Law #5 How to Learn A Language Faster with the 80-20 Rule

Did you know that you can learn a new language faster and easier by applying the 80-20 Pareto rule?

To speak in a target language, you only need to master between 250 and 500 core high frequency words. These words will cover most of the situations and topics you encounter. To be functionally fluent, you may need to learn 1,000 to 3,000 words, depending on the complexity and variety of the language. This means that you can save a lot of time and energy by focusing on the most useful and relevant words for your goals. Why waste your time on words that you will rarely use or encounter?

The Pareto principle, also known as the 80-20 rule, states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. Applying this principle to language learning means that you can achieve 80% of your desired results by investing 20% of your effort. On the other hand, the remaining 20% of your results will require 80% of your effort. This implies that spending too much time on grammar rules and endless drills will not only be inefficient, but also alienating and dehumanizing. You will lose your motivation and interest in the language, and you will not be able to communicate naturally and authentically.

Therefore, the best way to learn a language is to focus on the 20% of the words that will give you 80% of the benefits. You can use various methods and strategies to identify and memorize these words, such as using flash cards, reading texts, listening to podcasts, or having conversations. The key is to expose yourself to the language in meaningful and enjoyable ways, and to use it as often as possible. By doing this, you will not only learn faster and better, but also have more fun and satisfaction in the process.

At Speak Stories we teach 20% of the high frequency words that will give you 80% of the benefits.

🔴 Choose your language and enroll.