Tim Ferris method

[mercutio]

So apparently Tim ferris learns languages and supposedly fast with different techniques but after reading his blog it doesn't sound very clear actually the method!

Anyone got thoughts?

[Henkkles]

I've looked a bit into his method, and I believe the thing is this.

His method launches you into a functional A1-A2 level very fast, so you can actually do stuff like ask for directions, share pleasantries, function, in a rudimentary way, in the environment. However, if you're aiming for the long game, the benefits of his approach even out compared to other methods.

An example:

Let's say for the sake of the illustration that there are four different components of language learning.

The Tim Ferris method is like this (where #1 is basic communication)

#1: 70
#2: 10
#3: 10
#4: 10

most other people will be applying their efforts something like this:

#1: 25
#2: 25
#3: 25
#4: 25

so by studying his way, you're going to get to a higher level in #1 very very fast, and if #1 is the only skill you need, his way might even be the optimal approach for you. However, if you need a more balanced competence and don't need to speak right away you don't need to follow his plan.

My 0.02€.

[mercutio]

I've looked a bit into his method, and I believe the thing is this.

His method launches you into a functional A1-A2 level very fast, so you can actually do stuff like ask for directions, share pleasantries, function, in a rudimentary way, in the environment. However, if you're aiming for the long game, the benefits of his approach even out compared to other methods.

An example:

Let's say for the sake of the illustration that there are four different components of language learning.

The Tim Ferris method is like this (where #1 is basic communication)

#1: 70
#2: 10
#3: 10
#4: 10

most other people will be applying their efforts something like this:

#1: 25
#2: 25
#3: 25
#4: 25

so by studying his way, you're going to get to a higher level in #1 very very fast, and if #1 is the only skill you need, his way might even be the optimal approach for you. However, if you need a more balanced competence and don't need to speak right away you don't need to follow his plan.

My 0.02€.

Makes sense

Everything Tim ferris seems tailored for some sort of hipster world traveller executive type

It doesn't seem like genuinely language learning more just a tool to get by

[Stefan]

Alright, so I got his books. Here's the short summary.

The time it took him to "learn" (no idea) languages:

∞ Japanese - 12 months
∞ Mandarin - 6 months
∞ German - 3 months
∞ Spanish - 2 months

He's calling it the DiSSS process:

Deconstruction - which Lego blocks should I start with?
Selection - which 20% gives 80% of results?
Sequencing - in what order should I learn?
Stakes - how do I create real consequences?

Including the CaFE principle:

Compression - can I put the 20% on one page?
Frequency - cramming vs acceptable pain?
Encoding - how do I anchor new material to old?

I skimmed (70 pages about all kind of hobbies) but here are some pointers:

12 sentences you should translate to deconstruct any language:

The apple is red.
It is John's apple.
I give John the apple.
We give him the apple.
He gives it to John.
She gives it to him.
Is the apple red?
The apples are red.
I must give it to him.
I want to give it to him.
I'm going to know tomorrow.
(I have eaten the apple.) *bonus
I can't eat the apple.

Auxiliary verbs are the ultimate cheat. You only need to memorise the conjugation for a few verbs (have, want, need, etc) and then you can slap on the infinitive or to form of any other verb on the end.

List of 100 most common words in written English, point about The Cat in the Hat using 236 different words and Green Eggs only 50 words.

Learning process (months) for Japanese:

1) Peak of set phrases exchanged (first 40 sentences)
1.5) Improv begins - original sentence generation
2) Start using native materials vs textbooks
3) Incorporate more complex grammar (subjunctive, etc)
4-5) Depression
6) Inflection point
8) Fluency

I apologise if it doesn't make much sense.

[qeadz]

List of 100 most common words in written English, point about The Cat in the Hat using 236 different words and Green Eggs only 50 words.

He makes a good point! A good point he does make! Say, a very good point he does make! A lot can be said with very little, and a little can be said with a lot. A lot of a little can make a good point. Here is a lot that says very little. A good point with this might be made.

[Henkkles]

The apple is red.
It is John's apple.
I give John the apple.
We give him the apple.
He gives it to John.
She gives it to him.
Is the apple red?
The apples are red.
I must give it to him.
I want to give it to him.
I'm going to know tomorrow.
(I have eaten the apple.) *bonus
I can't eat the apple.

Nothing super interesting here, basic predication, possession, transitives, questions, modals, adverbs. All good stuff to know.

Thanks for the explanation, this just confirms what I originally thought. He tells you to first study the stuff that makes basic functioning in the language possible, so you're going to learn to do that really fast. Everyone who studies a language will learn these things eventually, but they can do so while keeping all of their skills at the same level rather than priming this one area.

Lucid advice if you know what it is for.

[mercutio]

The apple is red.
It is John's apple.
I give John the apple.
We give him the apple.
He gives it to John.
She gives it to him.
Is the apple red?
The apples are red.
I must give it to him.
I want to give it to him.
I'm going to know tomorrow.
(I have eaten the apple.) *bonus
I can't eat the apple.

Nothing super interesting here, basic predication, possession, transitives, questions, modals, adverbs. All good stuff to know.

Thanks for the explanation, this just confirms what I originally thought. He tells you to first study the stuff that makes basic functioning in the language possible, so you're going to learn to do that really fast. Everyone who studies a language will learn these things eventually, but they can do so while keeping all of their skills at the same level rather than priming this one area.

Lucid advice if you know what it is for.

Anyone know why his method isn't in a book or anything?

[tommus]

Anyone know why his method isn't in a book or anything?

Because it wouldn't help those who can't read.

Earlier on this page:

Alright, so I got his books. Here's the short summary. ...

[mercutio]

I have searched for a language book by him and failed to see any listed, it must be in one of his other books, I was referring to a book regarding language learning, not just general lifestyle book

[mercutio]

Alright, so I got his books. Here's the short summary.

The time it took him to "learn" (no idea) languages:

∞ Japanese - 12 months
∞ Mandarin - 6 months
∞ German - 3 months
∞ Spanish - 2 months

He's calling it the DiSSS process:

Deconstruction - which Lego blocks should I start with?
Selection - which 20% gives 80% of results?
Sequencing - in what order should I learn?
Stakes - how do I create real consequences?

Including the CaFE principle:

Compression - can I put the 20% on one page?
Frequency - cramming vs acceptable pain?
Encoding - how do I anchor new material to old?

I skimmed (70 pages about all kind of hobbies) but here are some pointers:

12 sentences you should translate to deconstruct any language:

The apple is red.
It is John's apple.
I give John the apple.
We give him the apple.
He gives it to John.
She gives it to him.
Is the apple red?
The apples are red.
I must give it to him.
I want to give it to him.
I'm going to know tomorrow.
(I have eaten the apple.) *bonus
I can't eat the apple.

Auxiliary verbs are the ultimate cheat. You only need to memorise the conjugation for a few verbs (have, want, need, etc) and then you can slap on the infinitive or to form of any other verb on the end.

List of 100 most common words in written English, point about The Cat in the Hat using 236 different words and Green Eggs only 50 words.

Learning process (months) for Japanese:

1) Peak of set phrases exchanged (first 40 sentences)
1.5) Improv begins - original sentence generation
2) Start using native materials vs textbooks
3) Incorporate more complex grammar (subjunctive, etc)
4-5) Depression
6) Inflection point
8) Fluency

I apologise if it doesn't make much sense.

which book is this?