DISQUS

Greg · 2 years ago

as usual, interesting method.
You're using German as example, but what about language that are totally different from your mother tongue, I'll take Japanese for example as you spent some time in Japan (and as I'm currently in japan myself). Do you think you could catch up on your japanese in just 4 weeks? Would'nt it be easier to read the latest One Piece/Bleach in Japanese every time they release one?

By the way, it takes 3/5 week to get your book from amazon.co.jp T_T so looooong

Ken · 2 years ago

Thanks for the tips, Tim! I was worried about losing my grasp of Italian after visiting next year. Now I won't be so intimidated by catch-up!

Also, I'm using Rosetta Stone 1-2 hours daily to learn Italian, and I'm loving the program so far. What other language learning methods would you recommend?

Todd · 2 years ago

I'm a work-at-home marketer and have outsourced web development / technology projects, copywriting, and other projects to various places: Eastern Europe, India, Asia, etc.. I've used Elance, Craigslist, and referrals to find people. I'd love a chance to be on the CBS Early Show and discuss my experiences. :)

Andrew · 2 years ago

Ok, but if you've got friends in the country where the example language is spoken, wouldn't speaking to them on the phone for an hour or so a week easily be enough to keep up your fluency, and I can't see you picking up any bad habits that way, know what I mean?

Jacki Hollywood Brown · 2 years ago

Living in Canada I speak two languages most days. If I go back to visit my family for a week (speaking only one language) then I very quickly forget how to speak the other. I maintain 2 blogs, one in each language to at least keep my writing up to par. My kids speak one language at home and go to school in the other so I get to help with homework in the other language.
Mais, j'ai des jours quand je ne me souviens pas quelle langue je devrais parler!

Splatty · 2 years ago

Excellent post! My second language is Chinese and after returning to the states a little over 13 years ago I have definitely seen a drop off in my language skills. I'll take your tips and use them to resurrect my language abilities before my next trip to Asia.

Jed Wood · 2 years ago

I haven't had the hilarious experiences that AJ Jacobs did, nor can I claim anything that's jaw-dropping, but we continue to have good success.

Here's a quick update and recap.

Michael Davis · 2 years ago

I use the TV newscasts on Spanish language stations to reactivate before heading to South America. Their pronunciation is flawless and there is the added benefit of having pictures to cue you as to the content.

Michael

Lars Zapf · 2 years ago

Hey Tim. Just give me a call when you are in Germany. We are large fans and "appliers" of the 4hww. We can have a talk, so you can reactivate your German. :-)

Cheers,
Lars

Rannoch · 2 years ago

Tim,

If you find yourself in Edinburgh and you're looking for a brief, brutal, effective workout drop me a line and i'll introduce you to Kettlebells if you've not tried them already. As a grappler take to this type of training very quickly.

Have a great trip

Rannoch Donald RKC

Rannoch · 2 years ago

Link attached

CatherineL · 2 years ago

Fabulous tips. I would love to learn more languages, and your way seems far more interesting. Thank you.

Scott Johannemann · 2 years ago

Here is a unique twist that I use on personal outsourcing. I am an economics teacher in the suburbs of New York City. My colleagues and I have developed a simulation for teaching what was once a very boring course for high school seniors.

Since I cannot outsource things like lesson plans and the actual mechanics of teaching a high school class, I outsource the administrative duties for classroom management to my economics students. This includes things like taking attendance, greeting students at the door, passing out graded work to students, etc. There is room for about 30 jobs.

I don't outsource these activities out of laziness. I outsource to provide students the opportunity to earn a "paycheck" in class. Students are paid once per week for their labor and can then use the money to pay bills for seat rentals, taxes and other fees that we create in the simulation. Any disposable income is then used to purchase extra points on tests, on the average, term paper extensions, etc.

Using a common currency for each class allows me to create teachable moments within the field of economics. Students parlay the money earned through jobs into private business like banks and insurance companies in class. Interest rates become something they have to deal with rather than listen to in a passive state.

Outsourcing proves to be mutually beneficial. I can focus on the curriculum rather than paperwork and the students get paid and benefit from their labor. Economics has become one of the most popular classes in our school because of this simulation.

