This article is a companion piece to the series on learning a language (click any of the following for “Part 1: Why it is never too late”, “Part 2: Myths of language learning” , “Part 3: Routine for the complete beginner”, “Part 4: The routine for the intermediate level”, “Part 5: Advanced routine and learning another”)
The inspiration for this post came from the many people that have asked me, “when you were learning your languages did you use an app?”.
Yes. Yes I did.
LingQ, compared to its contemporaries (Duolingo, Babel, etc.), is less sexy. Much of this is no fault of the design, or the ideal. The main issue with LingQ is that it flips the accepted paradigm of classical language learning upside down. It runs against the grain to what we are accustomed to as a society. In other words, it is pretty much takes the opposite to what we have learned about language in school.
Many of these other applications are focused on Language Output. LingQ is focused on Language Input. I discuss the science of this in some length in Part 2 of this series. Understanding the science is key to knowing how LingQ can work for you. I will quickly summarize the theories here:
Comprehension is the key to fluency; therefore, comprehensible input (listening to things that you more or less understand in the target language) is paramount to speaking practice. According to the Input Hypothesis, developed by linguist Stephen Krashen, understanding spoken and written language input is the only mechanism that increases linguistic competence; in other words, language output (or speaking) is not seen as having any effect on the learners’ ability to acquire language.
The material that one listens to needs to be intelligible and slightly more advanced than the learner’s current ability to understand it. This is represented in the formula “i+1”; “i” being your current level of linguistic competence and “+1” represents the next increment of new knowledge that will be within the learner’s capacity to acquire.
In the beginning, that means listening to short clips of material in your target language that have been translated (more or less) and that you understand. This process is done over and over again in a rinse and repeat fashion.
LingQ is the only app (that I know of) that truly harnesses the power of the Input Hypothesis—a revolutionary finding in the linguistic theory. To be clear, I have no association with LingQ. I’ve just used the app successfully to learn two languages.
The instant gratification you get with other applications (like Babel or Duolingo) is less evident with LingQ. Instead, your only reward is your progress. That progress can come quickly once you get over that critical learning period in the beginning, which I discuss in Part 3.
In the beginning of language acquisition (when everything is new) the process can seem extremely long and drawn out. That’s because your measurements for success are “how well am I hearing” spontaneous language. Furthermore, there is not really an explanation of why Comprehensible Input, and the methods employed by LingQ, are effective when you start using the app. For complete beginners it can be a bit overwhelming as to what material attack. It is also extremely counter-intuitive to read above your level if you’re unfamiliar with Krashen’s “i+1” representation. In the beginning, we all like to be spoon-fed. This is why many of us will spend fortunes on language courses, tutors etc.
None of that is necessary
Lingq appears to be more geared for those that already know some of the basics behind Krashen’s theory. In other words, it is an advanced tool. But it doesn’t have to be…
What does LingQ do?
LingQ chops up translatable text from real world material in your target language (books and news articles) into short lessons with companion audio clips. You create LingQs, which are words you do not know, that are added to your “flashcards”. You can review these flashcards at anytime. The idea is to read and listen to these audio clips over and over again until you can discern the sounds into meaning. At that point, you move on to the next lesson. This is the process of subconscious acquisition. Over time your ability and vocabulary augments and the process becomes easier—thus, you will no longer require as much repetition. LingQ has a decent video on how to use the application here.
For LingQ to give you that eureka moment that it gave me in French and Spanish, a basic understanding of the language’s grammar is necessary. Especially if it is your first attempt at a new language or first attempt at using the application. I typically read a short grammar (like a “Spanish for Dummies”) before diving into LingQ. This speeds up the process when you are reading and listening so you don’t obsess over conjugations.
In fact, once you get comfortable with being uncomfortable, you can just plow through and the grammar and vocabulary are acquired subconsciously. The key is to focus on meaning and not form. I discuss this in Part 2. In other words, you don’t need to know exactly how or why the corresponding things mean what they mean.
In short, LingQ is a database of readable and audible material for the insatiable linguist. For beginners, there is content preloaded with corresponding audio clips. For advanced polyglots, it is an interface to upload your own material to read and listen to whenever you want.
LingQ makes the process of language learning fun and engaging. I only try to read things that I already wanted to read in my native language. This way you’re learning twice as much and allowed to only engage in material that you find interesting.
With LingQ you need only “will and want” to succeed using the platform. I can say that with the precision and conviction of someone that has benefited immensely from the application. I am already planning my fourth.
With LingQ, the sky is the limit.
Still confused? You can also check out the Power Users’ LingQ Power User Webinar. Start it up around 5:30. Try these other useful tutorials on how to use LingQ: Import Any YouTube Video into LingQ; Language Learning with Netflix and LingQ; How to Import eBooks; LingQ Gathering webinars.
Goodluck!
Al holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Arts Double Major in Linguistics & Political Studies from the University of Manitoba. He is currently working in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Al has a passion for language, meditation, health, travelling, business and tech. Al is one of the co-founders of ThoughtNotion. You can connect with him on his personal site or on LinkedIn.
