I really missed your videos, Robin. I'm from Brazil and during my journey to learn English I watched your videos and understood very little, but now I can understand 90% of what you say. It's a great feeling. 🥰
I'd love a multilingual book club! I think I did the last one you did and read a graded reader in Mandarin. My Mandarin has kind of languished; I'm partway through a 600-character graded reader but haven't picked it up in ages and who knows what I've forgotten! I could use some motivation. I do read a ton in German, Spanish, and Portuguese, and a bit in French and Dutch, and have been working up to Italian (though haven't yet read an actual book in that language). Reading is my main maintenance tool, but also kind of a goal in itself. Trying to up my non-English reading from a bit over 20% to more like 40% next year, but have no plan for the distribution of languages.
I'm so glad you're still here watching my videos! There will be lots of lovely language learning videos, adventures, and stories coming this next year and I can't wait to share them with you ☀️
Commenting before I even watch this video to say that I’m so happy you’re back! 🧡 I discovered your channel a few years back, and I’ve always found your videos so inspiring. I’m very skeptical when it comes to language learning channels, but you’re one of my very few favorites!
I binge watched a bunch of your language videos last year and loved them. Definitely helped me ease up and not be so rigid with language learning. The last few months I’ve been deep into instructional design, graphic design, etc and haven’t been studying. I’ve been trying to ease back into keeping up with French & learning Spanish. I have to remind myself that even 5 minutes is better than no minutes!
Welcome back, Robin! 🎉 About 4-5 years ago when i had just started out with my Spanish learning i was often watching your videos for inspiration. Can report - it payed off on so many levels to have stuck with it! I just came back from a business trip to Mexico and my "I learn Spanish just as a hobby"-level was more than enough to have so many lovely encounters and sound professional as well. ❤ Oh yes, I'd totally LOVED if you would please do another read-along/bookclub with a Spanish book (Agustina Bazterrica for instance?) or a language challenge! 🤩
Love your glasses! Love your cozy room! So good to have you back, really. I needed this. Well, I'm in a tricky spot with learning languages. My motivation is quite low right now, and I've been doing just the bare minimum every day. I'm starting Russian for a change of scenery (I've been always curious about it), but I'm not sure how it'll go. I try not to put too much pressure on myself, though. As you said, I'm really embracing uncertainty. By the way, the multiligual book club was something that helped me a lot -- it got me into reading in target languages, and I'm forever greateful to you for that. So, I would love to have such book club activity in whatever form possible in the future. No pressure, though. I'm just happy to have you back -- it's so exciting. You've been my inspiration for language learning, so I hope your return reignite my motivation.
Larisaa thank you for another wonderful and heartwarming comment! I'm sorry I took a while to reply on the previous video, I've been slowly working my way through and I'm determined to reply to every comment because each one truly does make me so happy. It really is very touching that my new videos are coming at a good time, and that they mean something to you ☀️ Let's get your language learning situation figured out - I know you can do this 💪🏼 Please feel free to share the things you're struggling with, and keep me updated throughout all the new videos, and I'm sure we can get you through it ✨ I think starting Russian sounds like a great idea, especially since you're having some motivation challenges and have always been curious about that language. This can definitely be a really nice way to find a spark to light some new fire ✨🔥 For me, I find that tracking down some native content you really love in that language alongside your studies can be super helpful here, too. Movies or TV dramas? Just enjoy it with subtitles. Music? I often don't even understand what they're saying at that stage, but just love the melody and the sounds 😂 But I find this gets me really motivated, because I'm like "Ahhh I CAN'T WAIT to be able to understand these shows and films! To talk like them! To sing these songs myself!". I'm not sure if that's helpful, but just some thoughts! I am also really happy that the multilingual book club was helpful to you! I'm so glad it got you into reading in target languages, and I am determined to help reignite your motivation now. Let's make this the most epic and wonderful new season of content as we fly into the new year nice and strong! 💪🏼🔥✨
What a nice surprise to have coffee with you this morning. I feel excited, like I have friends on my language learning journey. I am happy to know you are doing well. I would enjoy some month challenges and more. ❤
This video is perfect for me right now. I’m just getting back into my languages after like 2 years because of school. And I know setting a daily goal will probably demotivate me because I’m still bogged down with my thesis and classes. I think this mindset will help me enjoy the process more.
Embracing uncertainty was the best thing I did, and not just with language learning. this video was so relatable. Looking forward to find out what’s the new language ☺️
I love this. This is basically what I've recently decided to do as well after taking a break from coding. Somehow I feel that once I allow myself to fall in love with languages again and spend quality time with them, I'll find deep inspiration to build apps that will help others to do the same, and I'll get back to software engineering but for all the best reasons. For now my aim is just to enjoy the languages I put aside for so long and I'm having the best time.
There's a literary magazine called SS Reed's Story Fiction, and there's a section in Volume 4 talking about language learning and the Japanese novel Kamogawa Runner. Your name is specifically mentioned as an inspiration.
I feel that both you and I have a lot of things in common. At this time, I’m in another country, trying to find happiness and embracing uncertainty. I’m looking for a new job, studying English and Spanish and trying to find time to conciliate these goals. You’re an inspiration for me.
I've sadly fallen out of the habit of learning a language in the past years. But when I heard you say "language challenge" that really sparked my interest. I'm in!!!
I love how relatable your videos are! You show the struggles that we all go through in language learning and that's what makes you so down-to-Earth. Thank you!
What a nice surprise to see you here again! Lately I was rewatching the daily videos in the morning while drinking coffee. But new content is much better!
