Why You Can't Learn Languages from an App

Language apps won't make you fluent in anything and this is why. Apps can be good tools, but it takes human interaction to make real progress in language learning. In this video I explain why people fail at language learning by using apps the wrong way.
Below are my affiliate links to learning tools I highly recommend:
FREE LANGUAGE EXCHANGE APP Hellotalk:
brc.hellotalk.com/OrientalPearl
JAPANESE LESSONS:
www.japanesepod101.com/member...
CHINESE LESSONS:
www.chineseclass101.com/membe...
50 LANGUAGES: Pimsleur 7 Day Free Trial:
imp.i271380.net/c/2397166/840...
Collaborations:
Emi: / @japaneseemichannel
Ray: / @konichiwamydude
My instagram: anming7

[@OrientalPearl]

Language exchange has been invaluable in my language learning. Try it here: brc.hellotalk.com/OrientalPearl But get some speaking practice in with audio lessons here before you set your language exchange meeting: imp.i271380.net/c/2397166/840241/11472

[@allrounderchanneltn5162]

I told you are a god

[@c1n9r6v3]

▓▒░ @ *Oriental Pearl* ▬ Seeing how well you speak Japanese and Mandarin, it's a real wonder that you still speak American English so well. _L.O.L._ ` ☻ ` Today is Saturday, the forty-fourth day of the year two thousand and twenty-one. ░▒▓ `

[@brokenchopsticks]

Dude, what is that green drink? I agree the motivation has to be there and I signed up for the 101PODS, I have College textbooks and attended in-person learning as well. I have to agree to look for people who speak Japanese is not easy in the states there are only a few hotspots but if HelloTalk helps I will signup for that.

[@OrientalPearl]

Ha, just a human

[@OrientalPearl]

It’s a little bit harder to meet in person in the US, but you can still do phone calls.

[@SpotGoes]

"Just put yourself out there like many things in life." - great quote and also very true.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching to the very end to catch that.

[@josephthornton552]

Yeah it’s true and encouraging

[@roger38888]

Indeed. Great quote from pearl.

[@Danilo-O]

Well, it's been 1 month since I started learning Ukrainian on Duolingo. I study 1h to 1h and half everyday. I speak loudly and write down all new sentences and practice them on the app, on which lessons are very repetitive. I have memorized all of the vocabulary so far. For me it's all about determination and commitment. Apps are the first step you want to take, talking to natives comes after when you are in a 6 months marks, for example. You can't engage in an actual conversation when you have basic knowledge.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s right, once you establish some basic knowledge you can test out what you can recall on a native speaker.

[@DreamOfFireFlies]

Her point is that it won’t make you fluent.

[@nononl]

DUOLINGO?!? 😅

[@Jean_Robertos]

With duolingo you learn a little bit of vocabulary but not the language. You don't learn grammar and structure.

[@markbyrtnoy]

@@Jean_Robertos Have you tried to check the tips before each lesson/topic in Duolingo?

[@starry3824]

Two points. (one you kinda already mentioned) - Language exchange only works if both are intermediate+ else it's annoying for both and conversation will end after a few lines. And honestly, it's the zero>intermediate that is the toughest hurdle. When you're at the point where you can go solo through that N1 book showed in your video or just google the meaning of something in your target language, you don't really need anything else. (material-wise) After that it's just about tons of reading or listening stuff. (or talking if you're a social person) No more 'language learning materials', just plain material in that language. Second: you might not be aware, but unless you're American (which you are) or British, chances you'll find a conversation partner is really low. While HelloTalk has the option of putting any language and flag as your native, 99% of non-English speakers want native English speakers to talk to. Be from anywhere that's not the G7, and you're royally screwed. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's significantly harder, the Japanese are just too interested in just the G7 countries and their cultures. Ultimately, anything works, as long as you put the hours in. No shortcuts. Some get there faster, some get there slower. Some study, some absorb naturally. Some live there and never speak a word, some close themselves off for a few years and come out speaking like natives (while never actually being there). I don't think there's a right or wrong here, if it's no fun, don't do it is my opinion :D

[@OrientalPearl]

You’re right. At this point I just did language exchange this time for the fun of it and to make a video for you.

