Methodology

The science behind learning through media

Q: What is the fastest way to learn a language?

Consistent daily immersion in native media — combined with sentence mining and spaced repetition — produces the fastest long-term results. The key is maximising comprehensible input (content slightly above your current level) rather than drilling grammar rules.

Q: What is comprehensible input?

Comprehensible input (Krashen's i+1) is content you can understand at roughly 80–90% without translation. It's the primary driver of subconscious language acquisition. Streaming shows with dual subtitles are one of the most efficient delivery mechanisms.

Q: How long does it take to reach conversational fluency?

For Category I languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese), most learners reach conversational B2 in 600–750 hours of focused study. Category IV languages (Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic) require 2,200+ hours. Daily immersion significantly compresses these timelines.

Q: Is sentence mining better than Duolingo?

For serious learners, yes. Sentence mining from real media creates contextualised vocabulary cards tied to shows you've watched, which dramatically improves retention and recall compared to gamified drills. Duolingo is better for absolute beginners building a base.

Q: What is spaced repetition and why does it work?

Spaced repetition (SRS) uses an algorithm to show you flashcards just before you're about to forget them. This exploits the spacing effect — a well-documented cognitive phenomenon where information reviewed at increasing intervals is retained far longer than massed practice.

From Krashen's Input Hypothesis to FSI timelines for 13 languages — everything you need to understand how immersion learning works and how long it actually takes.

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Method guides & resources

Languages covered

600–2,200

Hours to B2 (by language)

Resource Library

All method guides & resources

16 of 16 resources

Level

Comprehensible Input: The Complete Guide

The science behind Krashen's Input Hypothesis and how to apply it to streaming immersion. Covers i+1, input selection, and the role of subtitles.

The science behind learning through media

All method guides & resources

Comprehensible Input: The Complete Guide

What Is Sentence Mining? A Practical Introduction

Spaced Repetition for Language Learners

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Spanish

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Japanese

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Korean

Best YouTube Channels for Learning French

Best YouTube Channels for Learning German

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Italian

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Portuguese

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Mandarin

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Arabic

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Hindi

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Turkish

Best YouTube Channels for Learning Russian

Lingopie Group Lessons

How long to reach B2?

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Put the methods into practice

Frequently Asked Questions