Hi Robin! It's so nice to see you back again and excited for your newest adventures in life! I've been learning french on and off for YEARS but haven't studied at all for the last 2/3 because i had to prioritise other things. I do really miss it though and want to start again in the new year. Occasionally I'll flip through a book in French, and listen to french pop, so at least I'm staying familiar with it :) I have just started a course on data analytics, so I am just settling into that. It does make you realise just how precious time is when there's so much you want/ need to do!
ok now I beleive you are back as this is the 2nd video- I should give thanks I TRULY FEEL YOUR VIDEOS are the best on language learning....you clearly have done what you are teaching us about. You need more PLANTS....Do a VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING YOUR BOOK...what are some chapters??? Ideas from it?
Ten seconds in, and I've got to stop your vid to say: "Rob-i-i-i-i-i-i-in!, OMG! I was thinking about you just this morning, lamenting, 'Oh well, I guess he moved on; I wish him well.'" And, here you are!!! Welcome back, bro! Or should I say: 'Welcome back, Mate, chuffed to bits!!' ... Well, back to the show ...
Aww this is such a lovely comment to read, thanks for absolutely making my day, mate! I’m chuffed to bits over here as well!! I’m so grateful you stuck around and didn’t forget about me! I actually made a video a couple of weeks ago explaining my absence - I think quite a lot of people didn’t get it in their feed but the response has been so lovely and things seem to be really be picking back up already! I’m so happy, man! Thanks for being here and for all the support!
So glad to see you back! Unfortunately I’ve had a big obstacle to my language learning (my first love) and that is I’ve had 4 strokes. I have to put a lot more time in to get the same results now, but I love languages so it’s worth the effort. Thanks for being so inspiring!
Robin, you should try polyglot beats here on youtube, it's stories read sentence by sentence, first sentence in original English then one in target language (there are lots of languages in playlist to try from), it's always good way to get some language learning in when just walking... soooo happy you are back and doing more language learning content! Your videos are the most cosy, I want the coffee mugs back! Coffee/tea and languages, best combo in the world!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Glad to see you back Rob! I have been maintaining my languages for the last 4 years. However, I keep on debating if I want to get back to basics and focus only on Russian and Swedish for one year or maintain the schedule I already have . I just want to be more consistent with reading, my ornithology courses, and keep up with language learning consistency.
I'm very excited to hear you'll be talking about languages again. Since watching your videos when I started Spanish, I've now reached a level where I can speak ok, and I'm starting to listen to a lot of French, but still keeping it at a manageable level. As far as time, I just squash all I can into my day and hope it fits.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this language video! And wow that’s amazing, CONGRATULATIONS on your Spanish improvements, that’s a really big milestone and definitely something to be proud of! I’m excited for you with your French journey as well, and would love to see updates on how it’s all going in the comments over this next year! Keep up the great work, it’s clearly paying off 💪🏼
I like this new casual yet highly edited approach to random things worth filming around the neighborhood. Increases the Mr. Rogers vibe somehow. I'm not sure if I like that the whole video is a tease for the next video... but it's fine. It's good to see the channel warming up to release regular content again.
I love the way you described the approach for this video! I truly love making more cinematic or documentary-style pieces with more thought-out stories and points, but those also take so long to create and so I decided for now to try this approach so that I can remove that extra friction of simply making delightful content. So it really is encouraging to read that you actually enjoyed this format! I'm sorry you felt the video was a tease for the next one, though - that genuinely wasn't the intent at all! This was intended to be its own video about me getting back to languages, and how I'm going to be embracing uncertainty when it comes to my previous languages, and wanting to share a little bit of how meaningful those languages are to me and some things I'm excited to return to at last. And there's definitely an element that you touched on, me wanting to warm up and finally be publishing regularly again. Perhaps this is one of the downsides of me not having spent as much time planning and writing beforehand, I'll definitely keep this in mind because I never want people to feel like the video didn't fully deliver. Thanks so much for this really helpful comment and feedback!
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms You're doing great man. I've been following your story for years and will keep following whatever direction you take next. I'm really excited to see your animation skills sneak in too. Not planning and scripting a video about embracing uncertainty makes perfect sense, and I'm glad that you published it. Leaving your new language as a reveal for a different video is totally fine. It leaves something in your mind that you still want to say, which fuels more content, which reinforces the publishing habit, which leads to new epiphanies, experiences, and excellence. I'm here for the journey, and it seems like we both have something to look forward to.
Hello there, I believe that enjoying the process is important and makes the journey less painful. I'm currently studying many other things unrelated to languages and in so many moments of my day I stop to think if it still makes sense to keep learning so hard a lot of things simultaneously. I think this reflection is important because the world often romanticizes a busy routine packed with obligations and endless tasks. But sometimes, all we really want is to focus on learning a single language or taking just one course at a time. But I'm grateful to be still enjoying everything that I'm studying at the moment even tho I would like to have more time for language learning. Watching you with all the books that were part of your learning process reminds me of when I read Harry Potter in English for the very first time... so a warm feeling lol Cheers from Brazil! By the way, I’m excited to hear about the new language you’re studying!