[@ZephPlayz]

when you said "don't use apps" i was like omg pls dont say pimsleur, then you said u recommend pimsleur and i was so hyped (i definitely need to reinforce it with people tho)

[@OrientalPearl]

I really like Pimsleur. It’s hands down the best way to start learning to speak a new language from scratch. It’s exactly how I started with Japanese.

[@OrientalPearl]

You have a HUGE channel by the way. Thanks for stopping by. I’m a KZbin newbie.

[@ZephPlayz]

@@OrientalPearl love the channel! been lurking for a while :)

[@OrientalPearl]

@@ZephPlayz I’m flattered. I’m very new to KZbin so not a lot of other KZbinrs have found this channel yet. Still hiding lol

[@rockx2968]

@Noara Does it cost money?

[@datcatsavedme7071]

They should be considered supplemental and be used along with a class or a language learning book.

[@gtarules1]

Imo it'd be redundant to take a class if you self taught yourself well. A way to see if you are able to properly speak it is to actually go out and speak with others that know the language natively. Then you'll see if you can understand them, they can understand you, you pick up on accent, etc

[@guilhermefigueiredo766]

No, it's a good starter for begginers to be familiarized to the language, but never a way or a resource to study and learn. Apps works like a entertainement, and it's really good to have a idea and to approach the language like a game, but for someone who want really be fluent or language a language to watch movies or to talk is really waste of time.

[@Dante20321]

Agreed

[@brendon2462]

@@guilhermefigueiredo766 watch movies is a waste of time? That's immersion which leads to fluency.

[@guilhermefigueiredo766]

@@brendon2462 What? I mean that apps is a waste of time to people who want to be able to watch movies and talk to people.

[@Emmapuravida]

I don’t really agree on this one. I’ve learned Spanish on my own by watching tv shows and with the help of an app. I feel like it gave me everything I needed to start talking to strangers and feeling comfortable doing it. And I’ve been complimented several times by locals because they thought I had great Spanish. I really think that you just have to be motivated and keep things interesting by using different ways of learning (radio, tvshows, apps, books and so on...)

[@alita8900]

what app do you use?

[@Aki-nh8cu]

hello may i please know what app did you use?

[@TheRealSlimShady509]

@@peterbeadle8062 well you shouldn’t be speaking until you are near fluent in understanding anyways. Immersion is the only way to truly acquire language

[@kola100]

Problem was you were in Italy……… 😆

[@UltimateMoralizer]

Tienes razón.

[@fisslimen]

"I send messages to 40 people a day" This is good advice for these apps. I found most people download it for fun and ain't serious about learning. But when you find the few people who are willing to practice weekly, it's very rewarding. My success rate is about 1/50 for French-English! Also, I found that starting my first message with a small introduction about myself and my language goals helps gets more responses than just "hello, how are you?"

[@OrientalPearl]

That's right and a lot of them are looking for dates. lol

[@fisslimen]

@@OrientalPearl haha yeah that too!

[@PewPewPlasmagun]

@@OrientalPearl No matter the great physical distance which keeps then apart from you. How rooflessly absurd...

[@Rosaebianco]

Thank you both for the advice! I got discouraged many times trying to find people who are truly committed to a language exchange, plus (like you said) many people are looking for dates out there, lol. Also, I'm glad you @Oriental Pearl often bring up the topic and say explicitly how much effort requires the learning process...I've dedicated 6 yrs of my life to becoming an Interpreter and have studied different languages. I feel like there still is a lot of work to do though, but apparently, languages look like something that can be mastered thanks to an app or an online course in a couple of months, and that kinda hurts 😅

[@ericuas3297]

@@OrientalPearl perfect app! Just kidding!

[@hugosalazar88]

using almost hello talk for 2 years, i can say that my japanese fluency comes from there, so i support the video, but yes, you have to speak every single day or at least do your best to use it somehow every day

[@OrientalPearl]

That's so cool! Maybe we've crossed paths on there before.

