ? 😳😳

[@ambercartier1271]

Same

[@helantopia]

"... and then try the same thing in French or Japanese, or whatever language you are learning" Me learning French and Japanese: 👁👄👁

[@DeprogAxA]

Me learning only french 👁️👁️

[@johnmarkescueta2207]

Woaah were the same I'm learning French and Japanese too..

[@johnmarkescueta2207]

Bonjourrr

[@ferdi2766]

Comment ca va?

[@sadisticgirl_]

Me learning only Japanese 👄

[@zuzanavelkoborska9836]

You really are extraordinarily creative and inspiring, Robin. I am glad I found you here on this topic of languages learning! Languages were always my biggest interest on high school and it is quite long since I learned something new... now I am begging again and I am excited to have your tips at hand 🙏🏻

[@natalytikholaz4475]

Amazing! Finally somebody said this! I do speak to my self ALL THE TIME and I always get surprising results, but when I told my students about this they get confused, I sent your video to then, I hope they'll start practicing using this tips. I love what you said about "safe space", a lot of people are shy or even scared of speaking to native speakers, but introverts have another way of learning and improving. great video, thank you

[@RonaldMcPaul]

This is my general* style entirely, so far I have found that how natural my speaking is depends on having a high high higher ratio of listening to reading, and repeating for tempo and timing breathing (for tonal languages).

[@soooonya2]

I also like singing in a language I’m learning. I find it very helpful and fun too

[@csells04]

Loved this. Thank you! I have been learning Spanish and I never want to put the burden on my friends of helping me learn. I also don't have much time for an online tutor. I was happy to hear that I wasn't the only one thinking out loud and speaking to myself in a foreign language!

[@deontesampson1991]

Thank you robin this video was much needed & it did nothing but motivated me even more to continue my journey in learning mandarin because so many ppl say that if you dont speak with a native speaker of the language you study it pretty much can't be done & I always disagreed with that & you just proves that it can be done regardless you're a true inspiration brother much love

[@wandercampolina159]

Oh, man, it's incredible! I speak five languages and coincidentally, I use exactly the same strategies!!! Thanks a lot for the video. ; )

[@alatviangirl1131]

Nice! My mother tongue is Latvian 🇱🇻 & I'm learning Romanian 🇷🇴.

[@lazarmaksic4052]

Me too ❤️🇷🇴

[@muhammadhaiqal531]

Ayy me too 🇹🇩

[@AndreeaTirnacop]

Ce tare! 😄

[@SilentJaguar68]

Romanian for the win! 😎 🇷🇴

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

In 1975, in 6th grade, in our EXCELLENT public middle school in New Jersey, USA, learning a 2nd language was required. German, French, Spanish, Russian were offered. I chose Russian SPECIFICALLY because back then, a naive 12-year-old me believed that "Russian was the hardest language to learn". In reality, ANY 2nd language is hard to learn. So, I wanted the challenge. In spite of a 2nd language no longer being a requirement when I got to high school in fall 1978 (again, excellent public high school) I wanted to continue learning + practicing Russian since I had already invested 3 years of my life learning it. So I continued with formal Russian classes in 9th, 10th, 11th grade. Our town's one & only Russian language teacher, Mrs Hall, retired in 1981. So, I had to continue practicing Russian on my own in 12th grade. When I got to college, I wanted to continue taking Russian language courses, as a minor, to my major: chemical engineering. So I did: I took Russian formally for 3 years: 1982 to 1985: freshman, sophomore, junior years. I qualified to attend an ACTR - American Council of Teachers of Russian - workshop in the Soviet Union, 7.5 weeks - 7 weeks in Moscow, half a week in Leningrad - in summer 1985. Course credit via Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA. But, I believe that I PEAKED in my Russian listening, speaking, writing + reading skills in fall of 1984 and spring of 1985, before I went to the USSR. When I finally got to the CCCP in June 1985, I did NOT want to speak with any real Russians. I did NOT feel comfortable communicating with them at all in realtime. My Russian language skills at best stagnated or at worst declined a tiny bit while I was in Russia. After my trip to CCCP in summer 1985, I essentially practically stopped all Russian language learning & practicing. Interestingly, however, in spring 1991, as a requirement for my math PhD at Rutgers U, I had to translate a piece of mathematics from either Russian, French, or German (obviously I chose Russian) into English. I actually successfully translated the piece without using any dictionaries: my decade (1975 to 1985) of intensive formal public school & public college classroom language training, drilling, learning, experience had stuck in my brain.