Stephanie D · 2 years ago

I've been reading your book and I find it very inspiring. I didn't know there were other people out there with job and hobby ADD. Thanks so much for your writing and your blog! I'm 23, a 1 year college grad with a job I should love but don't, and like you I just can't understand why everyone in the real world does things the retarded way.

Thanks... that's all.

Jordan M · 2 years ago

Tim,

Thanks for re-posting this useful bit of advice (for those that don't know, it's also in the reader resources and was published on vagablogging a while ago). I was wondering if you had plans on completing your 3 part series on "How to Learn Any Language in 3 Months" ?

Cheers!

-JM

James · 2 years ago

I would say this, given that I work for the company, but Champs-Elysées audio magazines are a great way of bringing your language skills out of cold storage - Schau ins Land might be useful to you before your next trip Tim...

Anne Brown · 2 years ago

Once you get to your destination, nothing beats living with the natives. If you have to ask in German where the bathroom is in the middle of the night when you're sleepwalking, pretty soon it will get in there!

Plus you get to understand the WHY and HOW behind all the cultural practices that seem so strange. Well, OK, maybe not understand, but at least hear their version of the story (will ice-cold liquids really burst one's stomach? hmmm... So that's why the beer is warm!)

Latisha · 2 years ago

This is the only I have learned 3 languages - Italian as well as Sicilan, Spanish, and Dutch- being the hardest. That and just getting out there and opening my mouth.

To Rannoch- Kettle Bells Rock!!! I'm taking it where I train, Fighthouse, in NYC.

Keep on keeping on Tim. You're changing the world one person at a time.

Erik Cox · 2 years ago

Tim,
Yet another great post, keep up the good work!

Erik

semmy.name · 2 years ago

Next time, use at least some REAL GERMAN BEER as picture, will you?! - and... German is not that easy, especially not for Americans.

My favorite TV show ALIAS did show me all the stereotypical language problems actors did ran into, including German and Dutch (Jenifer Garner did actually do very well in comparision with all other cast, but they surely struggled big time with German!).

A German, who actually has only 2 german websites out of his other 200 which are mostly ... in English!

Nobody is perfect :-)

semmy.name · 2 years ago

hahaha... there it goes. the wrath of the typo: I could not even spell Jennifer Garner correctly !

Kortina · 2 years ago

Personal outsourcing: one of the simplest examples I can think of that has been totally worthwhile is the Wash and Fold. I discovered the joy of wash and fold about a year and a half ago when I moved to an apartment that had no washer and dryer. I was looking for a laundromat and discovered a place where I could drop off my clothes in the morning and pick them up in the evening washed and folded. I have never washed my clothes since.

I spend about $10-$12 a week on wash and fold, as opposed to about $6-$7 I would spend on using quarters and doing it myself; the time I save by not having to fold my clothes makes this fully worth while.

I have friends who still say to me "I can't believe you spend that much on laundry." They just can't grasp the concept of opportunity cost or understand that I value my time enough that I'll gladly pay for someone to do something as boring as folding clothes.

Elizabeth · 2 years ago

Hi Tim,

I used to have a cassette tape (yes, cassette!) that we played in my remote office to mimic the sound of a "real" office and “real� team members when I was on conference calls. Instead, I had a toddler playing Legos at my feet and an infant usually enjoying her breakfast in my lap (quietly) and not a team member in sight.

That was 1999. Since then, I’ve built three companies, wrote a book, traveled with a world famous scientist on expeditions while homeschooing three kids. All possible because I created a team of talented (outsourced) assistants, project managers, programmers, web designers, publicists and editors.

I remember being on the phone with decision makers of large public companies and I'd either in my PJs or sitting on the beach watching the girls play. The Big Dogs on the line had no idea I wasn’t in an traditional office and I didn't bother to tell them.

When I created my outsourced lifestyle (even though I don't believe that word was used much then, if at all), I knew the only thing I would NOT outsource was my family and the role of parent. Everything else, with the exception of a house cleaner, was fair game. (We even outsource part of our children's education to online curriculum programs and tutors from around the world.)

I’d be happy to share our story to inspire others (especially parents) to create an outsourced lifestyle that is filled with life…

Mike · 2 years ago

Hey Tim ,this will be off topic if it goes on the site automatically (Sorry folks !) but you are about to change my life ....or rather I am with your book.I have had most of these elements buzzing around in my head for 7 years now after leaving the UK for East Asia in 2000 but you have already implemented them concisely and you have presented so many of the key internal questions needed to set this dream into reality.

