# Overview [[Polyglot - How I Learn_Languages]] is a book by Kato Lomb that discusses how she learned the extensive number of languages she did for her work as a translator. The book is anchored by her experience and thoughts on learning languages, coalescing into a kind of method for language learning. ## Core Concepts - Study language 10-12 hours a week - **Include reading in your learning from the beginning and read actively.** Make notes in the books, keep "loose glossaries," and reread often. Books will teach you important vocabulary by repetition, you will encounter common constructions, and learn more naturally. - A loose glossary should be messy, as straight lines are a hindrance to memory - Should have word, context(s) it was found in, deduced meaning(s), and dictionary meaning(s) - The method should include and accelerate traditional teacher-guided learning, which should include a similarly leveled classmate - View language learning as a leisure activity akin to solving a crossword puzzle. - Develop the habit of discussing your experiences with yourself in a foreign language via monologues - Don't go to a dictionary right away. You will remember words better if you work a bit to recall them. ## The Method This method assumes one is starting from 0 in a language and there are no tutors available 1. Get a thick dictionary to use as your text book. Do no memorize words, just scan and study them. Use the dictionary to get introduced to the language, "sample" it and "make friends" with it. 1. At this stage, also listen to radio, TV, etc. in the language you are studying. Write down any unknown words and look it up right after the broadcast (don't write the meaning yet) 2. A day or two later, return to the notebook and write down what you looked up in the dictionary. This allows you to access fading memories. 3. Once a week or so, record a broadcast and listen to it several times and concentrate on pronunciation. 2. Buy a textbook with answers provided for exercises as well as some works of literature in the language. 3. Go through book and do exercises. Write correct answers next to your own and write 5-6 correct words or sentences for the ones you got wrong. 4. [[The Polyglot Method#How to Read|Reading]]. Start with short stories and plays and then comprehensible novels. ## How to Read For reading 1: - Ready blithely and superficiality - Write words in your notebook that you were able to figure out from context - Include context from the book or from a contemporary dictionary For reading 2: - Regard words and sentences as touchstones to see if writer breaks any rules. Read more in-depth and critically. - Look up only some unknown words, and add to your loose glossary # Questions Prompted by Evergreen # Fleeting Notes Your rough thoughts that led to this opinion or belief. Should be a space to dialogue with yourself about why you believe this and what ideas led you to it. # Literature Notes This is usually a collection of references to nodes that live beneath nodes. They're notes taken on articles, books, academic articles, etc. that support or relate to this evergreen. - [[Polyglot - How I Learn_Languages#Highlights]]