Ep255: Memory Secrets for Language Learning - Dr Anthony Metivier Guru Viking Podcast

In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Anthony Metivier, author and internationally renowned memory expert who’s meditation practice is reciting sacred Sanskrit texts from memory.

Anthony shares his own language learning journey, including his childhood struggles learning French, to later success with languages such as German, Mandarin, Latin, Hebrew, and Sanskrit.

Anthony describes the 5 levels of processing and reveals how he uses his expertise in the art of memory to fast track language acquisition, including strategies to optimise progress in vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.

Anthony challenges popular theories of comprehensible input, criticises gamified language learning apps, and reveals his number one secret to success in foreign language study.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep255-memory-secrets-for-language-learning-dr-anthony-metivier

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Anthony’s struggles with English
03:09 - Early life aversion to language learning
04:06 - Learning Hebrew as a revenge language
05:20 - Moving to Germany and unlocking the secrets of language learning
06:45 - Passing level 3 in Mandarin and other studies
08:55 - Impressive Hebrew progress
10:23 - Grammar tables and the importance of extensive reading
11:30 - Criticism of comprehensible input theories
12:30 - 5 levels of processing
14:20 - Key metrics to avoid overwhelm
16:54 - Advice for beginners and intermediates
19:02 - Frequency lists
20:53 - Working with native speakers
22:19 - A powerful reading regime
24:38 - Movie mixing
26:33 - Speaking and yogic exercises
28:28 - Latin grammar approaches
32:03 - Don’t need to learn grammar?
33:44 - Anticipatory reading
35:40 - Latin and Sanskrit vs German and Mandarin
37:38 - Disillusionment after fluency
39:55 - Breaking through to German fluency with extensive reading
43:46 - Problems with the language learning industry
46:40 - The tragedy of gamified apps
49:26 - Fast tracking vocabulary acquisition
56:39 - Linguistic deskilling
58:15 - Pros and cons of tests and exams
01:02:04 - Maintaining multiple languages
01:05:28 - The power of laddering

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Previous episodes with Anthony Metivier:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=metivier

To find out more about Anthony Metivier, visit:
- https://www.youtube.com/c/AnthonyMetivierMMM
- https://www.magneticmemorymethod.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com

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Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James