As someone of a similar age and outlook ,thank you so much.
It is a holiday where I am right now and I'm not leaving the house till I walk out the door with a solid plan of action !!

Mike in Korea

Hermann Klinke · 2 years ago

Hi Tim,

what about refreshing your reading comprehension of the German language:

Ich lebe in Deutschland und würde mich sehr gerne mit Dir auf dem Oktoberfest treffen und ein wenig auf deutsch plaudern. Kannst Du uns sagen, wann Du dort sein wirst und wo man dich möglicherweise auffinden könnte? Kannst mir auch einfach ne E-Mail schicken wenn Du Dich mit mir treffen möchtest.

Schöne Grüße aus Deutschland,

Hermann The German

William Tapscott · 2 years ago

When does the CBS segment on outsourcing air? Thanks -

Wayne MacIntyre · 2 years ago

Tim,
In addition to your steps already mentioned in your blog, I put forth the following for consideration. I use this method whenever I enter a foreign culutre that uses a language aother than English. You need to have a pocket size notebook, a willingness to speak like a child and not worry about it, and the help of a native speaker (who speaks English) for about 1/2 an hour. Bring a tape recorder or dictaphone with you. I refer to my system of language learning: Survival Language Skills.

There are essentially 5 packets of information that can help you survive.
1) Learn to say "What's that?" It allows you to recode your world with nouns.
2) "What are you doing? " or "What am I doing?" It generates verbs for you.
3) Count from 0 to 10.
4) Lear the question words - they are hard to act out sometmies:
who, what, where, when, why, how, how much, how many, which
5) a package of useful phrases including slowly, I would like..., stop, help, please, thank you, yes, no... and a few others. I am including a chart that I fill out before I hit the new culture. Enjoy!

SURVIVAL GERMAN
1. What is this? Was ist das?
2. What are you doing?
3. What am I doing? Was machst du? Was tust du?
Was mache ich? Was tue ich?
1 who Wer
2 what Was
3 where (stationary); where to (motion) Wo; wohin
4 when Wann
5 why Warum
6 how Wie
7 how much, how many Wieviel

0 null
1 eins
2 zwei
3 drei
4 vier
5 fünf
6 sechs
7 sieben
8 acht
9 neun
10 zehn 11 elf
12 zwölf
13 dreizehn
14 vierzehn
15 fünfzehn
16 sechzehn
17 siebzehn
18 achtzehn
19 neunzehn
20 zwanzig

Hello (good day) Guten Tag, Grüß Gott
How are you (to strangers) Wie geht es Ihnen (formal)
Slowly, quickly Langsam, schnell
I don’t understand Ich verstehe nicht
I do not know Ich weiß es nicht
I do not speak German Ich spreche deutsch nicht
Excuse me (pardon me) Verzeihung, entschuldigung
Yes, no Ja, nein
I would like ...a coke Ich hätte gern ...ein Cola
Please, Thank you, You are welcome Bitte, Danke, Bitte schön
Left, right, straight Links, rechts, geradeaus
Again (another); repeat Noch einmal; wiederholen Sie
Stop Halt!
Nothing nichts
Eat, drink Iß, Trinke
I am lost Ich bin verloren
toilet WC, Toilette
Is this seat free? Ist dieser Platz frei?
Help Hilfe
Left, right straight ahead Nach links, nach rechts, geradeaus
BRING A NOTEPAD WITH YOU

Jim · 2 years ago

I also am trying the local Spanish News channel.
Too early for me to tell if it works

karl schmieder · 2 years ago

Hey Tim -
I live in the NYC area, run a successful naming and marketing communications company and have been outsourcing both domestically and internationally for the past 4 months. International outsources have helped me with increasing the size of my mailing lists, web design, online marketing and accounting; domestic outsourcer helps me with research, day-to-day administrative tasks.
I regret that I didn't start outsourcing sooner - but your book was the catalyst to start doing things I had been thinking about doing after running my business for a year in Panama.
My outsourcers are allowing me to grow my business faster and work less so that I can make breakfasts for my three sons, take one to school and be home relatively early for dinner and homework each and every day.
Feel free to forward my information to the Early Show Producers and keep up the great work.
-Karl

John Jaworski · 2 years ago

Hey Tim,
I guess I really outsource 95% of my business. We sell Streamer and Confetti Supplies to The Special Event and Entertainment/Concert industries.