[@ZipfelmannKD]

you don't have to speak every day languages are learnt through input (listening & reading) not output (speaking & writing) .. good output is the result of good input and some practice after that

[@lucariofan30]

Thanks for being as direct as you could be, the message is so simple too. It took 5 minutes and you nailed some really important points most people don't address in their entire channel of content.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much! Believe it or not this video took a lot longer to make than some of the 15 minute videos I've made.

[@---ut6fk]

I'm a very shy person and I can't stand making mistakes, but I've been speaking to online tutors for spanish. My hands shake every time and my stomach hurts because I'm so nervous, but I still do it. I use speakly and busuu when I have any downtime and don't have an online class with a tutor, just to keep my brain in spanish mode

[@justcallmeangeleyes]

How’s your Spanish going, one year later?! Still nervous or more confident now? 🤍🙏

[@doctordave]

I was so excited to hear that you started with Pimsleur! すごい! It feels so "old fashioned" to me, but at the same time it's the only audio course that actually feels like it teaches in the way that my brain wants to learn.

[@OrientalPearl]

Sometimes old fashioned works. It’s the repetition in Pimsleur that is really effective.

[@mh23hm]

"Make the move first" "Put yourself out there" "Sent messages to 40 people a day" sounds like a dating app lol

[@OrientalPearl]

Ha ha, you caught me red handed.

[@ConcernedResident_GiantStack]

ppl definitely use language exchange like that. On WeChat, there's an org that tries connecting Chinese speakers with English speakers, but the administrator had to tell all the English speakers that this wasn't TanTan, haha! (I knew when I saw all the girls requesting language partners that people were going to think like that.) Always good to be careful, I suppose.

[@malblount1792]

You can tell uve put a lot of hard work and time into learning not only to speak Japanese and Chinese, but to read them too. Thankyou "Anming". Your "advice" is always taken onboard.😘👍

[@atomicsausage6248]

Good advice Anming, I use Hello Talk and Tandem to find Tagalog language partners. sadly as I'm in the UK I can't find anyone close to me, but I sometimes speak to people who work night shifts etc in the Philippines, theres also a few hours each day when we can text / talk. Just be aware that some people try to use them as dating apps rather than the intended use!

[@goncalobastos8318]

Im 21 and you’re an inspiration to me for learning languages! Thank you for all your videos

[@OrientalPearl]

That's awesome! This comment makes me so happy!

[@psimango]

Ahhh I love that you’re meeting people and studying from HelloTalk! I always wondered how that would be like but I’m too much of an introvert. This video however made me feel like it was not as intimidating as I thought so thank you.

[@OrientalPearl]

I met my fiancé on that app as well.

[@psimango]

@@OrientalPearl Oh wow that’s so awesome! I didn’t even know 🤭

[@deceaseda7x22]

She is back with more hard hitting facts! This is why we love you girl! I’m always digging the straight up reality checks your videos hit with. 🔥🔥

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks! I think a lot of people can’t handle the truth though.

[@deceaseda7x22]

@@OrientalPearl Of course! That’s how the world works but something I always liked about Asian cultures is that they TRULY tell it how it is. They don’t say things to hurt you but to push you and for you to raise your own standards, it’s harsh but effective 100%.

[@TriFF51]

Im using Pimsleur, N5 tango book, anki for kanji, and random KZbin vids. Been on hello talk for a while but 99% of the time im just correcting others english lol...finally recorded an introduction in Japanese.

[@OrientalPearl]

That's cool that you put an introduction up there.

[@theweirdolio3934]

i actually started using Hello Talk a couple of weeks ago thanks to you! it's sooooo useful!

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m so glad that you’re enjoying it!

[@marissamartinez1934]

Another great video. I always feel like I’m armed with more knowledge after watching your videos. ❤️

[@OrientalPearl]

Then it was worth making!

[@skinny0408]

Glad that somebody points this out. Too many people seem to overestimate the use of learning apps without using them properly. Had some english, german, japanese meetups which were truly eye openers on how to learn languages efficiently

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s how I felt, but a lot of people can’t handle the truth.

