Multiple Languages = Multiple Challenges

Let's address the elephant in the room. The more languages you attempt to learn concurrently, the slower your advancement tends to be. This may seem obvious, yet it's a fact we often overlook amidst the chaos.

When focusing on a single language, progress is more easily tracked, especially at the beginner level. However, juggling several languages can make it challenging to measure your progress. One day, you may feel like you've made significant strides in German, only to realize that your Thai skills have stagnated. You return to Thai, and suddenly Ainu feels insurmountable. This back-and-forth creates an emotional roller-coaster that can be disheartening.

If you choose to embark on this journey, it's crucial to celebrate your achievements quickly and let go of setbacks even faster. While it’s not easy, here are some strategies that have worked for me:

• Document every small success in each language, allowing you to revisit these moments during tough times.
• Engage with the #langtwt community on Twitter to seek support and share experiences.
• Consider hanging a motivational note in your workspace, such as “You’re learning multiple languages at once. Relax.” This could provide comfort during challenging moments.
• Each week or two, designate a "Priority 1" language to focus on more intently. Currently, mine is German.

Now that we’ve established that, let's explore effective methods for learning multiple languages.

The Benefits of Variation

To effectively study all my languages daily, I would need to dedicate 3 to 4 hours each day. While this isn't unfeasible, it doesn't align with my lifestyle, which includes work, writing, and enjoying life.

Therefore, I rotate between my languages and the activities I engage in. For instance, here’s what I did on a recent day:

• Listened to a German podcast while tidying up (30 passive minutes)
• Completed Lesson 19 of my Ainu course (15 active minutes)
• Finished a Toki Pona lesson (25 active minutes)
• Reviewed Thai notes to refresh my memory (20 active minutes)
• Listened to part of a Chinese podcast during administrative tasks (~40 passive minutes)
• Played Genshin Impact in Korean (~1 passive-ish hour)

What matters is the distinction between active and passive learning. To truly grasp a language, you must engage with it passively and actively. The following day, I switched up my active and passive tasks across different languages, keeping my learning experience dynamic.

This approach not only makes slow progress more tolerable, but it also ensures that each day feels distinct from the last.

Surviving Moments of Confusion

As I mentioned earlier, frustration is a common companion when learning multiple languages. Despite your best efforts to balance your focus, some languages may inevitably fall behind.

Re-engaging with a neglected language can feel daunting, as you must sift through forgotten knowledge to reconnect with your studies. For instance, after neglecting Thai for ten days, I felt lost and struggled to remember my past notes.

This is the reality of being a multi-language learner. Fortunately, I've been through this before and knew how to tackle it. I gathered my materials and attempted to make sense of what I had. While I didn’t fully succeed, I accepted the uncertainty.

Tonight, I plan to watch a Thai show (like this one), and tomorrow I will revisit my notes, deciphering new sentences with the help of dictionaries. The next day, I’ll try translating a paragraph or creating sentences to share for feedback.

When you feel lost with a language, the best remedy is to make it your “priority one-and-a-half” for a few days, alternating various tasks such as writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Feeling lost is inevitable, but what you do with that feeling is what truly matters.

Additional Tips for a Successful Language Journey

Learning multiple languages simultaneously can be a gradual process, yet it’s also filled with excitement and discovery. To ensure you’re prepared for the long haul, consider the following:

• Maintain a single notebook where you jot down important points across all languages.
• Avoid dating your notes to sidestep feelings of guilt about time lapses.
• Subscribe to at least one podcast in each language to facilitate easy listening whenever you have free time.
• Decorate your space with meaningful words or sentences to reinforce learning organically.
• Use Slowly to exchange "e-letters" with language partners, encouraging regular practice.
• Reward yourself with small treats for minor achievements in each language, like enjoying a nostalgic snack: Kinder Pingui.

Embrace the journey, and if you, too, are navigating the complexities of learning multiple languages, feel free to share your strategies for staying grounded!