Should you learn two languages at the same time? | Learning Multiple Languages At Once

Should you learn two languages at the same time? I’m gonna share some of my thoughts and experiences. Hi guys and welcome back to the channel! My name’s Connor and I make videos about everything involving travel and languages. Today, I wanted to talk about a question that comes up fairly frequently in the language learning world. That is, can you learn two languages at the same time? And if you can, then should you? Let’s explore!

Assuming you’re someone who’d like to learn 2+ foreign languages, which describes most people voluntarily learning a language, then it makes sense why you’d want to study two languages at the same time--since it’d conceivably be faster to do so. On one hand, learning two languages simultaneously can be a quicker way to reach an intermediate level in both of them--even if concentrating on one at a time will be faster overall.

And while intuition may lead you to believe that learning a 2nd and 3rd language at the same time could hinder your progress, this might not actually be true--provided you have enough time to dedicate to each. Researchers in China compared a group of college students studying English with another group studying both English and Russian. Their results found no significant differences between the English abilities of either group, but did indicate a higher working memory capacity in the group that studied two languages.

On the other hand, you’re likely to experience one or more drawbacks if you decide to learn two languages at once. First, learning one language, let alone two, requires a huge time commitment. Since most people are not college language students, it can be difficult to find the time to set aside for learning two languages. This could lead to an inconsistent study schedule, a lack of motivation, or burnout. Furthermore, if you’re learning two closely related languages, like Spanish and Portuguese, then you’ll almost certainly mix them up at one point of another.

That said can, learning two languages at a time is something that can be done. If you’re committed to studying two languages at the same time, I’ve found it best to use this method. After you decide which two languages you want to learn, pick the one you’re most excited about and start studying it. Then, commit to that language until you reach at least a low-intermediate level. In other words once you’ve graduated past introductory workbooks, can work your way through a basic conversation, and can understand what you read and hear. Once you’ve gotten to this point, then add the second language into your routine. Staggering the start times of languages, so that you’re only a beginner in one language at a time, can be really beneficial in the long run. Ultimately, if you’re just learning a language for fun, then I think it’s most important to focus on whatever makes you happiest and gives you the most enjoyment.

Should you learn two languages at the same time?
0:00 Intro
1:00 Benefits to learning two languages simultaneously
1:39 Drawbacks to learning two languages simultaneously
2:25 Best way to learn two languages at the same time
4:48 Outro

CHECK OUT MY OTHER VIDEOS:
Italian CULTURE SHOCKS as an American Student → https://youtu.be/tGStRGk8_pw
TOP 5 LANGUAGE LEARNING MYTHS (debunked) → https://youtu.be/Jf_EjDweN64
Best FREE Language Learning Apps - Learn Any Language From Your Phone → https://youtu.be/vfNwtuA8CD8
You Should Be Using Duolingo | TIPS & TRICKS → https://youtu.be/BSYcy1RITbQ

Learning an L2 and L3 at the same time: help or hinder? (journal article) → https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14790718.2020.1779726

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Видео Should you learn two languages at the same time? | Learning Multiple Languages At Once канала Connor Gleason