Topics
In the interview, we discuss:
Idahosa’s origin story: how he went from a monolingual speaker in the suburbs of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to a globetrotting polyglot who speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, and Mandarin Chinese.
Why he focuses on pronunciation and speaking first.
His language learning adventures in Mexico and how his conversational fluency helped him out of a jam with the Mexican police.
The role of identity in foreign language learning and the power of mimicry, body language, spirit, and alter egos.
Why he believes “mimicry,” “learning,” and “growth” are all synonyms.
How mastery in a language is ultimately the result of careful practice, not innate talent.
The importance of pronouncing tones accurately in Mandarin Chinese (e.g. mǎ 馬 vs mā 媽).
Why accurate pronunciation is not simply a matter of will.
How the Mimic Method was “brewed” from Brazilian Portuguese, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Brazilian music.
The similarities between music and language, and how Idahosa figured out how to apply the lessons of effective music education to foreign language learning.
How the baby’s brain prunes away unneeded sounds not used in the local language.
How reading and spelling can cause “friction” when learning to pronounce languages correctly.
How you can never unlearn a habit; you can only override it with a stronger signal.
The fine line between “hormesis” and “trauma.”
Why you cannot learn to pronounce foreign sounds until you learn to hear them first.
Why music makes language more memorable and engaging.
Why rap is an especially powerful form of language learning input.
The importance of getting sufficient “pronunciation reps.”
The power of fun in language learning.
Common myths Idahosa sees in the language learning world.
The importance of personality differences in learning and how one size never fits all.
The role of social dynamics in language learning.
The daily routines and habits Idahosa uses to work toward conversational fluency.
Why you should commit to trying out a number of language tutors.
The “low resistance” activities he sticks to on busier days when willpower is lower.
The power of mimicking even at a subvocalization or visualization level.
Why it’s all about the people, not the language.
Resources, People & Concepts Mentioned
ferrocarril /fɛ.ro.ka.ˈril/ (Spanish for “railway”)
About the Author
Hi, I’m John Fotheringham, a linguist, teacher, author, and the creator of the Anywhere Immersion Method™ (or A.I.M. for short).
Whether you are dipping your toes into the linguistics waters for the first time or are ready to dive into the deep end of full language immersion, I will give you the tips and tools you need to succeed (and not feel like you’re drowning along the way).
My blog, books, courses, and newsletter provide the expert guidance you need to learn any language, anywhere, anytime through the power of immersion.
Happy diving!
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