No plans is the best plan when we don’t really know the future 🙌 and mmh, maybe Vietnamese? Can’t wait to see you begin to learn a new language! After burning out from my career, I decided to take a break and started learning how to paint. I’m surprised how enjoyable it’s been, it’s a nice change of pace 😊
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the new ones. Im learning English for threeish years to this point. Mainly by myself: just watching youtube videos, cartoons, rarely films and, sure, by reading lots of books. I've read the entire Harry Potter series (and watched films) and many more. I believe that the best approach to learning a language is lots of input. I'd like u to organize some language challenges and also to film the video about comprehensible input and what u think about it😊 Greetings from Russia❤
Will you document every step you make on learning que new language? i'm trying to start learning french, but I cannot find that way that feels the correct and not be boring to death in the process... Maybe its a sign from the universe, to give a try to adapt your approach in the new serie to my learning path :) anyway... I'm already waiting for your next video!! see ya
Right now I’m starting Hungarian and I’ve been working on Japanese for about a month now off and on and I’m enjoying it. I’m just taking my time. I’m not rushing anything I don’t really have a deadline or anything like that in regards to these two languages I’m hoping by 2028 then I would be at a high level of speaking to understanding in both Hungarian and Japanese. I gave up my podcast show and focused on other hobbies. I’ve read about 110 books this year last year at 96 bucks and I’m mostly doing sci-fi fantasy romance, biographies memoirs, etc I’ve watched a lot of documentaries and movies lately TV shows and I’m just enjoying life. I got myself out of debt credit card debt. I increased my income. I moved into a new place two years ago. I have a new guy dog my old ones retired and living in Oregon and I’m doing OK for the most part.
I started learning English again from today. I’ve been studying by myself so far. But I don’t know if my English is how progressing. I'm so glad that you came back on here today, didn't you?😆😆😆😆
It's so nice to read that you came back to learning English today! And thank you so much for welcoming me back 😀 I'm sure you are progressing, and if you're looking for community, feedback, and a nice place to track your profress, Journaly really is a lovely place for that where I know everyone would welcome you! ☀️ journaly.com
Independent language learning is quite tricky to fit into tons of other commitments and life curveballs, I think a key is to plan it first and then let the uncertainty and chaos settle around it. Easier said than done though...
Hello Robin! It's my first time leaving a comment on your video but I have been watching a lot of your content 2 years ago. I always resonated deeply with your learning methods, your approach and personality. For me it was the very first time back then, seeing videos of someone having a similar approach to language as I do. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. As for embracing uncertainty: I can totally relate to that approach. It has been 4 years since I started learning Korean and I always focused on enjoying the process as it is, in the very moment. I never set goals, amount of time I'd like to study per week or made plans. I also went according to hkw i felt on an almost daily basis. Of course I was eager to have a conversation in Korean, or be able to understand some specific content, but it was rather something I was looking forward to than goals. Now it's been 4 years and I'm still enjoying the journey. I am absolutely convinced that if you do what your heart tells you, you will naturally do what is right. What I've loved about that approach: you don't know where this journey will bring you and if you embrace uncertainty it will feel amazing. Uncertainty can be beautiful if we lean into it when it comes to language learning but also to life. I cannot wait to see your journey embracing uncertainty and to see if your experience is similar to mine or different. Either way I will stay tuned! Also: I'd love community activities or a book club! But make sure it does not take to much of your time if you go for it! We do not want to be the reason for you to not have time to study your new language ☺️☺️
Thank you for sharing your experience with language learning. I am so curious about your approach and will be interested to see how it goes for Robin also. I often feel I am moving at a snail’s pace in my language learning and need a clearer plan for myself. I have to run to work for now but would love to hear more and am happy to share my experience also. I am curious if there are certain habits you keep up or any suggestions you may be willing to share. You are a wonderful writer too!💜
@@Mrs.L.44 Thank you very much for your kind words. I wasn't expecting any sort of reaction to my comment so this is a very pleasant surprise! Since I don't set any goals and plans, my way of learning evolved (and still evolves) with time. I have one single habit that I have been keeping until now, which is reviewing flashcards. I don't really know why I have been sticking to that habit for so long. Of course it is useful, but more than that, I feel like it somehow just became part of my daily routine. As for the rest of my language learning habits, as time passed, I developed my own ways and methods. And depending on my mood and energy, I just pick up a method out of this "personal toolbox". I rather choose what I WANT to do (in the very moment), than what I "should" do. Maybe I "should" focus on speaking if it's the area I am lacking the most. But here is my question: Do I really have to? Is reaching fluency the most important in language learning for me personally? Or do I rather want to focus on the journey itself and on playing with the language? For me, as someone who learns a language as a hobby, it's the latter. Someone else, for different reasons, might answer that question differently and what to focus solely on efficiency. And that's fine too! As for me, I am convinced that enjoying the process will lead to progress anyway. Maybe not as fast as, but progress will be there too. Because if you have fun, it is way easier to stick to it on the long term. How about you? What is your focus and biggest motivation when it comes to learning a language? I would love to hear about your personal journey!
i´m getting my coffee and getting comfy😏 I´m currently in the beginning of my Japanese (language learning) journey trying not to leave my intermediate Turkish behind. I´ve been wanting to get serious about modern Greek too, but it´s kinda impossible to be doing two new languages with very fancy non-Latin based writing system/s at a time
Hey Robin, not having a plan actually describes my language learning journey very well. If you need some advice on how to not have a plan and still kind of maintain your languages, feel free to reach out 😂
I’m doing quite ell in Spanish and now brushing up on French. I explore new opportunities as they preset themselves, Meetups and volunteer opportunities in the community. At 76 , there’s no need for a strict program. Doing what I enjoy.
saludos robin😊,es bueno para nosotros ver nuevo contenido y que genial que estés de regreso . en cierta medida empecé viendo videos acerca de aprendizaje de idiomas gracias a ti y aprendí mucho gracias a tu método de aprendizaje . también tengo necesidades de aprender otras cosas como practicar algún arte marcial , estudiar una carrera universitaria totalmente opuesta a lo que me gusta por ejemplo estudiar matemáticas 😅😅😅(que lo he esquivado muchos años) y pues nada..sin más que agregar quiero darte ánimos y por mucho que haya dificultades en el camino créeme que no estás solo en el camino .