[@landrews7280]

Good advice, as usual, Anming. Even for those of us Japanese learners who are a bit older than your target demographic, there is no substitute for actually trying to talk with native or fluent Japanese speakers.

[@piikkiniska]

I have been playing Duolingo for months now and I can already say フォークをください Hey, I am not going to die of hunger.

[@OrientalPearl]

Except that they use chopsticks in Japan and usually don't have a spare fork. lol

[@piikkiniska]

@@OrientalPearl I eat so much that I would need drumsticks.

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

@@piikkiniska www interesting topic LOL

[@FourteenthAngel]

Well at least y'know how to get a fork. Though something more useful would how to get food or ask for the bathroom but I digress.

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

@@FourteenthAngel ah, Make sense

[@Kenzcho]

Thank you so much! I’m in Houston, Texas USA and just moved. My cousins wife is Japanese and has her family out there and I would love to one day visit when the travel restrictions change but I definitely want to be prepared and learn the language. I know it will take work but it’s so nice to hear the real and know what it really takes. I can’t wait to put myself out there and meet people I can have these conversations and experiences with. 😄

[@strawhatvibe]

You’re a huge inspiration for my content , cause what I want to do Defintiely includes me having to learn how to speak better Japanese so this is very useful Thankyou ❤️

[@rjl310]

This is SO very important. Great video!

[@anthonyholton2886]

An ming, you're so right about needing to use the language with other people to make it stick. I've taken First Year Japanese three times, and it was a great help when I visited Japan. I found that no matter how awful my skills were, just making an effort brought out a lot of kindness from the people I met. I wish it were possible to get more face time with Japanese speakers. Its probably good to admit that I'm not going to be fluent. I just want to be able to get along independently. Though I love the language, my next trip is to Iceland. Finding it much harder to wrap my head around the sounds, but a challenge can be fun. Thanks for the wonderful videos!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching. I’m glad that you’ve gotten the chance to visit Japan.

[@mgpatry3274]

You are absolutely inspirational! Truthfully, I downloaded this app a while ago but never used it ( too shy). I think might “give it a go”! I have also looked into getting a tutor on italki ( as it is a bit more reasonably priced). I really do need more than just a few books! Thank you, as always, for the advice and encouragement! 👍

[@kaseyjones2044]

Thank you for your videos ! I get that re assuring boost of confidence to keep learning after feeling over whelmed by japanese. Ive really enjoyed hellotalk since downloading it after your reccomendation.

[@aladdin709]

Thank you for this! Love your channel so much!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your support.

[@aladdin709]

Videos other than the typical "reaction" ones would be most welcome. You had so many great ideas on the last live stream you did. There are a lot of us here that would love to support any content you had in mind!

[@sowmyashree6849]

Awesome content as always😊. It's straight to the point 👍. Love your videos. Keep making them... Be yourself and enjoy 😊👍

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks! I try to respect everyone's time.

[@MrHyonD]

You and Matt are my mentors. Thanks for the inspiration and have an awesome life !

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much for watching! I appreciate your kind words.

[@Lizzie-uf3dt]

Seriously, I could not be more grateful for this advice. Thank you for being honest. I love learning languages but never find I make much progress with them when I use apps. So then I’m left being able to only say “hello” in like 20 different languages, rather than being fluent in 2.

[@Igiii]

Thank you for this channel, you are amazing. You're giving me courage to learn japanese harder and harder, I'm from Czech republic in EU and maybe see in you in the future in Japan. :) good luck

[@OrientalPearl]

I would love to visit a each Republic. Maybe I’ll see you there one day.

[@Igiii]

If u visit CZ, let me know. :)

[@gawkingwatches7988]

Totally agree. I learned the most Japanese while I was visiting Japan during a few summers I spent there while growing up.

[@jojoyvan1952]

I love HelloTalk! Using it is difficult for me because I don't have much spare time, but I do connect with real people there. I haven't found native speakers available near me but the chat feature is a good fill in for that until I do. Also, the record feature works for me to talk to people if we can't meet up in real time. There is always a way.