[@Kalymnah]

Yes!!! I’m a polyglot (about 10 languages) and I tend to start talking when I actually am able to speak fluently. Before that, I just do like babies in their first year and absorb and absorb and absorb silently and secretly. People don’t realize I understand most of the things they say, and since the moment I start talking is when I can actually talk, it’s always funny to see people’s surprised faces when they (and I) realize I’m fluent 😂

[@bettlovesshrek2026]

same here! I also don't speak until I am fluent I really like to see the reaction after I speak for the first time :D

[@Kalymnah]

@@bettlovesshrek2026 yaaaaay !! It’s like our brain has this secret parallel world no one knows about and suddenly the door is opened and it’s the best feeling ever :)

[@sabariel33]

I wonder if you are an INFP. It is so kind of you how you treated those Japanese students and it seems you were rewarded in the end with true friendships. I wish there were more people like you in the world, that saw people first as humans rather than as a means to furthering their language goals. Bravo, and thanks for sharing your tips - introverts are grateful indeed!!! 😂😂

[@sheeliekittie9298]

I am too! wow - we are one of the fewer personality types. I like the advice about talking in our heads, thinking how we will say things in our target language (S) without necessarily other people.

[@yeremybrenes1234]

When I came across this video I didn´t think that I was going to find out a handy great video. So, I really appreciate your hard work on making this fantastic video!!!!

[@ktm8405]

I am glad that you mention talking out loud to yourself in order to learn a language. I am also a polyglot, and I have been doing this technique for years. Thanks for your efforts to normalize this technique!

[@Gresaaa]

Changing the dialogue is probably the best speaking tip, recognising tenses after repeating them for weeks and weeks and then getting to play with that! Thank you for this really insightful video! I also really appreciated the part about practicing expressing your opinions.

[@mileglavash]

I can't describe how grateful I am to you. I found this video today, And you as a person helped me to understand something inside of me that was a problem for years. Now when I see your way of thinking I can make changes needed to my life in this moment. Big thanks for you as a way you are (clear thought, expression, good vocabulary and I think a good person) I will remember this day to me it means a lot!

[@NativeEnglishHacks]

Fantastic! As a language learner and English teacher, I'm always looking for new ideas, perspectives, and twists to help myself and others learn better. There are tons of different ways to go about learning a language, and tons of different ways to go about learning each part of a language. I really love your advice here, partly because it's already in line with some of my own thoughts on the issue, but also because you gave me a couple new nuggets! This also helps introverts (like myself) and helps to solve the "fear of speaking/making mistakes" problem from a completely different angle than Benny Lewis' approach (though those stubbornly afraid of fossilization will probably complain even more lol). Thanks, really great video! :)

[@denisparamonov7389]

I've been learning English for about a year and a half. And i'm feeling so good when i understand native speakers. So i've understood almost everything apart from a few words! Thank you so much for this video. It's such a good practice and useful information.

[@pri6552]

I absolutely love this conversation! my students often asked me how they can improve English on their own. I share different ideas , but I learned something new today. thank you ! i definitely share this video to others.

[@mckoylach1622]

First of all,it’s so motivating to know someone is ambitiously and independently learning foreign languages on his/her own. I have been learning a few of foreign languages on my own,too. I haven’t achieved fluency on any one of those language,yet,though.

[@NazraT1704]

Key word being yet How’re things going now?

[@arabesque7787]

Amazing.Thank you, I learned new things. Proves once again, that learning a language is always about the creativity.

[@James01281]

Hey, Robin! Excellent video! I totally agree with you on the need for drilling and developing conversation ideas and strategies on your own before you try it out in front of a live audience. So much of successful language learning for me has to do with cultivating confidence in safe situations first. You gave me a bunch of ideas on how to go even further with my practice! Thanks so much! Keep up the great work!

