New Year, New Language Summit 2023
Intermediate: Getting Past the Plateaus
The second edition tackled why progress stalls after the beginner phase and how to push through it with motivation and the right techniques.
About this session
John Fotheringham reveals 5 expert strategies for upper-beginner to intermediate Japanese learners to reach conversational fluency. He stresses direct learning, matching practice to your real-world performance goals.
Key takeaways
- ✓ Prioritize "direct learning" by matching your practice activities to your real-world performance goals, especially if speaking is your aim.
- ✓ Avoid spending excessive time on indirect methods like reading about the language in English or app exercises that don't simulate natural communication.
- ✓ Frame Japanese as "different" rather than "difficult," recognizing its unique structure while also noting its surprising similarities like borrowed English words.
- ✓ Remember that while the focus is Japanese, these expert strategies are broadly applicable to learning any new language.
Full Replay
Watch the complete session
- ✓ Lifetime replay access
- ✓ All 5 editions (2022–2026)
- ✓ Downloadable materials
Full Replay
Watch the complete session
- ✓ Lifetime replay access
- ✓ All 5 editions (2022–2026)