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cover of episode #332 Why Do Children Learn English Faster than Adults?

#332 Why Do Children Learn English Faster than Adults?

2025/3/27
logo of podcast Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar.

Speak English Now Podcast: Learn English | Speak English without grammar.

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Georgiana: 我认为儿童学习英语比成人快的原因在于他们的学习方法与成人截然不同。孩子们学习语言就像学习走路或吃饭一样自然而然,没有压力。他们会不断地倾听、模仿和重复,从错误中学习,并且乐在其中。他们不会被语法规则束缚,而是通过简单的词汇和句子开始,逐步构建更复杂的表达。他们每天都会接触英语,持续的语言环境帮助他们快速吸收语言知识。总而言之,儿童的学习过程是自然、轻松、充满乐趣的,这使得他们能够高效地学习英语。 孩子们学习英语的秘诀在于:首先,他们学习的方式很自然,就像学习走路或吃饭一样,没有压力;其次,他们不害怕犯错,会不断尝试;第三,他们使用简单的词汇和句子;第四,他们遵循自然的学习方法,先听,再模仿,最后构建完整的句子;第五,他们每天都会接触英语,持续的语言环境帮助他们快速吸收语言知识;最后,他们学习英语的过程充满乐趣。 Lucas: 我学习英语的方式就像个孩子一样。我没有死记硬背语法规则,而是每天都听英语播客、音乐和电影,大胆地说英语,不害怕犯错。我从简单的句子开始,逐渐过渡到更复杂的句子。我通过游戏和故事来学习,让学习过程充满乐趣。总而言之,我的学习方法是自然、轻松、高效的,这使得我能够快速掌握英语。

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This chapter explores the key differences between how children and adults learn languages. Children learn naturally, without fear of mistakes, using simple words and a natural method involving listening, speaking, and having fun. Adults often focus on grammar and vocabulary, which hinders their progress.
  • Children learn languages naturally, like walking or eating.
  • Children don't worry about making mistakes.
  • Children use simple words and sentences.
  • Children learn with a natural method: listening, speaking, and having fun.
  • Children have daily exposure to the language.

Shownotes Transcript

Translations:
中文

Today, I want to talk about something fascinating. Why do children learn English faster than adults? Hi, I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently. If you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks!

On my website, you can find the 5 secrets to speaking English and my premium courses. Before we start, get the transcript. Visit speakenglishpodcast.com slash podcast. Okay, let's start. We've all seen it.

A child moves to a new country and within months is speaking the local language. Meanwhile, adults struggle for years. It seems unfair, right? People often say children are like sponges. They soak up languages quickly. But why? What makes their brains work differently?

And most importantly, can adults learn like children? Here's the good news. Yes, you can. Many people believe that learning a language means studying grammar books, memorizing vocabulary lists, and practicing verb tenses. That's how most adults learn, right?

However, children don't sit down with grammar books. They don't worry about rules. They listen, repeat, and play with the language. They speak without fear. And somehow, they learn faster. So what's their secret? Let's break it down. Number one, they learn naturally.

Children learn languages the same way they learn to walk or eat, with no pressure. They listen to words all the time, repeat them, and figure things out as they go. Think about how babies learn their first words. They don't study pronunciation guides or grammar charts. They just hear words and copy them.

Number two, they don't worry about mistakes. Adults think too much. We say, what if I make a mistake? Or, what if people laugh at me? But kids, they just talk. They make mistakes all the time, and they don't care. If they say something wrong, they try again. And that's how they learn so fast.

So, here's a little challenge for you. Next time you speak English, don't be afraid of mistakes. Just talk, like a child. Number three. They use simple words. Children don't start with long, complicated sentences. They use simple words first, like dog, want cookie, go park.

Step by step, their sentences get longer and better. And they don't try to speak perfectly from the beginning. That's a great tip for adults. Use short, simple sentences first. Don't try to sound like a professor. Sound like a child. Then, as you improve, add more words. Number four. They learn with a method.

You might think children learn randomly, but they don't. They follow a natural method. First, they listen a lot. Then, they start saying simple words. And later, they build full sentences. They don't force it. They absorb the language first and speak when they're ready. Number five.

They listen every day. Think about this. Babies hear their first language all day, every day. They are surrounded by it. That's why they learn so fast. It's not just talent. It's constant exposure. If you want to learn English faster, you need to surround yourself with English.

Listen to podcasts, watch movies, play games, and make English part of your daily life. Number six, children have fun. There's another big reason. Kids learn fast. They enjoy it. They learn with songs, stories, cartoons, and games. They don't think, ugh, I have to study today.

They just play, and their brains absorb the language effortlessly. So, if learning English feels boring or difficult, change your approach. Make it fun. Find things you enjoy in English. Start small. Listen to more English every day. Speak without fear.

Keep it simple. And most importantly, enjoy the process. Great. Let's continue with a mini-story. I will tell you a short story by asking simple questions. I use this method in my premium courses because it's highly effective. First, I say a short sentence with facts.

Then, I ask you questions. After each question, you answer. Then, I tell you the right answer. That's how we make the story. And if you want to improve your fluency much faster, check out my premium courses. Visit speakenglishpodcast.com slash courses.

You will find several levels. Okay, let's start. Emma wants to learn English. She studies grammar books and memorizes long word lists. But after many months, she still can't speak fluently. Who wants to learn English? Emma. Emma wants to learn English.

Does Emma speak fluently? No. She studies a lot, but she can't speak fluently. Emma feels frustrated. One day, she meets her friend Lucas. Lucas speaks perfect English. Who does Emma meet? Lucas. She meets her friend Lucas. Does Lucas speak English well? Yes.

He speaks perfect English. Does Emma feel happy? No, no. She doesn't feel happy. She feels frustrated. Emma asks, Lucas, how did you learn English so fast? Lucas smiles and says, I learned like a child. What does Emma ask Lucas? She asks,

How did you learn English so fast? What does Lucas say? He says, I learned like a child. Emma is confused. Like a child? What do you mean? Lucas explains. He listened to English every day. Podcasts, music, and movies. He spoke without fear. He didn't care about mistakes.

He used simple sentences first, then longer ones. And he had fun. He learned with games and stories. Does Lucas study grammar books? No. He listens, speaks, and has fun. Does Lucas worry about mistakes? No. He speaks without fear. Does Lucas listen to English every day?

Yes, Lucas listens to English every day. Emma decides to change her method. She stops studying grammar rules all day. Instead, she listens to English podcasts every morning. She watches funny cartoons. She speaks English without fear. Does Emma change her method? Yes.

She changes her method. She stops studying grammar rules all day. Does she listen to podcasts every night? No, no. She listens to podcasts every morning. Does she speak English with fear? No, no. She speaks English without fear of making mistakes. After some months, Emma's English improves.

She speaks more fluently and feels confident. Does Emma's English improve? Yes. After some months, she speaks better. Does she feel confident? Yes. She speaks more fluently and feels confident. One day, Emma meets a new friend. Her friend says,

Wow, your English is great. How did you learn? Emma smiles and says, I learned like a child. Well, we're finished with our short practice. Answering many simple questions can improve your speaking, just like talking in real life. Today, you've tried a small part of this question and answer technique. Do you want to learn more?

Get my premium courses. Visit speakenglishpodcast.com slash courses. I'll be back next week. Bye-bye. Did you enjoy today's episode? Get the transcript now at speakenglishpodcast.com.