Language Hacking – Benny Lewis Shows us How to Become Fluent in 3 Months

If you’re Caucasian and living in the Unites States or Canada, there’s a pretty good chance that you speak only one language, English.

I know, I know… you took a few years of Spanish or French in high-school, forgot almost all of it immediately, and realized that language learning just isn’t for you. After all, it’s much easier for children to learn new languages, and you’re well into your 30s now. Everyone speaks English anyway, you just have to speak loudly and slowly. Right?

Benny Lewis the Irish Polyglot

It’s true, you could do that; in fact, that’s what most people do. As an English speaking Canadian living in Quebec – a French dominated Canadian province – I’m guilty of this as well. Sure, I’m a lot more polite about it, and I don’t get angry when someone doesn’t understand me (unlike many of the American tourists I’ve overheard overseas), but still. If you ask me, it’s pretty embarrassing to only speak one language when there are so many great ones out there, and that’s why I’m finally starting to take the whole language learning thing seriously, and actually having fun doing it too. But it’s not easy, so I’ve brought in an expert.

Benny Lewis is an average Irish fellow, save for one thing: he speaks about 12 different languages fluently. Even better is that he learned to speak these languages relatively well in just a few months time. Watch the video and prepare to be amazed.

YouTube player

I’ve got to say, Benny’s TED talk really resonated with me. I’ve lived in Quebec for well over a year now, and I’ve learned a measly 206 words, give or take. I spent the first year and change feeling like I simply couldn’t try and speak French until I was perfect – or at least really, really good – at speaking the language. Can you see how that’s a pretty stupid way of going about it? Fear of embarrassment is an extremely powerful emotion, and unfortunately our default is often to just not do something to avoid that temporary bad feeling.

Useful Language Learning Tools

Benny’s method of actually, you know… talking to people, is a sound one. I think that’s probably the most useful tool we have, but if you’re interested in brushing up a bit while you’re at home, then I do have two suggestions for you. Give Duolingo a try, and download a Firefox plugin called Mingaling. Lastly, don’t miss Benny’s official website. Check out the websites, and you can thank me later.

If you have any language learning suggestions of your own, please leave me a comment below! Believe me, I need all the help I can get.

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Chad

Chad is the co-founder of Unfinished Man, a leading men's lifestyle site. He provides straightforward advice on fashion, tech, and relationships based on his own experiences and product tests. Chad's relaxed flair makes him the site's accessible expert for savvy young professionals seeking trustworthy recommendations on living well.

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