Kirby Lin

European Language Enthusiast || I write about language learning tips for adult learners || 5+ Languages || 10+ Years in Teaching

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Elysse DaVega, a self-taught polyglot, recently posted a YouTube video about how she balances 7+ languages.

She also revealed 1 hard truth:

“The more languages you learn, the less time you have to study each of them.”

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Every language you learn adds a new window to your house.

It offers different angles to see the world outside.

Some reveal more details you never noticed before, and others open onto new landscapes.

It unlocks a whole new side of the internet and global communities.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

The first time I heard Swedish, it sounded like someone singing even when they spoke.

It’s bouncy, lively, and quirky. The sounds and melody swirled around my ears. There was something magical and mysterious.

I knew I wanted to learn this language one day.

And I'm glad I did.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Some people learn languages faster, because...

They study with the right mindset.
They are more focused, motivated, and patient as adults.
They create natural immersion and seize every opportunity in their home country.

Fast language learners aren’t always born.

They’re made.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Once, a lady told me:

“Paris was beautiful, but I had never met such arrogant people. I spoke English to them, but they replied in French. How arrogant!”

Many people don’t realise it’s better to learn some basic French phrases when travelling to France.

It’s a sign of respect.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

As a passionate language lover and ESC supporter, I will continue to advocate for linguistic diversity in the contest.

The slogan is ‘United by Music,’ and we should not be united only by English music, but truly, United by MUSIC.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

This is a true revolution.

Sweden has voted for a Swedo-Finnish group to represent the country for ESC this year. The Swedish language will finally be heard on the Eurovision stage for the first time since 1998.

I’m proud of Sweden for singing in Swedish (+ Finnish)🇸🇪🇫🇮

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Should we bring back the old restrictions to ensure language diversity?

Instead of reinstating rules, we should continue to encourage Eurovision entries in languages other than English.

Eurovision is all about diversity.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

I find it most useful to build confidence when expressing myself freely in a safe environment:

A group class with classmates that I feel at ease with
A private lesson with a tutor who gives me constructive feedback
A casual chat with myself, using the new words and expressions

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Here are 3 main reasons:

1. French and Spanish are not mutually intelligible.
2. French doesn't sound the way it's written, unlike Spanish.
3. French slang adds another layer of difficulty.

That's why they can't understand each other.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

People often ask if Spanish and French can understand each other.

I learnt French before Spanish. It might have made it easier, but that didn't grant me the superpower to understand Spanish. Nor do I think my Spanish-speaking friends could understand French without learning it.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

It’s believed that this dish’s name is linked to the Tatars (the Mongol horsemen). There is no historical evidence that the Tatars created this dish, but this myth helped it gain popularity in Europe in the 19th century.

It's a French classic.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

People wonder why French people eat raw beef.

There is a dish called Tartare de bœuf (Steak tartare). It’s made from ground raw beef with seasonings and garnishes, and commonly with a raw egg yolk on top.

Here's where it came from:

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

@laidbacklang Completely agree. Language learning is a serious addiction!

You can never get enough of it.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Many tourists don't realise that some French locals actually refuse to speak English ‘on purpose.’

Saying ‘Bonjour’ (Hello) is basic etiquette. If you don't do it, you can come across as rude. It's not easy to pronounce, but at least they will know you're making an effort.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

I found joy when I realised I didn’t have to follow the path of every other learner.

I struggled with German because I kept forcing motivation and searching for reasons to stick with it.

Now, I’ve found my path with Swedish, and I’m simply happy it's become part of my life.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Now, knowing this, I should always keep this in mind to avoid losing my audience.

Assume less, and use more concrete words.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

I recently learnt that knowledge can also be a curse.

When I was reading Magic Words by Jonah Berger, he mentioned that we speak a completely different language after becoming an expert in a subject. As a result, people struggle to follow.

It's known as the ‘curse of knowledge.

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Here's the quote:

“This curse has a name, and apparently, it is called the curse of knowledge. It’s a curse because the more we know, the more we assume others know, and thus the more we end up communicating in ways that are tough to understand.”

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

Learning a language will only benefit you.

So, were six months of Swedish worth it for my one-week trip?

Depends on how you define ‘worth it.’

[Kirby Lin @KIRBY_LIN_]

The first time I heard Swedish, I was hooked.

It’s bouncy, lively, and quirky. Swedish sounds as if someone is singing, even when they speak. That’s why I prefer the way it sounds to other languages.

Even though I’ve now learnt to speak Swedish, its beauty still never fades.