From the time a call is answered, to the product being manufactured, to the product being shipped, I outsource just about all of it. I leave my time free for... well ME, and I speak with my Client's if they need me.'

Outsourcing has made it possible for me to travel and see more of my Clients, to travel and produce the Special Effect for more Events and to do what I do best - market my Company.

There is no way I would be where I am now if I hadn't been outsourcing, I know I was trying to do it all and it drove me nuts!

Thanks for a great book!

John

will · 2 years ago

Good ideas, I'll have to try this on my next trip to Mexico. Thanks Tim!

Karen Rowan · 2 years ago

I am marvelling at how Tim has hit on some of the most important concepts in language acquisition theory. He's using Krashen and Terrell's Natural Approach. It's abhorred by most U.S. high school programs, but has been used in successful progressive schools since the 1970s.

He is referring to ways to re-activate a language. First, the language has to be learned -- you might try a 4 day Fluency Fast class first. The 100 highest frequency words in any language (See A Frequency Dictionary of Spanish, Mark Davies) are the starting point. Davies distinguishes between written and spoken Spanish. Then those words must be heard in context and be COMPREHENSIBLE to the learner. The reactivation sequence works for all dormant languages --- even those that were learned in childhood but not maintained.

Learning a language isn't supposed to be painful and time-consuming. Hopefully Tim will help us highlight the need for multi-lingualism and the ease with which it can be done when it's done right.
Karen Rowan

Karen Rowan · 2 years ago

Regarding the reading comprehension question from Hermann the German --- Yes, refreshing reading comprehension --- when it is also COMPREHENSIBLE (the reader understands the message)is the foundation of the Natural Approach (See The Power of Reading, Krashen), but Tim does this. He reads comics (comprehensible, easy, fun, interesting, compelling). He also said he read manuals in Japanese regarding his physical training that were accompanied by pictures. He's a genius --- who has synthesized mountains of research into his technique. I can't find anything in his technique that isn't supported by this enormous body of knowledge. Google any of these to find the research that supports his technique. The Natural Approach, TPR Storytelling, the input hypothesis, Fluency Fast, Dr. Stephen Krashen. The reason this is FASCINATING is that these are the underdogs, fighting against mainstream ideas about what works in foreign language education. Tim has inadvertantly taken the side of language acquisition theory and grass roots methodology against some very big dogs.

Karen Rowan

Coach Kip · 2 years ago

I had to learn and relearn russian twice. I hardly recall any of it, but I am sure if I was immersed in it I would remember again.

It really is not hard, I was certainly not fluent, I found that the phrases and words that helped me get around were just as Tim says "in storage". The trick to learn is to get it out of storage as soon as possible. Unfortunately I don't have the answer. Maybe someone can help me out.

Karen Rowan, karen@fluencyfast · 2 years ago

What Tim is saying is consistent with foreign language acquisition research. He is using comprehensible input, the principle of the Natural Approach, to provide himself with interesting, relevant, compelling reading and auditory material. Hermann asked if he was reading --- he was --- comics and manuals related to training that had pictures. He doesn't talk about learning a language (as opposed to re-activating language that is dormant), but the chapter on the site contains information on how he learns languages using the 100 highest frequency words. To get more information Google: TPR Storytelling, Natural Approach, input hypothesis, Dr. Stephen Krashen, The International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching or, for practical application of theory, Fluency Fast. Tim's independent research is the "underdog" of language education. We have a 94% failure rate in U.S. high schools in becoming bilingual through traditional classes --- so preaching a more effective way is bound to help swing the pendulum.

Mub · 2 years ago

Dear Tim,

Are you planning to visit Istanbul, Turkey during your European tour? There are pretty cheap flights (think 30 euros) from various airports in Germany to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport.

Come have a mini-retirement here, meet your pretty fans, and live the high life for a few days...

Best,
Mub

###

Hi Mub!

I'd love to. I'm on the way to Sardinia now, but we'll see how my travel shapes up. I'll let you know if I can make it...