Brother no way!!! I’ve literally been thinking of you lately but thought we might have just totally lost touch, it’s so lovely to hear from you my friend! We absolutely need to get back in touch! ❤️
Great to see you back Robin, and not only in person, back in England too ! I'm not going to reveal your hometown but my wife and I were there a couple of weeks ago. I sent you a photo on your email, maybe you missed it. Anyway ,if you go back to visit do let me know and maybe we can meet for a coffee or a beer. Best wishes.Brian
It’s so lovely to hear from you, Brian! And it’s also delightful to be back in good old England! I’ll go and check my email for your photo, thank you for taking the time and care to send that. I’ll be sure to get in touch for a coffee or beer, looking forward to it! Warmest wishes to you and your wife
Yeah, another video! I'm going to guess it's something totally new with no relationship to your prior languages, so Finnish if it's a European language and Vietnamese if an Asian language.
I'm learning Korean! Also learning Moho 14 and Blender for animation. I'm a traditionally trained 2d animator and I usually work in TvPaint. But drawing literally everything is too slow for what i want to do. I think the move for me will be to do rough animations and tests in TvPaint, but most finished works will use Moho to some degree. I plan to use Blender for environments and layouts.
Hi @sleepygallows! Wow that’s awesome, I am actually trying to become skilled with TvPaint! I’m still not super comfortable with it so ended up reverting back to Animate and Photoshop for my last few projects, but after my current animation I do plan to try and make the full switch over to TVP! I can definitely relate regarding the slowness, though. I’ve heard good things about Moho and I know Blender seems to be a fantastic tool for environments and layouts. Please keep me updated on how things go! Is there anywhere I can see your work by the way? I always love supporting the animation community!
If you want to talk in Brazilian Portuguese, let me know. 😊 ❤ 🇧🇷 (Brazilian here) I am like you, I just want to start learning another language (now, Italian). It's gonna be good to see you studying again.
Wey nmms nos dejas con el jesús en la boca sin decirnos cuál idioma vas a aprender ahh 😭😭😭😭😭 But, esto llegó just in time cuz I'm literally just letting go of the idea that I have to stick to s language, and specially the uncomfortable, anxiety inducing feeling that comes with the restriction of learning and the freedom as well, idk, this feels very raw and true and honest and real, and like, humane, like you speak about you and the languages that come with you, and not the other way around, which makes me feel seen and heard and close to you, which releases pressure from myself, it helps me let go from the performing because no one has to, but ahg it's so weird and kinda inexplicable and how you just share it without having a solution to go to, or a target to aim for, it's just like, validating and supporting while we figure it out ❤ Gracias Robin ❤
(issue solved, see thread) My first encounter with UA-cam's auto dubbing feature, in a video about language learning 🤣 Apparently I (viewer) can't get to listening to the original unless I switch my VPN location to the UK or something... Welcome back Robin ❤
Bahaha it’s so weird to imagine myself dubbed 😂 Did they at least give me a cool voice? 😬🤣 I’m glad you got the issue figured out, and thanks so much for the warm welcome! ☀️
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms No you sounded like the off-screen German voice from the scene in "Die Another Day" when that South Korean guy (Zao) gets implanted foreign memories while his body is transformed through gene therapy 😅 Very weird. I survived 1 minute of it 😅
I have never felt that having a plan in language learning would be useful. The important thing is consistently spending time doing anything that you feel is upgrading your abilities in the language at that moment, whether it's listening, reading, speaking, or writing; and making sure you get a balance of these different skills. But although I don't use a plan, I do have an order I would recommend in learning a new language: Beginner: Phonology and orthography (or pinyin, in the case of Chinese), basic phrases that you will actually use, basic grammar (can use text book and/or videos), then get lots of comprehensible input (reading and listening), write down any phrases that you find interesting and that you think you will use. You can also start trying to have basic conversations with native speakers, if you want. Intermediate: Review and dive deeper into the phonology and develop a good accent, learn some more difficult grammar points, get tons of input, look over your list of phrases that you've compiled from time to time (you can do flashcards if you're into that, but I'm not), and most importantly at this stage: have fun. Find things to read and listen to (or watch) that you enjoy and that fit your level. At this stage, if you can find a native speaker who can help you regularly and correct your mistakes, that would be good. Also, at the middle or upper intermediate stage, go to a country where the language is spoken for at least a month, if you can. You can do it earlier, but it will be most beneficial after you've mastered the basics. Advanced: Consume native content, and have lots of conversations with native speakers.
Oooh this is the new automatic dubbing feature UA-cam introduced 😅😓 you can change it in the video player settings! Please let me know if you have trouble finding it!
The way I got myself to B1 in Spanish - 1 - I used the Mimic Method essential sounds of Spanish master class to learn the sound system of the language, and UA-cam videos to learn the rolled R. 2 - I then used Rosetta Stone 3 - I then used Pimsleur (2 and 3 can be done at the same time, if you have about 2.5 hours daily) 4 - I've read the first Harry Potter book I'd probably be B2 if I would consistently practice and use what I've learned...
I really missed your videos, Robin. I'm from Brazil and during my journey to learn English I watched your videos and understood very little, but now I can understand 90% of what you say. It's a great feeling. 🥰
Parabéns!
@@playervictoria Obrigada !!