[@lisaorlando1224]

I don’t even know how I ran into this video, but it is so encouraging! I am a self-isolating extravert, trying to learn French. I got out of the habit of talking to myself out loud, but now I realize that it’s a real gift to be able to do that. Not only with language learning, but also with staying sane. One of my favorite parts of this video is your attitude towards fluency. I have found myself telling people that, 50 years ago, when I lived in Florence, I was fluent in Italian. Then I automatically correct myself. But my strongest memory of that time involves participating in an dinner party discussion about child rearing, and about our participation in the protests against the divorce laws (divorce was illegal). When I am able to have those kinds of conversations in French, I will be thrilled. Until then, I will mimic French videos, and talk to myself.

[@TeacherTanyaMeyer]

Great video, Robin! Thanks very much. As an English teacher to adults, I often suggest that students select phrases and sentences from podcast transcripts or videos and films and then mimic the speaker to produce as identical a version of that phrase or sentence as they can, in front of a mirror, and then practice producing it as often as possible. Love the recording method (Babbel) and I'll be looking into it. Thanks again

[@noveletteburke8906]

What I find really helpful is blogging in my target language. I started doing that recently and it's amazing how the phraseology sticks in memory. I am a native English speaker but another powerful exercise is to think of something in English and then translate it to Spanish and French. Somehow high school Spanish is still in memory and I continue to acquire European French speaking skills.

[@glossy283]

The tip about thinking through how you would express your feelings about a piece of media in your target language as a way of mimicking actual human interactions is honestly brilliant and I hadn’t really ever thought of it. Thanks!

[@alexisroboham2825]

This is such a great video! Thanks so much for everything! It was definately helpful :D

[@connorcgleason]

Personally, I believe that having a conversation with a native speaker in their own language is the most rewarding feeling in language learning. That said, there are some languages (*cough* *cough* French) where I don't make it a goal to practice my speaking skills very often. I don't have any French-speaking friends and I've never been to France, but I love reading French books and watching French movies! When I reach a point in my life where spoken French will be a more rewarding skill for me, then I'll definitely make it a priority to improve my French speaking skills!

[@deutschmitpurple2918]

I love French and I am learning it

[@jorgeromera3861]

Let's face it: learning a foreign language attending private lessons can be truly expensive (not to mention the possibility of lockdown after paying a lot of money in advance). Independence will always be an advantage. I love the approach showed in this video. Something we can do is to learn by heart phrases we like when we are reading a poem or a novel, or maybe watching a movie, and then repeat them out loud. "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion... I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tanhausser Gate. Those moments will be lost in time like tears in rain. Time to die".

[@camideleon5880]

I’m so happy I stumbled upon this video! I’m so thankful that the YT algorithm finally gave me a video I want to watch 😂 this is the ultimate Introvert’s guide to Foreign Language speaking. Thank you Robin!🎉

[@fuel2011]

Seems like an absolutely handy way to master a language, thanks for bringing it up! Not a lot of people stress the idea of self-education without putting much money into the process, plus being able to cope on your own not having a regular speaking partner. It's more about hiring a tutor. Loved the content, thanks!

[@ladyfirehorse2230]

It's been a year since you posted this video and your advice still resonates today, with me anyway. French is the language I'm currently learning. I discovered your channel because I'm new to Notion and was looking for free language templates. I have an online group that I meet with informally a couple times each week; who were initially on the same online class I was taking. It has been a bit of a challenge for me to prepare for our online sessions and I oftentimes feel sort of insecure. I'm hopeful your self study technique helps booster my confidence. 🤞🏼 Thank you!

[@adawon99]

Happy to hear that I wasn’t the only one who is learning a language by constantly talking to myself both physically and in my head. Gosh! My head is constantly having a conversation in Spanish 😂. I was so glad the first time I had a dream in spanish. Talking to yourself is a great method but I don’t know if it fits everyone’s style

[@lucindamuschialli1378]

This is such a useful video, what an excellent idea to comment aloud on something you’ve seen to develop language skills x

[@Max-jf5vu]

This is really brilliant advice, especially in these times. I'm now living by myself, so happily I won't sound like a fool when I try this out!