[@user-ed1ce3nf6m]

Oriental pearl you are the best language speaker i've known and i will pray for you to continue your education and language speaking. Muah much love and kisses towards you.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much for all of the support.

[@youmustbefibbing7376]

I like how you're utilising and adapting your marketing background to what you do now.

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s the one thing I really like about KZbin and making these videos.

[@stacyh9286]

I’m new to your channel. I’ve enjoyed the videos I’ve watched so far. You convinced me to try Pimsleur. You are a breath of fresh air!!! Your honesty about learning made it very clear on what I need to do to be more fluent in Spanish and Mandarin. Thank you 🙏🏾 I subscribed BTW 💕

[@richardrose7382]

I think you are very right! Person’s got to put yourself out there. Never heard of hellotalk before. Thanx for that

[@ReggieRed91]

Wow, you are incredibly clever. Big brain Ann. Thanks for posting.

[@robertcontignon]

Thank you very much for your useful tips, Anming san ! 😄 One could summarize that it's possible to learn a language by using an appropriate app and concrete tools in real life (books, games,...) 🙂 When I think, we learn a language with a view to using it in real life. So, having conversations with people in real life is definitively one of the best way to learn a language. 😀 And by this way, we get new knowledge and friends at the same time ! 😊

[@jarellemason7291]

Apps are good when used in addition to everything else

[@garyhuizilopoxtli9701]

I read a little French, German, and Spanish every day. I wish I had more time for indepth study, but my primary research (in history) won't allow it. Nevertheless, I appreciate your videos. You're an enormous inspiration!

[@ConcernedResident_GiantStack]

Good tips here! When teaching English, I always used to tell my students "you learn by doing". I encouraged them to just try, even with their fellow English learners, on their own time so as to improve. I was doing 4 classes a week, 1-on-1, for Mandarin and it has really helped but I really want to try speaking Chiense outside of a "lesson" format. So I'll definitely check out language exchange programs. I'm a little afraid of Ageism, though, for anyone over 30.

[@nanasabia]

Naming is over 30 - just do things people learn stuff in their 60ties, 70ties, even 80ties and you are 3…?! You are YOUNG!

[@reiii69]

Been using pimsleur for a month.. I think it is the best Japanese audio lessons out there.. Super effective....

[@adrienc8716]

Thank you Anming ! I follow your channel also for your langage tips that I apply to learn English 😊

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s great! You can use these tips for English as well.

[@sangeetbrar9570]

arigato, kore wa watashi ga takusan tasukemashita!! I have learned lots from you. Keep making awesome videos!!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks. If you’ll watch it I’ll make it.

[@trinitybalhorn]

This advice was amazing, definitely going to be beneficial. Thank you 😊

[@yadira943]

Thank you so much for making this video!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for watching!

[@alysimone]

I was looking for her channel the other day, but I didn’t find it. Today this video was in my recommendations.

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that you were looking for my channel. I hope you subscribe and kit the notification button.

[@Handlinyomommascheeks]

Absolutely true I helped one of my friends speak spanish rather than her using an app & she knew it asap in just a few studies & me helping her out I'm trying to learn japanese,french,italian,Chinese,korean,Russian,etc but idk anyone who speaks those languages just pure spanish & english

[@nikolavanzettiteslasacco4991]

So true. She is Exactly right.👍

[@Vincent-jm5lh]

Great video, an awesome metaphor's. An thanks for the recommend app, I've alway's asked myself how would I exercise my new language. Lookin forward to ur next clip

[@aprili.3802]

I agree! I used Hello Talk in Japan, it was a great tool to meet native speakers! I think the only useful function of apps is maybe if you were going on a trip to a foreign country and you wanted to learn some helpful phrases....that’s about it 😅

[@OrientalPearl]

That's true. There are some things that can be learned from them.

[@nileshbhattacharya2526]

Such an amazing video sister Keep it up ❤️❤️. Lots of love from India 👍. Happy Chinese New Year to all over the world ❤️❤️❤️.

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you India!