Robin is the kind of guy to write a ton of books and never tell anybody
Hahaha I truly have barely mentioned my book in the last like 300 uploads 😂
@@RobinMacPhersonFilmshaha, that counts! 😂 nice advice btw!
Totally 😂😂 hahaha
I'd love a multilingual book club! I think I did the last one you did and read a graded reader in Mandarin. My Mandarin has kind of languished; I'm partway through a 600-character graded reader but haven't picked it up in ages and who knows what I've forgotten! I could use some motivation.
I do read a ton in German, Spanish, and Portuguese, and a bit in French and Dutch, and have been working up to Italian (though haven't yet read an actual book in that language). Reading is my main maintenance tool, but also kind of a goal in itself. Trying to up my non-English reading from a bit over 20% to more like 40% next year, but have no plan for the distribution of languages.
It's so great to see you back again. Language Learning was the reason I started watching your videos a few years ago.
Greetings from Chile!
I'm so glad you're still here watching my videos! There will be lots of lovely language learning videos, adventures, and stories coming this next year and I can't wait to share them with you ☀️
Oh i would love a month long language challenge.
Woohoooo, you know what - we're DEFINITELY doing this! And it's going to be great ✨
Commenting before I even watch this video to say that I’m so happy you’re back! 🧡 I discovered your channel a few years back, and I’ve always found your videos so inspiring. I’m very skeptical when it comes to language learning channels, but you’re one of my very few favorites!
I binge watched a bunch of your language videos last year and loved them. Definitely helped me ease up and not be so rigid with language learning. The last few months I’ve been deep into instructional design, graphic design, etc and haven’t been studying. I’ve been trying to ease back into keeping up with French & learning Spanish. I have to remind myself that even 5 minutes is better than no minutes!
Welcome back, Robin! 🎉 About 4-5 years ago when i had just started out with my Spanish learning i was often watching your videos for inspiration. Can report - it payed off on so many levels to have stuck with it! I just came back from a business trip to Mexico and my "I learn Spanish just as a hobby"-level was more than enough to have so many lovely encounters and sound professional as well. ❤
Oh yes, I'd totally LOVED if you would please do another read-along/bookclub with a Spanish book (Agustina Bazterrica for instance?) or a language challenge! 🤩
Love your glasses! Love your cozy room! So good to have you back, really. I needed this. Well, I'm in a tricky spot with learning languages. My motivation is quite low right now, and I've been doing just the bare minimum every day. I'm starting Russian for a change of scenery (I've been always curious about it), but I'm not sure how it'll go. I try not to put too much pressure on myself, though. As you said, I'm really embracing uncertainty.
By the way, the multiligual book club was something that helped me a lot -- it got me into reading in target languages, and I'm forever greateful to you for that. So, I would love to have such book club activity in whatever form possible in the future. No pressure, though. I'm just happy to have you back -- it's so exciting. You've been my inspiration for language learning, so I hope your return reignite my motivation.
Larisaa thank you for another wonderful and heartwarming comment! I'm sorry I took a while to reply on the previous video, I've been slowly working my way through and I'm determined to reply to every comment because each one truly does make me so happy. It really is very touching that my new videos are coming at a good time, and that they mean something to you ☀️ Let's get your language learning situation figured out - I know you can do this 💪🏼 Please feel free to share the things you're struggling with, and keep me updated throughout all the new videos, and I'm sure we can get you through it ✨ I think starting Russian sounds like a great idea, especially since you're having some motivation challenges and have always been curious about that language. This can definitely be a really nice way to find a spark to light some new fire ✨🔥 For me, I find that tracking down some native content you really love in that language alongside your studies can be super helpful here, too. Movies or TV dramas? Just enjoy it with subtitles. Music? I often don't even understand what they're saying at that stage, but just love the melody and the sounds 😂 But I find this gets me really motivated, because I'm like "Ahhh I CAN'T WAIT to be able to understand these shows and films! To talk like them! To sing these songs myself!". I'm not sure if that's helpful, but just some thoughts!
I am also really happy that the multilingual book club was helpful to you! I'm so glad it got you into reading in target languages, and I am determined to help reignite your motivation now. Let's make this the most epic and wonderful new season of content as we fly into the new year nice and strong! 💪🏼🔥✨
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms Thank you so much for your advice! I'll be looking forward to your new videos✨
What a nice surprise to have coffee with you this morning. I feel excited, like I have friends on my language learning journey. I am happy to know you are doing well.
I would enjoy some month challenges and more. ❤
This video is perfect for me right now. I’m just getting back into my languages after like 2 years because of school. And I know setting a daily goal will probably demotivate me because I’m still bogged down with my thesis and classes. I think this mindset will help me enjoy the process more.
Embracing uncertainty was the best thing I did, and not just with language learning. this video was so relatable. Looking forward to find out what’s the new language ☺️
I love this. This is basically what I've recently decided to do as well after taking a break from coding. Somehow I feel that once I allow myself to fall in love with languages again and spend quality time with them, I'll find deep inspiration to build apps that will help others to do the same, and I'll get back to software engineering but for all the best reasons. For now my aim is just to enjoy the languages I put aside for so long and I'm having the best time.
There's a literary magazine called SS Reed's Story Fiction, and there's a section in Volume 4 talking about language learning and the Japanese novel Kamogawa Runner. Your name is specifically mentioned as an inspiration.
Waaaa really!? 😲 That's so cool! 🥹 Thanks for letting me know, Kirby!
