How Many Languages Can You Learn At Once? Answered!

Many people have been asking me how I managed to learn 3 foreign languages fluently within the past 6 years. They wonder how many languages they should learn at once to achieve fluency in more languages within a shorter time.

Thanks to my experience learning several foreign languages, I’ll give you my tips and share my opinion in this article.

How Many Languages Can You Learn At Once? Revealed!

2 languages is a good amount to learn at the same time, if they’re in the same language group and have a lot in common, e.g. Spanish and French, or Spanish and Italian, or Slovak and Czech. It’ll make it a lot easier and won’t be so confusing.

However, I recommend focusing only on 1 language at the time. The best is to take it slow and learn at your own pace.

It might also hold you off from properly understanding the languages and achieving your goals if you learn too many languages at once.

Once you master the first language, you can start learning another one. Translate words from the language you previously learned to the foreign language you’re learning now.

That way, you won’t forget it and will maintain a good level of proficiency in the first language. It’ll also help you stop translating from your native language to the foreign language in your head.

I love doing it, and it makes me very flexible when I have to switch between speaking different languages while traveling or at work.

Is It Okay To Learn Multiple Languages At Once?

Learning multiple languages at once isn’t good. If you overload yourself with goals and languages, you might lose motivation quickly.

I’m sure some geniuses out there don’t mind learning multiple languages at once and will succeed; it’s certainly possible.

But I’m talking about a regular adult who is very busy and can only find 30 minutes a day to learn a language. For such a person, it would be too overwhelming to try to learn two languages. It would slow your progress, and you might leave it all together after some time.

👉 READ ALSO: 8 Topics To Learn When Learning A New Language: For Beginners

7 Tips For Learning Two Languages At Once

If you want to challenge yourself and learn two languages at the same time, here is what I recommend doing:

1. Pick two languages from the same language group
2. Translate new words from your native language to both of these languages
3. Learn vocabulary simultaneously
4. Create mental visualizations
5. Use the same resources for both languages – pick the same story in each language and spot the similarities & differences in the language.
6. Don’t rush, and take your time
7. Practice speaking both languages with a person who speaks them both

If you learn two languages at the same time, it’s important to dedicate an equal amount of time to both. Let’s say, you set you’ll learn the languages 1 hour per day. Dedicate 30 minutes to the first language (e.g., Spanish) and 30 minutes to the second language (e.g., French).

When learning vocabulary, I suggest translating the words from your native language to Spanish, then from Spanish to French, and then vice- versa from French to Spanish. This will make your brain think differently and remember the words better.

While you’re doing other activities (cooking, walking, driving to work), try to name objects you see around in both languages. If you don’t know the word, write it into your language notebook in both languages.

If you’re reading a book or listening to an audiobook, I suggest picking the same story in both languages. It’ll help you understand the similarities and differences between them.

Lastly, speaking is the most important language skill. So, I highly recommend finding a friend or tutor who speaks both languages online. Challenge yourself (after you’ve learned many new words in both languages) to talk to yourself.

You can talk 15 minutes in French, and then switch to Spanish. Or he can ask you a question in Spanish, and you can reply in French. It’s so much fun and rewarding. Besides, it’ll help your brain use these languages much more flexibly.

➡ Check out iTalki and find a bilingual tutor here.

👉 READ ALSO: What To Learn In A New Language: Complete Guide For Beginners

Which Language Should You Start Learning First?

If you are new to language learning, I recommend starting with an easier foreign language. It’ll motivate you (as you progress faster) and give you a great foundation for learning the next languages.

These are some of the easiest languages you can learn:

• SPANISH
• ITALIAN
• ESPERANTO
• PORTUGUESE
• NORWEGIAN
• SWEDISH
• FRENCH

👉 READ ALSO: What Is The Best Language To Learn To Travel Europe? Answered!

When Should You Start Learning Second Foreign Language?