[@user-sky-you-shka]

I'm so happy that I found this video because I am tired of bothering people in language exchange apps who are not so passionate about practicing their target language and too bored to speak their native one. Knowing that there's other way to improve my speaking skills is such a relief! Thank you so much for sharing this information ☀️ c:

[@estelababygirl6036]

Hiiiiiii

[@reemara]

that's my method of improving my french too.. i talk to myself all the time when i'm alone.. creating scenarios, of two parties.. and give different versions of discussions and responses.. it's a great way to learn

[@wellingtoncostadev]

I thank you so much Robin MacPherson, I felt I needed to create my own learning method and you helped me a lot. a warm hug.

[@LaisyW]

What a precious tip, thanks! Just love how simple it sound to think out loud!! 😊

[@KittyClark4433]

Sometimes i read a foreign language book out loud. I can be fairly assured the words, verb tense, etc r correct. It's practice for my brain & mouth without fear of messing up. 📕👓

[@4sjoerd]

This is just what I need to be doing at this point. Very helpful advice. Thank you.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

You're welcome, George!

[@jeniffersilva3728]

Great video!! 🤗 Thanks for sharing your knowledge about learning languages. It's been really helpful

[@joseaugustopereiradesousa493]

I appreciate a lot your ideas! I' ll try to practice your suggestions! I am a Portuguese native speaker and I hope to develop my Italian and French language skills over all! This last week I started learning catalán from Spanish at the very beginning , a very interesting Latin language! Thank you for sharing your ideas and personal experiences with us! Greetings from Brazil!

[@Soletobelli]

Yey! your chanel is growing!!!!! I'm so happy. I love all your videos, your perspective of see lenguages helps me a lot. Hugs!

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Ahh thank you Sole!!! I'm soooo excitedddddddd to be approaching 10,000 subscribers!!! And really happy that my videos are helping you, hugs back to you!

[@piotrkolibabski]

"Repeating things out loud" - not only does it help you to achieve fluency faster, but also antagonises your flatmates like nothing else 😂 It's always "Do you have to speak Korean right now?!" and never "Wow, you're so good at languages, how do you do that?!" 😅😥

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

My wife's family's first language is not one that I speak, so when I get annoyed with them for speaking too much of her language around me, I start narrating what's going on in whichever one of my secondary languages amuses me the most at the time. She usually gets the point before too long, but I'm a bit concerned that I'll have to learn yet another language as she starts understanding what I'm saying.

[@NazraT1704]

@@SmallSpoonBrigadehaha this is exactly the type of passive aggressive thing I would do

[@dendydarin3085]

I love this guy! Currently learning english, and wow the 'talking to yourself about something' part is so amazing.

[@evanmcinnes4284]

Really good information and nicely delivered mate. I find a few of the other popular language learning channels have smug hosts who I can't handle watching, let alone learning from. Thanks for keeping it relatable.

[@janellereece2335]

The journey of learning a language has taught me to get over the fact that my parents think I'm crazy for randomly talking to myself in Japanese

[@pooie0116]

Thanks so much for this video - It's very validating! I've been teaching myself Russian via Duolingo for about 2 years and although, according to Duo I've learned around 1300 words, I felt like I wasn't "good enough" to converse with anyone in Russian if the opportunity ever presented itself. I talk to myself all the time in English anyway so a couple weeks ago I started trying to tell a story from my life out loud as if I were relaying it to another person using only Russian and I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much I could actually say. I know my vocabulary and grammar weren't always correct and I stumbled about quite a lot, but I have absolutely no doubt that if a Russian speaker heard me they would totally understand everything I was attempting to convey. Ever since then I would practice simply narrating whatever I was doing at the moment and if/when I get really hung up on a word that I don't know, I'd look it up, write it down/make a flashcard and practice using it several times in my "conversations". Practicing by talking to myself in my target language has been a total game changer. :-)

[@hannah.shatilo]

hello! i’m Russian :) and if you want, i can help you with practicing Russian language

[@sheeliekittie9298]

is duo lingoo good? i'll have to commit to it bc i get frustrated when we can't like move on until we finish that particular level.

[@jamba_d2225]

This is a very refreshing approach. I like your mindset, can't wait to check out your other videos!

[@DouglasSimonson]

Very helpful! I've been pondering an 'in-between' step for getting more of a base in a language before I begin engaging with online tutors and I think this is it!

