13

One could argue that as a group the Japanese are the world’s worst learners of English—maybe of languages in general. Partly it’s because of the many significant differences between the two languages. 

However, that’s not all. There are things that Japanese people do more, or less of, than other nationalities. 

I decided to identify what they were. I'd then try shifting in the opposite direction. 

And so: I want less analysis, study, grammar, formality, schooling, pressure, memorization, intensity, mistake phobia, standardization, testing and drills.

And I want more listening, play, self-direction, spontaneity, computer tools, social learning, and authentic materials.

12

Just like other people, my expectations are out of joint.

I—we—count on increasing our vocabulary one word at a time. We think in terms of building blocks. We’re careful to avoid mistakes. We try to grasp grammar rules in isolation. We forcefully train ourselves through repetition and drills.

In such ways, we try to impose an artificial program. We attempt to wed ourselves to the calendar. We trust in a SMART way to measure our progress.   

Well, that’s a fallacy and an illusion. Tomorrow I’ll tell you what I learned in Japan about how NOT learn another language.

11

I do ‘pair work’. That is, I pair up languages. The knowledge of one provides a leg up on the other. 

Currently I have 4 languages on the go: English, Dutch, Japanese and German. Therefore there are 12 possible combinations. I listen to one while I read the other. If I switch listening and reading, that gives me another 12.

No, it’s not double-Dutch, but it’s certainly a new approach. It’s the equivalent of the concept that the Earth is round and circles the sun. It’s both simple and difficult. It doesn’t come naturally for me either, I must admit . . .

10

German I did only a little of, and that over 30 years ago. Japanese I’ve spent a lot of time on recently. And yet, I’m still roughly equal at both languages. 

It comes down to having a head start in a language because of background. As a result of knowing English and Dutch, I have a huge advantage when it comes to German.

I feel at home with it. I connect to the culture. I love the sound of German consonants and vowels. I even love English spoken with a German accent. It is melodious in a beer-drinking, lederhosen-ish way.

9

In Dutch, I’m at the point that all I need to do is read or listen to books. Maybe sometimes both at once. 

I could work on accuracy with writing, and fluency in speaking, using shadowing and running dictation. Another idea is to use Dutch as a means of learning other languages—not use English at all.

I tried that the other day doing German plus Japanese. Great fun that was! Between them I was comprehending.

The audio version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that I have is superb. So are the Harry Potter books I managed to download.

8

When you know two languages well, they form a continuum in your brain. You don’t need to translate between them. You don’t get their grammars confused. You ‘lean’ this way or that.

At this point I can read Dutch pretty well, and even write at the level of a child. That, despite never having studied the language, ever. 

Oh, except I did attend first year elementary school, sorry. I do remember being introduced to ‘ij’, ‘ui’ and ‘eu’.

Other than that though, nothing.

Knowing two languages makes you magic. It gives you the certainty that learning another language is possible.

7

Dutch parents raised me in New Zealand. I knew no English until I started school at 5. When I was 6 we moved to Holland. Dutch replaced English. At 7 we returned to NZ. Time for English again.

This switching has given me a flexible mind. It has given me insights.

I remember the process of learning my first language. I know that schooling isn’t necessary. I know that you don’t translate between them. Grandparents are more important than grammar.

Dutch and English for me are like different parts of an ice rink. I slip from one area to another.

6

I’ll do different things according to what level I’m at. That’s why I’m including languages I’m good at, am at an intermediate level in, and others that I know nothing about. The trick is to choose the right activity for each.

I’ll use the same resources, but I’ll do different things with them. What I attempt ought to be light, interesting and easy. That way, I’ll achieve a lot. It will feel as if I’m spending time on a hobby.

Tomorrow then, I’ll start telling you about Dutch. After English it’s my next best language. It’s actually my mother tongue.

5

Now that that's out of the way, it’s time to say a little about my method.

I’m going to use normal books—real books. I’m going to expose myself to a lot of interesting text, lightly, at the speed of sound.

By that, I mean that usually I’ll listen to the audiobook while I read so as to cause me to skim lightly and quickly along the sentences.

So that’s 2 things together—actually 2 times 2, because I’ll get the books in 2 languages also. 

One commonly available resource is Harry Potter—stuff to watch, read and listen to.

4

I believe that I’ve figured it out. Otherwise, why would I even attempt to do what I’m doing? There’s every chance that this will work. I’m totally convinced.

Still, I’m not here to sell anyone anything. All I mean to do is to record my progress, and maybe get people interested in finding out more.

Why? Because it’s fun! 

Why would I try this otherwise? I’m doing this as an adventure. I do it because it’s compelling, and because I’m curious. 

Though this is my work, it’s also my hobby. I’d do it without being paid (which is the case).

3

I’ve come up with a few ideas that I wish to test and build upon. And that’s the reason for this little project.

I’ve worked in the field of education for donkey’s years. Done all sorts of things. But in the last couple of decades (decades!) got involved in helping people learn English.

The conventional approach doesn’t work very well. Heck, it didn’t work well for me when it came to studying Japanese.

If I, a poor student, could figure out how to master what many say is the world’s toughest language, then that must make me a better teacher.

2

But of course, no beginning is the actual beginning. For me, knowing English gives me a foothold in many languages. For one thing, their alphabets are often the same, or similar.

I’ve dabbled with other languages at school and on my own. I’ve lived in a few countries. I’m not a total newbie.

The languages with which I’ve had the most contact are English, Dutch, Japanese, German, French, Kiribati, Hindi and Latin.

This first month—less actually, since it is already the 9^th of September—I’ll keep the ball rolling with Dutch, Japanese and German. They are my ‘cheat’ languages.

1

There is nothing particularly special about Day 1. But on this "unremarkable day," I finally make the decision to begin. 

No, it’s not the 1st of January. It isn’t even the start of the month, although I will try to establish a monthly rhythm. That is, I will kick off each month with a new language.

Along the way, I’ll document the journey. Every morning, over the next 2 years I’ll write 100 words.

I’m doing this for a reason of course. No one does anything without one. So expect to learn the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of this experiment shortly.