Tessekur ederim (sorry for the spelling) :)

Tim

Jägermeister · 2 years ago

Tim probably is by now saying the bayerish chant (Horray, Horray)on some tabletop in any tent at the Teresa Wiesl'... and usually those surrounding neighbors the park (like me 4 years ago)they usually close the houses and go somewhere further south to "Schiiii-foen-foen-foen" (another Bayerish slang-chant for ski-vacation = Schifahren = verb)

Anyways, if you still mind at this point to know a good hint for small or zero budget party for V.I.Ps (I highly doubt you're seeing just one cat at this time - hicks). IMO it's all about individual attention, find out about each individuals best likes and connect the dots at the party, so that people gather together with a memorable moment for all, sometimes the simplest things are the most brilliant for the record. You're the scavenger and have the VAs to assist you, sura you'll get in there (after the hang-over for days - hehehe).

Don't underestimate German beer, and the bayerish originals are hi-octane ;-) tasty tasty Timdelicious! You'll be laughing strange by the first glas on the "meter-bier" (a nice thin 2x4 with lined-up filled beer in a German metric "Einheit"... Prost! Zum Wohl!

As far the German word mentioned by Wayne MacIntyre, I would like to add: Ich spreche NICHT Deutsch. (I don't speak German)In negative sentences the word "nicht" comes right after the verb, excepting pronomes like "mich" "dich" "euch" / mir, dir - they go between verb and the negative word, i.e. Sie (3rd p sg) mag mich nicht. (She don't like me) - nothing personal ;-)

And "Grüss Gott" is mostly used in Bayerish region as greeting, and the others usually is the formal "Wie get's Ihnen Herr/Frau...fill with last name" - Always use the formal "Sie" (always first letter Capital), and especially aply this way to the elderly and people you do not know (It is a respect code among Germans). With young people and more informal settings you('re free) may ask "darf ich Sie mal dutzen?" Better translation: May I talk to you by name?

Wie auch immer... Du wirst Dir mal einiges gönnen! = Anyhow, you'll enjoy it!

Cheers!!!

Jens Meiert · 2 years ago

There are certainly more "interesting" pictures related to the Oktoberfest, both concerning beer (who drinks from bottles at the Wiesn) and guests (there are women, too) ... However, I just wrote in to wish you some fun in Germany: Viel Spaß!

Eric · 2 years ago

I'm a private practice forensic psychologist and part-time professor at Yale Medical School and I've been outsourcing for three years; I have two full-time editors of my reports; one lives in England and one I don't even know where he lives anymore (used to be in the States, then Paris), but somewhere in the US now. All business is conducted online via e-mail and wiring. I also have a secretary "virtual assistant" in suburban Atlanta gained through E-Lance. I would be pleased to share a fuller story in NYC!

Jon · 2 years ago

Tim, I've read your formula for learning a language in 3 months, including the breakdown of schedule and division of language school for grammar, and conversational exchange for speaking.
I've just arrived in China for my own mini-retirement, and am researching language schools. How would you change your formula for Chinese given the added element of character recognition & writing?
Thanks!
Jon

UbiqWit · 2 years ago

YES! These techniques work -- immersion is the best way. Last year I had to learn enough French to get around on my own for a week and had never taken a course. I crammed by surrounding myself with the language in a similar way and did just fine. I compiled a full list of the techniques I used on the folllowing page (for anyone interested):
http://www.squidoo.com/foreignlanguage

Raif Jochim · 1 year ago

About four years ago I traveled to Guatemala and lived there for 8 months. I went down with the intention of learning the language and ended up creating a learning tools for english natives to learn Spanish. I have the book completed and 4 sound disks finished. All is professionally done and recorded in a sound studio in Guatemala city. I am similar to Tim in the fact that I can dream up an idea and complete it, but need help forwarding this into motion.

I appreciate in advance any help that you can offer @ raifjochim@gmail.com.

Thanks for your time!

Raif

Amar Luis · 1 year ago

Anyone... (preferably Tim),

How does this logic apply to school and studying? I'm in my second year of college and I'm wondering if it is fair to work hard to understand the material then let it be until I'm studying for the exam as opposed to trying to review everything as I go through the semester. I mean, I'm going to have to study hard and cram at the end regardless, is that time put in "keeping up" with old material worth anything at all?