There is no specific time when you can start learning another language. I suggest becoming comfortable with the current foreign language you’re learning, speaking in basic situations, and eliminating the fear of speaking.

It also depends on the purpose of your language learning. For example, suppose you only want to speak it during your trip. In that case, you can learn a language within 6 months and then learn another language.

To be fluent in a language, you must consistently learn it for at least a year.

It’s important to set achievable language learning goals that fit your schedule. This will keep you on track.

How To Maintain A Good Language Level After You Start Learning Another Language

When learning your second or third foreign language, keep up with the previous language. I love translating new words from my new language to the language I previously learned.

For instance, I’ve just finished learning German. As my new language, I’m learning French. So, you can write all the new words in German in your language notebook and then translate them into French.

I barely use my native language (Slovak language) when learning other languages. It always helps me keep up with previous languages and keep them on a good level.

It also helps you to stop thinking in your native language and translate words in your head. If you switch from a foreign language to another language, you’ll train your brain to think in foreign languages and be more flexible in using them in real life. I’m speaking from my own experience.

👉 READ ALSO: Easy 100 Words & Phrases To Learn In A Foreign Language

BONUS: How To Learn A Language As An Adult: Simple 9-Step Guide

I’ve been following my own method when learning new languages. I believe you don’t have to have a special talent to learn a language and you can do so even as a busy adult. It has to be engaging and purposeful.

So, I’ve written a separate article where I explain my method for language learning in detail.

Click on the image below and check it out:

Get My Language Travel Notebook

I’ve also designed a language notebook for you to keep track of new words and vocabulary you want to learn. Whenever you want to memorize a new word, write it down. Then, come back to it if you want to learn it or when you forget its meaning.

Click on the image below and get my language travel notebook for free:

FAQs

I’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about language learning. So check my answers below:

Can You Learn Every Language?

Yes, you can learn every language in the world. I’m a firm believer that you can do anything you set for yourself. If you have a good plan and don’t overwhelm yourself, anything is possible.

Is It Confusing To Learn Many Languages?

Yes, it can be confusing. But it mainly depends on what languages, whether you’ve already learned any foreign language in the past, and how different/similar these languages are.

The more complex each language you choose is, and if they are from different language groups (meaning they don’t have many similarities), it can be confusing to learn many languages.

But suppose you learn languages from the same language group, especially if you’ve already learned one or two languages. In that case, it’s actually very easy to learn the other.

How Is A Person Who Speaks Multiple Languages Called?

A polyglot is a person who speaks multiple languages (at least 3). If a person speaks 2 languages, he or she is called bilingual.

Is It Possible To Learn 5 Languages At Once?

Yes, it’s possible if you have a lot of time to dedicate to it each day and if those languages are in the same language group. It might be quite overwhelming, but if it’s something you’ll enjoy, you can make it.

How Many Languages Can You Learn In A Year?

It’s possible to learn 2 languages in a year if these are easy languages and come from the same language group. If you can dedicate at least 1 hour daily to learning each language, you can do so in total 2 hours a day. Also, practice all 4 language skills to master the languages.

How Many Languages Can You Learn In 10 Years?

10 – 15 languages are possible to learn in 10 years if you dedicate at least 2 hours a day to language learning and if the languages are easier or similar to your native language.

It all depends on your ability to learn, the time you can dedicate to it, how many languages you already know (the more you know, the better the learning system you probably have), and how capable you are to stick to your language learning goals.

WRAP-UP: How Many Languages Can You Learn At Once

These are my thoughts on learning two or multiple languages at once. I would like to remind you that we all have different abilities and that language learning is a marathon, not a sprint.

So follow your approach, and choose what feels manageable and comfortable to you and fits your schedule. Don’t overwhelm yourself because it might lead you to leave it all behind. So take it easy, and mainly, enjoy the learning process. It’s supposed to be fun.

If you have any questions or need help learning languages, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com.

Happy Learning!