[@tinaaviles4563]

You always keep it 💯 love your channel

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks so much Tina. I appreciate it.

[@asbaran]

I'm currently focusing on 理解 & 文法 right now because my reading speed has been the bane of my JLPT exams. For me, speaking is much easier to learn than reading and there's no one good way of learning but I agree that you have to use it daily in whatever way you can to be proficient at it.

[@ScottAtwood]

Your advice is so great!

[@pierrekotze4013]

And as always a great video!!!!!!!😁😁😁 Thank you so much!!!!!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for watching!

[@Curly3373]

More videos with this type content please! Anecdotal adventures through Hellotalks for example!

[@OrientalPearl]

I would love to do more videos like this. These videos attract a much more dedicated audience.

[@mianhaeioi]

Here in South Korea, "language exchange" is a euphemism for friends with benefits. Be careful LOL

[@OrientalPearl]

Ha ha, I’ve met 2 boyfriends on that app.

[@PewPewPlasmagun]

I hail thee, Pearl! I learned 2 languages and deepened 2 (both native ones) from all sources taken together. Literature, apps, radio. Talking only helped me with fluent speech and better pronounciation in the rapids of a lively conversation. For instance, for a very long time I was able to write in English as a poet from a bygone age could. Thusly I can not agree unconditilnally with you, oh Pearl of Pearls. It would seem to me that this holds true especially when it comes to languages that are extremely foreign to your native one(s), such as Nihongo. Walk blessed and be well!

[@OrientalPearl]

Pearl of Pearls lol

[@julesde2320]

Thank you Miss Pearl . I will like and keep for future reference.👍😃

[@LympyDownunder]

I both admire your directness and I am scared by it too. Awkwardness is definitely a barrier to language learning for me.

[@OrientalPearl]

I used to be quite shy. Meeting many people broke me of that.

[@peterbarclay2472]

I like your honestly from hard work experience approach.. always interesting 👍

[@imericwilliams]

After watching this video I literally got back on HelloTalk and paid for VIP because I’m ready to start taking Japanese and Portuguese seriously. Thanks for the video and motivation!

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s wonderful to know! I’m so glad that it motivated you!

[@manorueda1432]

I totally agree. I've used lots of different apps, but the real results always come from interacting with people. I've used HelloTalk and Tandem, and I'm very happy with both of them, and yep, you're right, the best way to use them is to start sending lots of messages and contact with lots of people. Many of them won't never answer, but a few do. I still use Duolingo, but it's by no means my main source of learning. I do language exchange, watch online videos and practice a lot.

[@OrientalPearl]

I haven’t used Tandem. Is it a lot different from HelloTalk?

[@manorueda1432]

@@OrientalPearl It's quite similar to HelloTalk in its basic use, you can contact with different users and have a private chat with them, with the possibility to send a voice message or make a video call, and also you can correct their text messages. Apart from that, you can also pay for individual lessons with professional teachers. I have found some problems with some tablet models, but you can use it from a PC without problem.

[@Markver1]

Solid advice @Oriental Pearl さん. Now I just need to find a cure for procrastination. I’ll get started on that tomorrow.

[@OrientalPearl]

Ha ha procrastination is the biggest reason holding most people back.

[@corndtb]

I’m currently learning Kanji for free on Kanji Go, and it’s going good so far one day I’ll get a book

[@gotbacon3624]

I liked the Duolingo Chinese course for the first 300-450ish words to introduce me to the basic sounds and sentence structure. After that, I used anki to brute force my way to ~900 words, and since then, I've mostly read short stories and listened to speech and music for practice. I desperately need speaking practice, but since quarantine, I am rarely home alone, and i don't particularly want to practice in front of family. I think the gamified apps can be a great way to start a language as long as you also set aside just a little time to learn the basics of the language (script, new sounds, basic grammar, etc.).

[@ulyssesanaya7044]

thank you for the link and your secret tips 😊

[@nansam5102]

All I will say is this "If there is a will there will be a way.Thank you again for these great videos.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@zaqzaq4432]

Oh you!! I sometimes see your posts on hellotalk🤣🤣 KZbin algorithm brought me to your channel lol

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s so cool! Not many people see my stuff on HelloTalk so you are quite rare.