I feel that both you and I have a lot of things in common. At this time, I’m in another country, trying to find happiness and embracing uncertainty. I’m looking for a new job, studying English and Spanish and trying to find time to conciliate these goals. You’re an inspiration for me.
I've sadly fallen out of the habit of learning a language in the past years. But when I heard you say "language challenge" that really sparked my interest. I'm in!!!
I love how relatable your videos are! You show the struggles that we all go through in language learning and that's what makes you so down-to-Earth. Thank you!
this year has been full of uncertainty for me lol. recent graduate, no job, just doing the best to get by. thank you for this video :)
Lovely to see your journey robin
Thanks for being a part of it, Alex!
What a nice surprise to see you here again! Lately I was rewatching the daily videos in the morning while drinking coffee. But new content is much better!
Hi Robin! It's so nice to see you back again and excited for your newest adventures in life!
I've been learning french on and off for YEARS but haven't studied at all for the last 2/3 because i had to prioritise other things. I do really miss it though and want to start again in the new year. Occasionally I'll flip through a book in French, and listen to french pop, so at least I'm staying familiar with it :)
I have just started a course on data analytics, so I am just settling into that. It does make you realise just how precious time is when there's so much you want/ need to do!
Yes!! to all the ideas of you leading us in challenges! Welcome back!
I have been watching you on repeat for a long time. I am glad you are getting back to it. 🎉
ok now I beleive you are back as this is the 2nd video- I should give thanks I TRULY FEEL YOUR VIDEOS are the best on language learning....you clearly have done what you are teaching us about. You need more PLANTS....Do a VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING YOUR BOOK...what are some chapters??? Ideas from it?
Oh wow this is such a wonderful surprise!! Welcome back Robin 🙌
Ten seconds in, and I've got to stop your vid to say: "Rob-i-i-i-i-i-i-in!, OMG! I was thinking about you just this morning, lamenting, 'Oh well, I guess he moved on; I wish him well.'" And, here you are!!! Welcome back, bro! Or should I say: 'Welcome back, Mate, chuffed to bits!!' ... Well, back to the show ...
Aww this is such a lovely comment to read, thanks for absolutely making my day, mate! I’m chuffed to bits over here as well!! I’m so grateful you stuck around and didn’t forget about me! I actually made a video a couple of weeks ago explaining my absence - I think quite a lot of people didn’t get it in their feed but the response has been so lovely and things seem to be really be picking back up already! I’m so happy, man! Thanks for being here and for all the support!
So glad to see you back! Unfortunately I’ve had a big obstacle to my language learning (my first love) and that is I’ve had 4 strokes. I have to put a lot more time in to get the same results now, but I love languages so it’s worth the effort. Thanks for being so inspiring!
Robin, you should try polyglot beats here on youtube, it's stories read sentence by sentence, first sentence in original English then one in target language (there are lots of languages in playlist to try from), it's always good way to get some language learning in when just walking... soooo happy you are back and doing more language learning content! Your videos are the most cosy, I want the coffee mugs back! Coffee/tea and languages, best combo in the world!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Somehow I'd never come across that channel in my language youtube travels, thanks for that tip, what a goldmine!
Robin is a pleasure see you again my friend thanks for you tips
Glad to see you back Rob! I have been maintaining my languages for the last 4 years. However, I keep on debating if I want to get back to basics and focus only on Russian and Swedish for one year or maintain the schedule I already have .
I just want to be more consistent with reading, my ornithology courses, and keep up with language learning consistency.
I'm very excited to hear you'll be talking about languages again. Since watching your videos when I started Spanish, I've now reached a level where I can speak ok, and I'm starting to listen to a lot of French, but still keeping it at a manageable level.
As far as time, I just squash all I can into my day and hope it fits.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this language video! And wow that’s amazing, CONGRATULATIONS on your Spanish improvements, that’s a really big milestone and definitely something to be proud of! I’m excited for you with your French journey as well, and would love to see updates on how it’s all going in the comments over this next year! Keep up the great work, it’s clearly paying off 💪🏼
I like this new casual yet highly edited approach to random things worth filming around the neighborhood. Increases the Mr. Rogers vibe somehow.
I'm not sure if I like that the whole video is a tease for the next video... but it's fine. It's good to see the channel warming up to release regular content again.
I love the way you described the approach for this video! I truly love making more cinematic or documentary-style pieces with more thought-out stories and points, but those also take so long to create and so I decided for now to try this approach so that I can remove that extra friction of simply making delightful content. So it really is encouraging to read that you actually enjoyed this format! I'm sorry you felt the video was a tease for the next one, though - that genuinely wasn't the intent at all! This was intended to be its own video about me getting back to languages, and how I'm going to be embracing uncertainty when it comes to my previous languages, and wanting to share a little bit of how meaningful those languages are to me and some things I'm excited to return to at last. And there's definitely an element that you touched on, me wanting to warm up and finally be publishing regularly again. Perhaps this is one of the downsides of me not having spent as much time planning and writing beforehand, I'll definitely keep this in mind because I never want people to feel like the video didn't fully deliver. Thanks so much for this really helpful comment and feedback!
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms You're doing great man. I've been following your story for years and will keep following whatever direction you take next. I'm really excited to see your animation skills sneak in too. Not planning and scripting a video about embracing uncertainty makes perfect sense, and I'm glad that you published it. Leaving your new language as a reveal for a different video is totally fine. It leaves something in your mind that you still want to say, which fuels more content, which reinforces the publishing habit, which leads to new epiphanies, experiences, and excellence. I'm here for the journey, and it seems like we both have something to look forward to.
