See Lýdia Machová's TED Talk above on "The secrets of learning a new language", where she affirms you don't need a special talent or 'language gene' to become a polyglot, but encourages listeners to just have fun! 

If you're passionate about learning languages and want to become a polyglot, you're in for a crazy, but rewarding ride. Sure, it can be a little overwhelming at times ... and believe me I know having juggled Spanish, French and Arabic, but the joy of speaking multiple languages is worth every challenge.

Whether you're just starting or already balancing more than one language, my lessons learned along the way, just might help you navigate the process with confidence.

Start with a Strong Language Foundation

First off, if you're starting to learn new languages, it really helps if you're comfortable with your first language. Whether it's English, Spanish, or another language, having a solid understanding of your native language’s grammar and structure will help you pick up new languages more easily. For example, if you're fluent in English, you’ll likely find languages like French, Spanish, or Italian easier to learn because they share similar linguistic roots.

Focus on One Language at a Time (At First)

It’s tempting to learn multiple languages at once, but most polyglots recommend starting with just one. When you're learning a language, especially as a beginner, focusing on one language allows you to truly understand it without feeling overwhelmed.

Personally, trying to juggle too many languages when I started was quite confusing for me but I learned that as I got more comfortable with a language, I could slowly add another language and build on my learning. However, there are exceptions like everything in life! If you're learning a language that’s very different from the others (like Mandarin in comparison to Italian), it will be easier to keep them separate. But in general, starting slow helps keep things clear.

Keep a Positive Mindset for Language Learning Success

For many of you who've been around for a while, you'll have heard me talking about aiming for progress rather than perfection. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, and that’s ok! It's actually more than ok, it's part of the learning process. The important thing is to stay positive, embrace the process, and celebrate your wins, no matter how small.

Did you finally understand a phrase in a song or hold a basic conversation in your new language? Can you order food in your target language without panicking? Amazing, celebrate it! Every step forward takes courage but builds your confidence, so don't forget to celebrate your victories along the way because they took courage! 

Immerse Yourself in the Language Every Day

One of the best ways to learn is to immerse yourself in the language as much as you can. And no, you don’t have to move to another country to do this. These days, you can get loads of exposure just by listening to podcasts, watching TV shows, reading books in your target language or or even switching your phone settings to the language you're learning. 

The more you're surrounded by the language, the easier it will be to pick up. Little things like that keep the language in your mind all day, every day, without even thinking about it.

Learn Through Context, Not Just Memorisation

While memorising vocabulary and grammar rules is drilled into us as part of our language learning, here's my pro-tip ... it’s more effective when you learn through context. For example, watch a TV show or movie in your target language and pay attention to how native speakers use the language in real-life situations. This method helps you learn more naturally, and the phrases will stick with you much longer and make them feel more useful in day-to-day conversations.

Avoid Burnout—Take Breaks and Pace Yourself

Of course, learning multiple languages can be a lot, and burnout is a real thing. It’s not about rushing to learn everything as quickly as possible. This is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, it’s okay to take a step back.

There’s no need to rush. Slow down, focus on your progress, and give yourself the space to rest. Language learning is all about consistency over time, so don’t be too hard on yourself if things aren’t progressing as quickly as you'd like. Every small step counts!
 

Connect with Fellow Language Learners for Motivation

Being part of a community of language learners can make the journey more enjoyable and motivating. Whether it’s through online groups, language exchanges, or just chatting with a friend who’s also learning, sharing your experiences can help you stay inspired.

You'll find that connecting with others who understand the process can make a huge difference in maintaining your enthusiasm and momentum. For me, I was lucky enough to be able to share and exchange my language learning with my husband and his family. This way I had real-world experiences and they were a great support system to me, so find yours! 

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Keep Learning and Enjoy the Journey

At the end of the day, becoming a polyglot isn’t about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process of learning, growing, and celebrating your progress. Becoming a polyglot really is an exciting and rewarding experience, that coming from someone who never saw herself learning just one additional language. Whether you're learning your first second language or already speak several, the journey is worth it. 

With the right mindset, consistency, and strategies, you can master multiple languages with confidence. So, keep going, keep practicing, and remember—every step forward is one step closer to speaking a new language!

And those of you who want a little more inspiration, don't forget to take a look at Lýdia Machová's TED Talk on "The secrets of learning a new language" which you can check out HERE.