1. The path to mastering a new language is NOT through hard study and memorisation.
2. Instead, the best language learning methods contain lots of "input" - reading and listening to your new language.
3. By reading and listening a lot, you can learn to understand natural, spoken language, so you can keep up in conversations. (No more awkward silences or blank expressions!)
Oh, and you also get to spend your time immersed in a beautiful new language...
...rather than studying grammar and memorising lists of words, like everyone else.
What's not to love? :)
Well, there are a few things.
1) This is not a "quick and easy" method.
If you like learning with cute apps that flash and beep and give you instant gratification...
This probably isn't for you.
2) You have to enjoy a good story.
If you never read books or watch movies (anything with a story) in your mother tongue...
You won't enjoy them in Chinese either.
(Guaranteed.)
3) It's also TOTALLY DIFFERENT to how most of the world learns languages.
If you're a conformer...
And you enjoy the safety of a crowd...
You won't like this.
(We do things differently over here!)
This, quite frankly, is why I've spent so long telling you about what this StoryLearning language learning method is all about...
The why and the how.
So, if you're thinking "this isn't for me"...
I don't blame you.
But...
If you're still with me, then this next bit is crucial...
In my last email, I told you there's ONE thing to watch out for.
It's no exaggeration to say that the method FAILS if you get this wrong.
But...
This ONE THING is also the MAGIC INGREDIENT that makes this method so effective if you get it right.
What is this danger?
.
.
Choosing study material at the right level.
To be specific:
The material you study with must be carefully selected to be just above your current level.
Let's talk about this...
• As you know, you'll be spending lots of time listening and reading in your new language - ideally to stories.
• If the stories are too hard, you'll get frustrated and won't learn anything.
• If your material is too easy, you won't learn enough and you'll get bored.
So, what you're looking for is something known as "comprehensible input".
From the Wikipedia entry:
[Language learners] can progress in their knowledge of the language when they comprehend language input that is slightly more advanced than their current level.
Got it?
Slightly more advanced than your current level.
To get specific, this means that you should already understand 85-95% of what you're reading or listening to.
The mistake most people make?
Picking up Chinese literature, watching Chinese movies, tuning into Chinese soap operas, and other things are far too hard...
Where 85-95% is NOT understood.
Big mistake!
If it's not "comprehensible"...
(i.e. if you can't follow along)
You won't learn.
But just as important...
You must choose material you're interested in, so you're motivated to study.
That's why stories are so powerful, and why I've been featuring the concept of "story" throughout this series...
Stories COMPEL you to keep going.
It's also possible to read simple stories as a beginner - with a little help...
And this is the foundation of my method.
If this sounds like a lot to remember...
It can be.
But don't worry...
Tomorrow I'll tell you where to get everything you need.
Until then,
- Olly
P.S.
I'm aware that this might not be the first time you've tried to learn a foreign language.
As one reader emailed me the other day:
"I've been trying to learn Chinese for a number of years...I really feel that I am a lost cause!"
Now, I would be foolish to claim that the approach I've been telling you about is guaranteed to work for you.
How can I, when the responsibility for learning only ever lies with the individual?
However...
What I can tell you with 100% certainty is this:
This method is different.
(By now, you should know why)
You will keep studying.
The old struggle with "discipline" to study stops being an issue...
Because you want more.
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