[@johnzuyderduyn5234]

Thank you Robin, this is just the problem I have at the moment. How to find a partner to speak with. Now I found one, myself. Thank you!

[@budekins542]

I thought I was going crazy when I kept repeating short Spanish sentences to myself - it's not a sign of madness! I've only just started learning South American Spanish. .This video is Epic!

[@sarah.taylor]

Omg this video is so amazing! I really appreciate your original ideas and tips. SO thankful I found your video!!!!

[@rbranch777]

This is great! Thanks for all of the useful ideas.

[@jbach1738]

I always had a hard time with this idea because I don't think to myself in words, but in overall concepts. I also have a hard time speaking aloud in my native tongue. So I started imagining that I need to explain everything I am doing to my dog, or to a child. Imagine that you have someone riding along in your life and you basically narrate everything to them. In This way I am forced to translate my wordless brain language into a spoken language that others can understand. This technique seems to give me the same speaking practice as you are describing. As an added bonus, I am learning to speak my native language a bit better as well. Cool video. You seem helpful. I will now subscribe.

[@cartweel]

These techniques are also very useful for when one is learning a language that has few speakers and little online support. When I learned Klingon there were globally around 20 speakers and *no* long, natural recordings. So! lots of talking to yourself and mimicking short recordings!

[@Jusangen]

First time I’ve watched one of your videos, and idk if I was just in the right mood or what, but I found your video really uplifting. This technique makes a lot of sense and I talk to myself all the time. I’ve gradually started to do this more in my target language too, but this makes a lot more sense than the “travel” vocab that usually comes in the beginner of the textbooks. Thanks man and keep it up!

[@nidhithakur2949]

Your way of speaking is really inspiring. It shows your understanding and depth of the things you are talking about. I just have trawled through your playlists and through I will watch all of the videos, if possible 😅

[@solea59]

Really great tips Robin ! I'm going to choose 5 verbs per day . I've set myself a target 18 March 2021, my birthday ( 69th ! ) I want to be at least A2 or beyond in italian , and I'm going to get myself a journal to guage my progress. Thank you !

[@evgeniiatkacheva4362]

It’s the best advice about the subject I’ve heard!!! I’m learning French and my husband is fluent in French but I couldn’t practice with him because he is going craaazy of me making mistakes. Your video is a gift! Thank you!

[@TableReadwithme]

Tell your husband to practice with you! My wife is American and I am second generation of Italians born and raised in Brasil! Wednesday and Friday we speak only French at home, Tuesday and Thursday Portuguese, Saturday Italian! I still "murder" some english words, as you can see me speaking in my channel, but I keep on trying! That's how you learn! So create an environment where it's safe for you to practice with him! Good luck!!!

[@TableReadwithme]

Tell your husband to practice with you! My wife is American and I am second generation of Italians born and raised in Brasil! Wednesday and Friday we speak only French at home, Tuesday and Thursday Portuguese, Saturday Italian! I still "murder" some english words, as you can see me speaking in my channel, but I keep on trying! That's how you learn! So create an environment where it's safe for you to practice with him! Good luck!!!

[@EFoxVN]

This was a very meaningful video/topic, thank you.

[@rebecca-72]

Very helpful and as you say, liberating! I have employed several of these tactics before and appreciate seeing how you’ve put them all together, thank you!

[@joob40]

Excellent! I haven't heard this tip about the emotions and opinions before. This is very insightful!

[@RonaldMcPaul]

I find that Robin rambles and gesticulates a lot (so much so I have trouble introducing him to my dad because he calls him "annoying" lol) but his insights based on subtlety in emotions in interactions can be incredible gems.

[@JoaoGabriel-rk7zq]

It's also new to me. Seems good

[@joob40]

@@RonaldMcPaul This is the first I've seen of him. I was listening while washing dishes, so I didn't notice those things. I'm almost always double- tasking while watching videos, or else I'd be impatient about them, too. :)

[@brucehinkley3813]

Awesome, well thought out useful stuff.

[@RobinMacPhersonFilms]

Thanks Bruce, I really appreciate the comment!

[@yessicaamayaguevara7749]

This is a great video, thanks for the advices, I really want to improve my speaking skill!

[@abbymt5876]

this is the video i’ve been searching for