[@mushinrhino6787]

Thank you so much I’m hoping to learn Japanese and this is really an eye 👁 opener 🙏

[@nauticoom]

Luckily I was inspired to learn Portuguese because of my Brazilian friends. And they’re always willing to talk with me and aid my understanding.

[@Creighton-Jones]

I have used the Pimsleur Mandarin Chinese course and would also recommend it and Pimsleur in general. On the three occasions I have visited China my attempts at basic communication have been, for the most part, understood. However, I am still a very long way from fluency so the learning journey continues ....

[@lfr2112]

In my personal opinion, apps are good for brushing up, reinforcing, AND (very important here) if the language is close to your native language; my native language is Spanish and apps helped revive forgotten French, another Romance language. I know this will make you cringe, but I have been using apps for Japanese, though I am not expecting fluency from them. And you're right, talking to people is a killer for shy people like myself, and to me, its one step below in scariness level as bungee jumping, but I agree I'll need to do it eventually

[@OrientalPearl]

I appreciate your opinion

[@gaganbajwa4331]

I really need this video very much✌.. It's so useful nd helpful 🥰💖

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad to hear that! I was getting the feeling viewers only wanted to see “funny reactions” and didn’t want any actual content.

[@retrorystergaming577]

Hello talk is great I have joined just 3 months ago and in 3 months I have nearly 400 language exchanges (Chinese/English). There really is no secret to learning. Its just embracing the grind every single day.

[@jedimaster1080]

I use Pimsleur for Japanese and Spanish, and it is an amazing program.

[@nightowl6393]

Awesome video 👍 Watching movies in different languages with subtitles helped me.

[@jworne79]

I asked a German friend who spoke Spanish, Portuguese and English, low long it would take to learn Spanish. He said the main factor is how much you put yourself out there and speak to other people. Basically, if you don’t try, make mistakes, then try again, you won’t learn

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s great advice!

[@memochan4862]

Indeed, thank you, keep it up. I subscribed your Channel

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you for subscribing!

[@Buggyjiro20]

I like this video! Don’t give up

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for liking the video.

[@zoro.1049]

I just wanted to thank you so much for giving us ur experience on how is Life in Japan I wanted to move out to Japan but Life kicked in and now I have 2 Little Kids ^^ Schöne Grüße aus Berlin ( Greetz from Berlin)

[@OrientalPearl]

Thanks for sending love from Germany.

[@aidan8041]

Thanks Anming, I feel like you're the only one telling it like it is!

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad you appreciate the honesty.

[@NicokdoA]

Finally someone said it, yes! :) I completely agree with you: language learning isn't about facing a screen and exercises alone, but it's more about talking to real people even though it might sometimes prove embarrassing.

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m glad that you appreciate my the honesty.

[@mayshusakuhanamurasufferli5438]

Not really. I can speak my national language well despite rarely using it. I mean I score high marks in exam and most so called native speakers only use slang duh

[@anaalina5964]

I guess it might depend on the language. I learned English first using Google Translate. I translated tons of text from choices matter story based games. That helped me understand basic words and sentences. I did it enough times that I memorized them. I watched youtube videos with subtitles on(made by humans at that time since the old sub a.i. was horrible lmao) and learned how some words are spoken despite the way they are written, you know "red words". And because I have a bad habits of *having to learn every lyric in songs I like* english songs made it easier to memorize words that were more obscure. By the time I was talking with people online on video games, on english speaking servers, I was pretty good. At least for my age at the time. Today I am fluent though I have not ever talked face-to-face with a native english speaking person. Well I actually did now that I think about it, but not in english lol. The best way to learn a language is to like the language and have fun using it which way you like. Be it face to face or on a computer talking with someone or just reading foreign texts.(stories, poems, games, etc) I learned fluent english from the internet for free, in like 4 years at most, while my english school teacher taught me nothing. It was because video games made me want to learn english, so I can understand the story. It was fun.