(please note I'm not implying not to study or do anything, but rather to understand a topic then move on)

Jennifer Grammer · 1 year ago

Thanks for the language tips. I found some of the tips I read from http://www.learnlanguagesquick.com
to be helpful in traveling to Paris. It is a habit you have to keep up.

As always, I love your blogs! You are living everyone's dream profession I think :-)

Laura Halik · 1 year ago

Hi there,

Love the book especially the chapter on mini-retirements! I would like to know if you have a list of the foriegn language schools you have used and recommend from the places you've gone and studied around the world. Can you post this list on your resources page? I would like to brush up on my spanish and would like to go back to Costa Rica for a mini-retirement: spanish language study, scuba and lot's of eco-hiking and touring!

Thanks very much!

Laura Halik

Bob · 1 year ago

Tim your book has been transformational and just the kick in the butt needed. I am planning on taking my family (w/2 children 12 & 13) to Argentina for a month or two this summer as our fist mini-retirement (and test run w/kids abroadl before going for longer periods). We want to take Spanish lessons and wondering if you would share any recommendations for schools/teachers and resources for housing. We were looking at Madrid, but w/dollar down and always wanting to visit Argentia, seems like the perfect opportunity.

Thank you for the innovative and insightful information in your book and your blog, keep up the excellent work!

Vicki · 1 year ago

I was a Spanish teacher once (until I realized I would end up living with my parents for the rest of my life, since I wasn't paid enough for the rents in my area). I studied for a few weeks at a wonderful language school in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Amerispan is a travel company that specializes in language travel, and places students in homestays that let you get to know the people, and their lifestyles, instead of staying in a boring hotel. They offer volunteer work vacations, internships and daily language instruction, and will customize your stay (i.e., they will pair you with a conversation partner, customize the spanish you learn for medical or law enforcement if that's what you need, arrange arts and crafts lessons - whatever you ask if you know what you want ahead of time.) Although they started out partnering just with language schools in Latin America, they now have programs in many different languages in countries all over the world, Arabic to Chinese and Japanese. You can stay for as little as one week, or extend your stay for several weeks or months, it's up to you, since unlike a tour package, there are no set start dates. The volunteer opportunities would be a great way to spend a "mini-retirement" too, if you already grasp enough of the language to get by.

I just read the 4HWW book today, after waiting for weeks for the library to hand it over to me (it was already on hold for about 15 other people, so I had to wait a long time!). I wish I had found this book in 2001, after the dotcom I worked for went bust, my hours were cut, and my wages were frozen. I am nearly 40 now, and make only a little over $11 an hour, and am going back to graduate school (again!) to get an MBA degree to make myself more marketable (I hope). I wish I knew where to start to make this 4HWW work for me. I only wish I understood to begin with how someone who has worked as hard as I have, never takes a vacation, has several college degrees, and is a law-abiding, tax-paying homeowner, could get so hopelessly stuck!! My initial reaction after reading the book was depression, since I don't know how I could possibly make this plan work for me.

akthe47 · 1 year ago

How about spaced repetition method of learning with a program such as Supermemo?

Tim · 1 year ago

Hi Tim,

What's your opinion of the Rosetta Stone method? I want to resurrect my Spanish skills for a trip to Mexico. I also want to start teaching my kids; neither have much exposure to the language? My wife speaks Spanish related to her professional life in healthcare.

Thanks, another Tim

David Duckworth · 1 year ago

So I have been living in Switzerland for a 5 weeks now... 6 days ago I decided I would take the leap and learn the local language which is a German Dialect. I have never been able to speak German in my whole life....

The first day I looked at what situations I would be in, Shops, restaurants, hotels etc..
I also downloaded and translated the top 100 spoken words and cut them into groups..... I am also using the flash card method.... and using the phrase I have learned that day as much as I can ....

So over the last 5 days... I learn before sleep & recap after as suggested...

And it sticks.... I cant believe the amount of German I can speak already.....

I have also taught myself to really listen when people speak too.... Someone mention the other day that listening is key... a baby listens for a long time before attempting to speak...

So by trying to get the gist of what the person is saying you learn to pick out words which teahces you to recognise the words you have learned.....

I'll keep you posted, but by New Years Eve.... I shall be speaking German.

Nice one Tim!