I’ve really missed your videos and your handsome face :) they have a calming effect on my busy mind x
Hello there,
I believe that enjoying the process is important and makes the journey less painful. I'm currently studying many other things unrelated to languages and in so many moments of my day I stop to think if it still makes sense to keep learning so hard a lot of things simultaneously. I think this reflection is important because the world often romanticizes a busy routine packed with obligations and endless tasks. But sometimes, all we really want is to focus on learning a single language or taking just one course at a time.
But I'm grateful to be still enjoying everything that I'm studying at the moment even tho I would like to have more time for language learning. Watching you with all the books that were part of your learning process reminds me of when I read Harry Potter in English for the very first time... so a warm feeling lol
Cheers from Brazil! By the way, I’m excited to hear about the new language you’re studying!
You’re back back!
I really am back back! 😍
No plans is the best plan when we don’t really know the future 🙌 and mmh, maybe Vietnamese? Can’t wait to see you begin to learn a new language!
After burning out from my career, I decided to take a break and started learning how to paint. I’m surprised how enjoyable it’s been, it’s a nice change of pace 😊
It is awesome that you are back to
Languages!!!!❤❤❤❤
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the new ones.
Im learning English for threeish years to this point. Mainly by myself: just watching youtube videos, cartoons, rarely films and, sure, by reading lots of books. I've read the entire Harry Potter series (and watched films) and many more. I believe that the best approach to learning a language is lots of input.
I'd like u to organize some language challenges and also to film the video about comprehensible input and what u think about it😊
Greetings from Russia❤
Your English is great! Especially for only 3 years of study - good work! 👏🏻
@bethb5915 Thanks
Will you document every step you make on learning que new language?
i'm trying to start learning french, but I cannot find that way that feels the correct and not be boring to death in the process...
Maybe its a sign from the universe, to give a try to adapt your approach in the new serie to my learning path :)
anyway... I'm already waiting for your next video!!
see ya
¡Que bueno verte de vuelta!
I just registered for another year of studying languages with Coffee Break Languages.
Glad you're back you're such an inspiration for me thank you :) 🥰
Right now I’m starting Hungarian and I’ve been working on Japanese for about a month now off and on and I’m enjoying it. I’m just taking my time. I’m not rushing anything I don’t really have a deadline or anything like that in regards to these two languages I’m hoping by 2028 then I would be at a high level of speaking to understanding in both Hungarian and Japanese. I gave up my podcast show and focused on other hobbies. I’ve read about 110 books this year last year at 96 bucks and I’m mostly doing sci-fi fantasy romance, biographies memoirs, etc I’ve watched a lot of documentaries and movies lately TV shows and I’m just enjoying life. I got myself out of debt credit card debt. I increased my income. I moved into a new place two years ago. I have a new guy dog my old ones retired and living in Oregon and I’m doing OK for the most part.
yes, please bring back multilingual book club!! 🙏
Yes, please! They were so cool!
I started learning English again from today. I’ve been studying by myself so far. But I don’t know if my English is how progressing. I'm so glad that you came back on here today, didn't you?😆😆😆😆
It's so nice to read that you came back to learning English today! And thank you so much for welcoming me back 😀 I'm sure you are progressing, and if you're looking for community, feedback, and a nice place to track your profress, Journaly really is a lovely place for that where I know everyone would welcome you! ☀️ journaly.com
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms Thank you for your advice ✨I’d like to try it!
Independent language learning is quite tricky to fit into tons of other commitments and life curveballs, I think a key is to plan it first and then let the uncertainty and chaos settle around it. Easier said than done though...
Hello Robin! It's my first time leaving a comment on your video but I have been watching a lot of your content 2 years ago. I always resonated deeply with your learning methods, your approach and personality. For me it was the very first time back then, seeing videos of someone having a similar approach to language as I do. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
As for embracing uncertainty: I can totally relate to that approach. It has been 4 years since I started learning Korean and I always focused on enjoying the process as it is, in the very moment. I never set goals, amount of time I'd like to study per week or made plans. I also went according to hkw i felt on an almost daily basis. Of course I was eager to have a conversation in Korean, or be able to understand some specific content, but it was rather something I was looking forward to than goals. Now it's been 4 years and I'm still enjoying the journey. I am absolutely convinced that if you do what your heart tells you, you will naturally do what is right. What I've loved about that approach: you don't know where this journey will bring you and if you embrace uncertainty it will feel amazing. Uncertainty can be beautiful if we lean into it when it comes to language learning but also to life. I cannot wait to see your journey embracing uncertainty and to see if your experience is similar to mine or different. Either way I will stay tuned!
Also: I'd love community activities or a book club! But make sure it does not take to much of your time if you go for it! We do not want to be the reason for you to not have time to study your new language ☺️☺️
Thank you for sharing your experience with language learning. I am so curious about your approach and will be interested to see how it goes for Robin also. I often feel I am moving at a snail’s pace in my language learning and need a clearer plan for myself. I have to run to work for now but would love to hear more and am happy to share my experience also. I am curious if there are certain habits you keep up or any suggestions you may be willing to share.
You are a wonderful writer too!💜
@@Mrs.L.44 Thank you very much for your kind words. I wasn't expecting any sort of reaction to my comment so this is a very pleasant surprise!
Since I don't set any goals and plans, my way of learning evolved (and still evolves) with time. I have one single habit that I have been keeping until now, which is reviewing flashcards. I don't really know why I have been sticking to that habit for so long. Of course it is useful, but more than that, I feel like it somehow just became part of my daily routine. As for the rest of my language learning habits, as time passed, I developed my own ways and methods. And depending on my mood and energy, I just pick up a method out of this "personal toolbox".