[@starvingartist535]

I got the duolingo 'legendary' achievement for achieving #1 in the final league and I don't even feel all that rewarded from it...

[@Dante20321]

Duolingo is not good, but that’s my opinion

[@Ferdy_Yuugitsune1040]

もちろん、人々のコミュニケーションは重要 w でしょ？

[@kaplow9591]

@@Dante20321 Duolingo can be fun if you treat it more like a mobile game. It can also be ok if you need some basic vocabulary for travel, but you'll never achieve fluency of course.

[@Dante20321]

@@kaplow9591 yes

[@inquisitvem6723]

You have to speak with a native everyday to be fluent in any language tbh

[@Graad]

I live in Belgium, so it's very difficult for me to meet Japanese people. But i really wanted to start learning japanese, and the pandemic crisis was not an excuse. I bought some books, I tried to work by myself but I needed more motivation, so I took an online private teacher, 1 hour per week. And the fact that I have to talk japanese with her, or try to guess the context of the sentence changes everything. When I will be more confortable, I'll try to find some japanese people online and try to speak with them in japanese (or english or french if they want to improve, like you showed in the video with the 30 minutes of a language and the other 30 minutes with another one). Even if it's online at first, before I got the chance to visit Japan, speaking even with mistakes is the best thing to do for me ! :-)

[@OrientalPearl]

That’s right talking to Japanese people before your trip will help you prepare.

[@TheMissyChannel]

Thank you for your advice on learning! I use Pimsleur and HelloTalk everyday and it is helping me learn Japanese. I just need to be patient with learning! 😂😂😂

[@OrientalPearl]

I’m so glad that this helped you.

[@justsomeguywhoneedsamustac1162]

Thanks hopefully this will help

[@alexnaranjo9313]

Love this!

[@2imvu]

Thanks for the tips. Trying to brush up my Japanese

[@thomassanfrancisco5850]

Work works and practice practice and watching you over and over.

[@OrientalPearl]

I always appreciate when you watch my videos.

[@hectorlopezhidalgo2107]

Thanks for this information!...very useful

[@brentblack2878]

I learned French and Dutch with apps

[@aaron2424]

Same

[@Banana-kg3cp]

Lekker man

[@brentblack2878]

@@Banana-kg3cp afrikaans huh😂

[@Banana-kg3cp]

@@brentblack2878 nooo it's Dutch hahaha. But maybe Afrikaans too i don't know xD

[@brentblack2878]

@@Banana-kg3cp it sounds like afrikaans lol

[@Fran-ms8nq]

I love your videos!

[@OrientalPearl]

Thank you so much!

[@jimross7648]

I have few questions. How much of a basic vocabulary did you have before you ventured onto Hello Talk? I have a basic transactional grasp on Japanese, but when conversations moved to similar meaning phrases, or ways of saying things, that I was either unfamiliar with or unable to comprehend. My comfort improved as I used the language but when I watch Japanese movies and TV I find my comprehension varies between 10% to maybe 40% of the conversations. I would say I mostly get around 20% of what is being said. I find that different peoples manner of saying things that I think I should understand, can sometimes render me totally confused and my language vocabulary seems like a Shinkansen blowing by me in the Eki. It goes by me so fast that I can't grasp words to make a response and am basically rendered mute. Also, although I feel very confident in my English vocabulary and ability to use the language in multiple situations. What materials should I have to ensure I'm able to uphold my end of the language exchange. I'm a crappy speller in English which translates to me being a crappy speller in Japanese. In English I can spot my mistakes, and given time to properly proof read, I can correct most mistakes, but in a rush the wrong or misspelled words jumps in. With auto correct sometimes changing things, what I meant to write turns into confusing gibberish. I wouldn't want to pass my deficiencies onto someone who is trying to learn proper English. As you have taught ESL and as a user of Hello Talk I feel your insight would be beneficial for me on my journey. Thanks for this video enlightening as always.

[@OrientalPearl]

You can start with just a few simple phrases, but it’s best to get a partner that knows a lot of English in that case otherwise it’s going to be hard to communicate.