Learning Languages is Non-linear

My language learning hack revealed (hint: it involves Netflix)

After 3 years of practicing Russian, I’ve come to realize that learning a new language unfolds in non-linear stages. I find myself circling back and reinforcing previous learnings.

As I go through L4, I am slowly absorbing L3, deepening my relationship to L2, and mastering L1. This post is about that journey…

Graduation day

I’m so proud of myself! I’ve finally passed the test for all 30 lessons in Russian Level 3 on the Pimsleur app👩‍🎓Time to return to L4.

Why am I taking the L3 test now if I am deep into Level 4 (Lesson 21/30)?

Taking the test immediately when the 30 lessons are fresh is easy — most people will probably pass based on recent memory and exposure. I’d rather test later on when I know my brain has committed to the material and it feels super familiar.

The test involves reciting every phrase from the 30 lessons based on an English audio prompt. The AI tool records your voice and compares it to the native speaker’s 🤖