Learning multiple languages at once can be an exciting and rewarding journey.
For those of us who are fascinated by new languages and cultures, the idea of mastering more than one language at a time is incredibly appealing. But, if you turn to social media for advice, you might find conflicting opinions on whether this is even possible. In the end, it depends on the individual.
That said, I’d like to share my insights into how I have successfully studied multiple languages simultaneously over the past five decades.
My Personal Journey To Learning Many Languages
Early Years In South Florida
I spent the first decade of my life in Central Florida as the youngest child in a typical monolingual suburban family. From around the age of six, I remember listening to foreign languages on a shortwave radio.
I just loved the sound of different languages; they were like music to my ears. I believe this was the seed of my desire to learn multiple languages. At the same time, I was fascinated by the diverse cultures featured in National Geographic magazine, fueling my burning desire to explore the world. Learning languages became my passport to dive deeply into various linguistic and cultural communities.
We later moved to South Florida, a more cosmopolitan area. Hispanics, primarily from Cuba, made up about 30% of the population and primarily spoke Spanish. Naturally, Spanish was the first additional language I learned.
The Beginning Of My Polyglot Journey
I started university at age 16 and decided to study abroad in Bogota, Colombia, just before my 19th birthday. Besides taking courses in Latin American Literature and Political Science at Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, I grabbed the opportunity to study multiple languages simultaneously. I studied French at the Alliance Française, German at the Goethe-Institut, and Portuguese at the Instituto de Língua e Cultura Brasileira.
Learning Self-Discipline And Effective Study Habits
Learning a foreign language through the medium of a second foreign language can be very beneficial. Listening to teachers explain grammar and idiomatic phrases helped me to think more in Spanish.
Training yourself to think in a foreign language is an exercise in mind discipline—much like meditation. Mastering this ability in your first foreign language greatly facilitates doing so in additional languages.
But, I must say that I learned the most by studying on my own. I have been a self-learner my whole life. While in Colombia, I obtained French and German Linguaphone courses.
Each language course was packaged in an impressive briefcase containing a textbook and small vinyl records for the audio. In the house where I rented an upstairs room, I studied these language courses for many hours. While studying, I was learning concentration and self-discipline. For example, I did not allow myself to have a sip of tea or water until I finished the page I was reading or the dialogue I was practicing.
One of the keys to success was dividing my time among the languages in an effective manner. Portuguese was easy to learn due to its similarities with Spanish, and my studies were mainly centered around classroom study every week. I decided that I would study International Relations in Geneva, Switzerland in French, so that language received the most emphasis. Nevertheless, I made sure to study German at least every other day.
The Benefits Of Studying Abroad
Studying abroad was a great way to take a deep dive into languages and cultures. In Switzerland, I was surrounded by languages. After my classes, which were conducted in French, I would hang out with either Spanish or German-speaking friends. This immersive experience highlighted the benefits of learning multiple languages at once, as it enhanced my ability to switch between languages and deepened my understanding of different cultures.
Entering The Slavic World
I also studied Serbo-Croatian as often as possible since I had decided to ride a bicycle across the former Yugoslav coast. During that summer, not only did I study Serbo-Croatian every day, but I also had the chance to use French, German, and even Italian. Even though I had not studied Italian systematically yet, I understood it well and could make myself understood by borrowing vocabulary from Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Thus, I was maintaining and adding to my languages daily in such an environment.
Russian was the next Slavic language I studied, and my first trip to the Soviet Union took place in 1978. Back at the University of Florida for a year to graduate, I continued studying Russian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
I even studied some Arabic and Persian. In addition, I prioritized learning Polish since I had signed up for an intensive Polish course at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poland starting in the summer of 1979. I spent two years in graduate school there, concentrating on learning Slavic languages. While in Poland, I also studied Norwegian, Hungarian, and Japanese.
Making Asia My Home
In the summer of 1981, Japan was my next destination via Southeast Asia. After deepening my ability in Japanese and studying Chinese on my own and with a tutor, I entered graduate school at Kyushu University to study Chinese literature.
