I Read Two Books on Language Learning, and Here’s What They Both Said

As I’m building out my new online language program, I’ve been trying to read more books about language learning to help me put together something that’s really useful for my students. I just finished reading Fluent in 3 Months by Benny Lewis, and while going through it, I realized that he mentions many of the same things that Gabriel Wyner talks about in Fluent Forever. So I decided to collect a few of these ideas for you, because if at least two lifelong language learners mention the same thing, there must be something to it. (Not to mention that I also fully agree with many of the things they say.)

And with that, here’s the first thing that all three of us agree on: there’s no one-size-fits-all in language learning. There’s no single teacher, course, or book that can 100% teach you how to speak a language. A lot depends on you, your needs, your goals, and your interests. Some people thrive with lots of speaking practice from day one, while others prefer to build confidence by focusing on listening and pronunciation first. The key is to stay curious and keep experimenting until you find what clicks. The best approach is the one that keeps you learning and enjoying the process, not the one that promises results but makes you dread studying. So while you’re reading today’s newsletter, just remember that there’s a good chance some of the tips I mention today will work for you, but it’s also possible that they won’t. Try putting into practice the ideas that feel useful, but if any of them feel more like a hassle than a help, just stick to the way of learning that fits you best.

Speak early, with real people

Both Benny Lewis and Gabriel Wyner stress that real progress starts when you actually start using the language. Talk to people as soon as possible, even if all you can manage is a simple “hi” or “thank you.” The earlier you start speaking, the faster your brain starts connecting words to real emotions, reactions, and situations.

So instead of waiting to “know enough,” start small: introduce yourself, describe your day, or ask someone how they’re doing. Each conversation, no matter how short or awkward, gives you more progress than another hour of studying in silence.

You can “immerse” from home

You don’t need to move abroad to surround yourself with a language. Both Benny Lewis and Gabriel Wyner emphasize that immersion is more about consistency than location. You can create your own language environment right where you are by filling your day with small bits of input, like music while you cook, podcasts during walks, subtitles on your favorite shows, or social media posts in your target language.

Even a few minutes here and there can make a big difference because your brain keeps picking up sounds and patterns without you noticing. Lewis suggests switching your phone or apps into your target language, joining online communities, and following native speakers on YouTube or Instagram. Wyner adds that this kind of “micro-immersion” helps your listening skills catch up to your speaking, making it easier to understand natural conversations.

The key is to mix it with speaking practice. When you hear a phrase you like, say it out loud or use it with your tutor later. That way, your passive input becomes active skill, and your everyday environment starts to feel more like the country where the language is spoken.

Trick your brain into remembering

Endless repetition might feel productive, but it’s one of the slowest ways to remember anything. Both Benny Lewis and Gabriel Wyner agree that memory works best when you make it meaningful and space it out over time. Instead of writing the same word ten times in a row, try connecting it to an image, a funny story, or something personal. The more emotion or context you attach to a word, the easier it becomes to recall later.

Lewis talks about using vivid “keyword imagery,” turning new words into small visual stories that stick in your mind. Both he and Wyner recommend using a spaced repetition system (SRS) to review words at just the right time, before you forget them. They both suggest Anki as one of the best tools for this, since it automatically tracks your progress and adjusts when each card appears. (Though I should mention that Fluent in 3 Months was published in 2014, and since then many new apps have become available. Anki is still one of the best, if not the best, free app to use.)

Accountability and habits matter

Both Benny Lewis and Gabriel Wyner agree that motivation fades, but habits keep you going. Setting a clear goal gives you direction, and making it public helps you stay accountable. Lewis often talks about creating a “language mission,” like being able to hold a 15-minute conversation in three months, and then sharing that goal with others so you feel motivated to follow through. Wyner adds that small, consistent actions matter more than long, random study sessions.

Even just 15 to 30 minutes a day is enough if you keep it up. Treat your reviews, speaking practice, or listening sessions like brushing your teeth, something you do automatically every day. Over time, these small moments build up and compound into real progress. The secret isn’t studying harder, it’s studying regularly and staying honest with yourself about whether you’re actually showing up.

These are just some of the things they both agree on. If you want to find more tips about language learning, I definitely recommend checking out Fluent in 3 Months too. However, if you only have time (or patience) to read one book, I’d say Fluent Forever might be a bit more useful, especially since the revised edition came out less than a year ago, so it’s more up to date.

If you have any other language learning book recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Happy learning,
Sandy