My Journey to Speaking Three Languages

Are you considering expanding your language skills with a third language?

In this article, I'll share seven approaches that helped me reach this milestone. My aim is to assist you, as a fellow language learner, in overcoming the specific hurdles of becoming trilingual.

A Guide to Learning a Third Language

A quick note—throughout this article, I’ll refer to your second language as L2 and your third language as L3.

1. Refrain from learning multiple new languages simultaneously

When you start a language from scratch as an adult, you'll encounter a learning curve, regardless of whether you grew up bilingual.

Attempting to learn two or more completely new languages at the same time can quickly lead to discouragement.

You can assess your proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) chart, which is widely used in Europe.

The CEFR chart is very comprehensive, outlining language proficiency from A1 (just above beginner) to C2 (close to native fluency) across all competencies: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

While you can take tests to determine your exact level, it's not always essential. If your passive skills (reading and listening) are around B2 and your active skills (speaking and writing) are near B1, you're in a good position to begin a new language. At this stage, you can comprehend most newspapers, popular novels, and formal radio programs like news and talk shows.

Reaching an intermediate stage in your L2 before tackling an L3 is also beneficial because languages at a higher level are simpler to maintain with less intensive effort. The more time you've invested in a language, the slower it will fade from lack of practice.

This also makes it less likely that you'll mix up the two languages, preventing confusion with vocabulary, grammatical structures, and pronunciation.

You can maintain your L2 through passive methods such as reading books and listening to the radio, allowing you to concentrate more actively on your L3.

To ensure you continue using your languages actively, make an effort to practice writing and speaking your L2 on platforms like Lang-8 (an online writing community corrected by native speakers), discussion forums, and language exchange websites.

italki is a top choice for language exchange, particularly if you're interested in working with a professional tutor. The platform offers both options!

Your L3 can then become your primary focus for more demanding activities like textbook study and active vocabulary acquisition.

2. Prioritize balance and enhance your time management

Learning a language requires dedication. Achieving a high level of proficiency demands hundreds, if not thousands, of hours, and maintaining that level requires ongoing effort. If you have other commitments in your life, which is probable, your schedule can become quite full!

This is why managing your time effectively is essential. When undertaking significant endeavors like learning multiple languages, understanding how you spend your time and how to optimize it is important.

Timeboxing and using timers

Timeboxing is a well-known method that involves dividing large tasks into manageable, focused intervals. This is particularly useful for substantial projects like learning a new language!

If your goal is two hours of active study daily, consider dividing it into 20-minute segments to improve concentration and mental efficiency. The idea is to make the time commitment so small that it feels easy to start.

Using a timer is fundamental to effective timeboxing. Numerous apps are available for this, and I prefer Forest for iOS and Android. This app not only locks other phone applications to help you concentrate, but you also grow a virtual plant for each completed session. It might sound simple, but it's a great motivator!

You can also incorporate language learning applications like Lingflix or Duolingo. These apps are excellent for providing consistent, bite-sized yet thorough lessons. Many include built-in features for tracking time and goals.

Managing time on micro and macro levels

This concept is simpler than it sounds. Micro time management involves monitoring the small pockets of time you dedicate to learning L3 and maintaining L2. Think in terms of hours or even minutes. Track time spent on textbooks, reading, and, to keep both languages active, log any time spent on language exchange and shadowing (a method for solo speaking practice):

For macro time management, consider how you allocate focus to each language weekly or monthly. A useful strategy is to prioritize L2 one week (emphasizing language exchange, textbooks, etc., while studying L3 passively through listening and some reading) and then switch the following week. This ensures each language gets dedicated attention, allowing you to use and learn both effectively.

3. Choose languages from different families

With languages that are related, you might rely on cognates and similar grammar. However, similar languages are also more prone to being confused with one another compared to those from distinct families.

For instance, when I began learning Spanish after French (both are Romance languages with Latin roots), I often used French words in my Spanish by mistake, and the reverse happened too. But when I studied Dutch, these mix-ups occurred less frequently. I believe the grammatical structures were different enough that my brain kept them separate.

Languages from unrelated families might need more initial effort to grasp vocabulary and grammar, but they are simpler to distinguish in your mind. Unless you are already learning several languages, taking on a third language unrelated to your L2 can feel as challenging as starting from the beginning.

For me, Spanish felt relatively quick and straightforward after learning French (my L2). However, with Dutch and other languages outside the Romance family, I found the difficulty level similar to when I first started with French. The only real advantage was the confidence from having succeeded before!

So, if you're selecting an L3, look into language families. Do some research. Compare them! The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has a chart estimating the hours needed for native English speakers to learn various common languages. To understand how languages can be connected, here is a diagram of the Indo-European language family, which encompasses many European and some Asian languages. Understanding language families can help you anticipate potential challenges.

4. Incorporate immersion through media

When learning a language from a different family, immersion via media is very helpful, particularly for listening skills. My first step when exploring an unfamiliar language is to listen to plenty of music and talk radio in that language.

Websites like TuneIn Radio let you select stations by location or, in the iOS app, by language. Even if you don't understand everything, listening for a few hours helps you get accustomed to the sounds and rhythm of the language. You'll grow more familiar with it and might notice certain words repeated. Then, when you begin studying vocabulary and grammar, some elements will already sound recognizable!

5. Experiment with various learning materials

Look into learning tools other than standard textbooks, including digital courses, language-focused podcasts, and online language exchange meetings. Besides music and radio, you can broaden your immersion by watching films, television series, and online videos in your third language. Services like Netflix and YouTube provide many choices, often with subtitles to aid in vocabulary acquisition.

Engaging with diverse media introduces you to various accents, informal phrases, and cultural context. You can also use language learning apps that provide engaging lessons and game-like exercises. Don't hesitate to try out different resources to find what suits your learning preferences and helps maintain your enthusiasm!

6. Join learning communities for your target language

When studying a new language, you might not know many people who speak it, but that's where online communities can help. I make an effort to join forums, social media groups, or Discord servers focused on my third language.

Take part in online language meetings to have live conversations with native speakers and other learners. These groups offer a supportive space to exchange resources, get guidance, and acknowledge your progress in language learning.

7. Maintain consistency and be patient

Now that you have time management strategies and numerous resources for your L3, my final advice is to create a study plan that fits your routine and learning style.

Regularity is crucial, so opt for consistent, shorter study periods rather than irregular, lengthy ones. View any challenges as chances to improve, and feel free to review basic concepts when necessary.

Patience is important in language learning, and keeping a positive outlook makes the process more enjoyable and sustainable!

The Right Time to Begin a Third Language

It's advisable to start your third language once you've reached an upper-beginner or intermediate level—or higher—in your second language. Establish a solid routine with the first language. Target a B1 to B2 level on the CEFR scale.

This not only facilitates a smoother start with a new language but also helps in preserving your second language skills, reducing the chance of forgetting what you've learned or confusing the two languages.

There you go!

Now, with these insights, you can confidently begin learning your L3.

Be cautious, though—this could spark an interest in a fourth language!