Forget Duolingo: There’s a better way to learn a new language, according to one woman on TikTok.
Eylül Nim speaks six languages and regularly shares her tips on how to best learn new dialects. Her latest suggestion, however, contains even spicier advice on how to improve your studies.
Her recommendation? Find an attractive teacher.
“I’m going to give you an unethical tip for learning a new language in a very effective way,” she said in one of her latest videos.
Eylül, originally from Turkey but currently living in Seoul, South Korea, recently posted a video of herself speaking French, leaving her followers in awe and in disbelief that she had learned another language.
Eylül Nim, who speaks six languages, regularly shares her tips on how to best learn new languages - but her latest suggestion is far spicier than any other recommendation
“You were like, WTF, how did you learn so much in nine months?” she recalls.
Eylül said that while learning French, she tried to find interesting content for a while, but she had a hard time finding anything interesting. Until she came across French teacher Carlito’s YouTube channel.
“I started checking this guy out because he was handsome and I was bored to death with anything French at the time,” she admitted.
“I started watching his videos just for his face. It was fun to watch his face.”
Eylül said that after watching his videos regularly, she had become hooked and had learned enough French to be able to hold a conversation. She also received comments and questions from native speakers who wondered how she knew the colloquialisms of the language.
“It’s probably my boy Carlito,” she joked. “He probably said it once and it stuck with me.”
So basically you have to find someone who speaks your language. [target] “They stare at their faces and unconsciously learn languages,” she concluded.
Thousands of people have commented on TikTok, which has been viewed more than six million times, thanking the polyglot for her advice and sharing their own.
“I had a crush on my Spanish teacher and got an A so this probably works. I completely forgot but hey I got the grade lmao (laughing my head off),” one person commented.
If you’ve ever struggled to remember a language, she recommends finding an engaging teacher
Thousands of people have commented on TikTok, which has been viewed more than six million times, thanking the polyglot for her advice — and sharing their own opinions
“That’s why my Russian improved so much during my Erasmus period, because I had a huge crush on a Belarusian boy and I learned so many phrases from him (Vlad, I still miss you),” shared another.
Someone else added: ‘I learned Spanish by watching telenovelas. And I learned English by watching movies.
Eylül regularly shares language learning tips on social media. Her main advice is to develop habits that strengthen your skills.
The first habit she suggests is to binge listen instead of binge watch.
“Swap Netflix for podcasts, audiobooks, and even catchy music in your target language,” Eylül advised.
‘Our ears soak it up like a sponge, even if you don’t consciously understand what’s happening or can’t follow the conversation.’
Secondly, the language guru says that you should talk to yourself.
“Don’t scare your neighbours, just tell them how your day was, order a coffee or have a discussion with the TV in your own language,” she suggested.
‘Bonus points if you record yourself and wince on the first try (we’ve all been there).’
Her third habit is to set your phone to another language.
“Stop mindlessly scrolling and download language apps like Langster, Duolingo, TV5 Monde and even follow hilarious meme accounts,” she urged.
“Every bit of exposure counts, and you’ll be laughing (and learning) in no time!”