I have been in Japan for 43 years and became a Japanese citizen. During that time, I was outside of Japan for a few years, getting a master’s in international business, working for two major corporations, and earning a PhD in Cross-Cultural Management, which I taught for 32 years as a professor at a Japanese university and as a visiting professor in Shanghai, Taipei, and Bangkok.
I was fortunate to have enough time and opportunities to study 10 more Asian languages and more Indo-European languages. It is impossible to constantly review all my languages, so my approach is to prioritize the language that I will have the opportunity to use in the near future. Nowadays, there are many resources available.
11 Tips For Learning Multiple Languages At Once: Best Practices
1. Find Your Motivation
Understanding why you want to learn multiple languages is crucial. Motivation will keep you going when the process becomes challenging. Identifying your own reasons can help you stay focused and committed. It can also be your guide to what type of vocabulary you should focus on. For example, when I studied Tamang, a language related to Tibetan and widely spoken in Nepal, I focused on learning words and phrases that would be useful while trekking in the Himalayas.
2. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals for each language you’re learning is essential. Whether it’s reaching conversational fluency or being able to read and write, having specific objectives helps you measure progress and stay motivated. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
3. Create A Structured Plan
A structured plan is your roadmap to success. Dedicate specific times of the day or week to each language, ensuring that you balance your efforts across all languages. Consistency is key. Even if you can only spare 15-30 minutes a day for each language, regular practice will lead to steady progress.
4. Use Different Learning Methods
Variety in learning methods can prevent burnout and keep you engaged. Combine traditional methods like textbooks and language classes with modern tools such as language apps, online courses, and conversation groups. This multi-faceted approach can cater to different aspects of language learning, such as grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking.
5. Study A Foreign Language In Another Foreign Language
As I mentioned, studying a foreign language in another foreign language you know well provides many benefits. I find it particularly effective to use this method to study languages that are very similar. For example, I am currently using the Ling app on my phone to review and improve my Czech before attending the Polyglot Gathering in Prague next month.
I set Polish as the language I speak and Czech as the language I am learning. My Polish is very strong, and though I understand Czech well, I need to practice repeating the phrases in my Ling app. By using Polish, I notice the differences and am less likely to mix the languages.
6. Immerse Yourself
Immersion is one of the most effective ways to learn a language. Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. This can include watching movies, listening to music, reading books, or even changing the language settings on your devices. Immersion helps reinforce what you’ve learned and improves your comprehension skills.
7. Practice Regularly
Regular practice is essential to language retention. Find language partners or join conversation groups to practice speaking. Use flashcards or language apps to review vocabulary daily. Writing essays, keeping a journal, or even posting on social media in your target languages can improve your writing skills.
8. Stay Patient And Persistent
Learning multiple languages is a long-term commitment that requires patience and persistence. There will be times when progress seems slow, but don’t get discouraged. Celebrate small victories and keep pushing forward. Remember, consistency over time yields significant results.
9. Embrace Mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to make them, as they are opportunities for improvement. Embrace your errors, learn from them, and keep moving forward. The more you practice, the more confident and proficient you will become.
10. Balance Your Languages
Balancing multiple languages can be challenging, especially if some are more demanding than others. Prioritize based on your goals and adjust your learning plan as needed. It’s okay to focus more on one language at times if it requires extra attention; just make sure to maintain a minimum level of practice in the others.
11. Stay Connected With The Language Community
Joining language learning communities, both online and offline, can provide support, resources, and motivation. Platforms like Discord offer events, discussion groups, and language exchange opportunities that can enhance your learning experience. Engaging with others who share your passion can provide encouragement and fresh insights.
Ready To Start Learning Many Languages At Once?
With the right approach it’s absolutely possible to successfully learn multiple languages at once. By staying motivated, setting clear goals, creating a structured plan, using varied learning methods, immersing yourself, practicing regularly, being patient, embracing mistakes, balancing your efforts, and staying connected with the language community, you can achieve your language learning ambitions.
Remember, every learner is unique, so tailor your approach to what works best for you. Enjoy your journey!
