In the summer of 2024, I learned basic Ukrainian. I had hit a wall in my Guaranteed Fluency project and thought that putting myself back in the shoes of a language learner would help. I studied for 2 months and did:
30 hours of self-study, mostly on YouTube
35 hours of conversation with online tutors
The time is ripe to resume my studies.
This time, I am using a Beginner Fluency Roadmap that I created to guide my studies. The Beginner Fluency Roadmap has 6 sections:
Pronunciation - get used to the sounds of the language
Grammar - learn to form basic sentences
Listening - get used to how native speakers talk
Reading - boost your vocabulary
Conversation - get more comfortable with having real conversations
Writing - become more articulate
I am skipping the pronunciation section.
I can already read and feel pretty comfortable with pronouncing the language. I will start instead with the grammar portion.
I initially learned Ukrainian using immersive methods - not textbooks.
The end result was effective, though somewhat comical. I currently have a hard time translating even the most basic words and phrases into Ukrainian. However, if someone starts to talk to me in Ukrainian using words I have learned before, my body will often, almost magically, know how to reply.
This is why I’m starting with the grammar portion of my Fluency Roadmap.
I haven’t done enough formal studying and I feel it’s holding me back. In a way it’s the opposite problem that most language learners have. Usually people need more real-world conversation and immersion. I’m the opposite.
Want to learn a language alongside me?
Shoot me an email and I’ll send you the Fluency Roadmap I am using! There is a beginner, intermediate, and advanced version of the roadmap. Most of you already have my email, but if you don’t fill out the contact form on my website.
Write FLUENCY ROADMAP in the email body.
It’d also help to know what language you are learning and your current level.
I’ll keep you posted on my studies!
I’m excited to embark on this journey 😃