I rather choose what I WANT to do (in the very moment), than what I "should" do. Maybe I "should" focus on speaking if it's the area I am lacking the most. But here is my question: Do I really have to? Is reaching fluency the most important in language learning for me personally? Or do I rather want to focus on the journey itself and on playing with the language? For me, as someone who learns a language as a hobby, it's the latter. Someone else, for different reasons, might answer that question differently and what to focus solely on efficiency. And that's fine too! As for me, I am convinced that enjoying the process will lead to progress anyway. Maybe not as fast as, but progress will be there too. Because if you have fun, it is way easier to stick to it on the long term.
How about you? What is your focus and biggest motivation when it comes to learning a language? I would love to hear about your personal journey!
i´m getting my coffee and getting comfy😏 I´m currently in the beginning of my Japanese (language learning) journey trying not to leave my intermediate Turkish behind. I´ve been wanting to get serious about modern Greek too, but it´s kinda impossible to be doing two new languages with very fancy non-Latin based writing system/s at a time
Hey Robin,
not having a plan actually describes my language learning journey very well. If you need some advice on how to not have a plan and still kind of maintain your languages, feel free to reach out 😂
It's amazing to see you back! 🥰
It’s so amazing to BE back and to see your comments! 🥰 how are you doing in life!? I hope all is well!
What a wonderful surprise! Having you pop up on my feed. Welcome home old friend.
I’m doing quite ell in Spanish and now brushing up on French. I explore new opportunities as they preset themselves, Meetups and volunteer opportunities in the community. At 76 , there’s no need for a strict program. Doing what I enjoy.
saludos robin😊,es bueno para nosotros ver nuevo contenido y que genial que estés de regreso . en cierta medida empecé viendo videos acerca de aprendizaje de idiomas gracias a ti y aprendí mucho gracias a tu método de aprendizaje . también tengo necesidades de aprender otras cosas como practicar algún arte marcial , estudiar una carrera universitaria totalmente opuesta a lo que me gusta por ejemplo estudiar matemáticas 😅😅😅(que lo he esquivado muchos años) y pues nada..sin más que agregar quiero darte ánimos y por mucho que haya dificultades en el camino créeme que no estás solo en el camino .
It's good to see you back!
Thanks so much for being here! Let’s make this the most epic new season of content ever! 😀
Welcome back!!!
😍
Thanks so much!
I'm glad to hear that 🥹
Thank you! 🥹😊
YES! Bring back the multilingual book club.. Please
We missed you ❤
I miss you!!
Stop by Portugal one of these days 🙏
Brother no way!!! I’ve literally been thinking of you lately but thought we might have just totally lost touch, it’s so lovely to hear from you my friend! We absolutely need to get back in touch! ❤️
@ let’s do it! I’ll DM my WhatsApp
Great to see you back Robin, and not only in person, back in England too ! I'm not going to reveal your hometown but my wife and I were there a couple of weeks ago. I sent you a photo on your email, maybe you missed it. Anyway ,if you go back to visit do let me know and maybe we can meet for a coffee or a beer. Best wishes.Brian
It’s so lovely to hear from you, Brian! And it’s also delightful to be back in good old England! I’ll go and check my email for your photo, thank you for taking the time and care to send that. I’ll be sure to get in touch for a coffee or beer, looking forward to it! Warmest wishes to you and your wife
Yeah, another video!
I'm going to guess it's something totally new with no relationship to your prior languages, so Finnish if it's a European language and Vietnamese if an Asian language.
Woohooo that’s two new videos, which I think means we’re officially back now! 🎉 Very nice guesses! You’ll find out very soon 😄
I'm learning Korean!
Also learning Moho 14 and Blender for animation. I'm a traditionally trained 2d animator and I usually work in TvPaint. But drawing literally everything is too slow for what i want to do.
I think the move for me will be to do rough animations and tests in TvPaint, but most finished works will use Moho to some degree.
I plan to use Blender for environments and layouts.
Hi @sleepygallows! Wow that’s awesome, I am actually trying to become skilled with TvPaint! I’m still not super comfortable with it so ended up reverting back to Animate and Photoshop for my last few projects, but after my current animation I do plan to try and make the full switch over to TVP!
I can definitely relate regarding the slowness, though. I’ve heard good things about Moho and I know Blender seems to be a fantastic tool for environments and layouts. Please keep me updated on how things go! Is there anywhere I can see your work by the way? I always love supporting the animation community!
If you want to talk in Brazilian Portuguese, let me know. 😊 ❤ 🇧🇷 (Brazilian here) I am like you, I just want to start learning another language (now, Italian). It's gonna be good to see you studying again.
Wey nmms nos dejas con el jesús en la boca sin decirnos cuál idioma vas a aprender ahh 😭😭😭😭😭
But, esto llegó just in time cuz I'm literally just letting go of the idea that I have to stick to s language, and specially the uncomfortable, anxiety inducing feeling that comes with the restriction of learning and the freedom as well, idk, this feels very raw and true and honest and real, and like, humane, like you speak about you and the languages that come with you, and not the other way around, which makes me feel seen and heard and close to you, which releases pressure from myself, it helps me let go from the performing because no one has to, but ahg it's so weird and kinda inexplicable and how you just share it without having a solution to go to, or a target to aim for, it's just like, validating and supporting while we figure it out ❤
Gracias Robin ❤
Lovely video and perspective ❤ I'm guessing your new language will be Turkish! Hungarian would be my other guess :)
(issue solved, see thread)
My first encounter with UA-cam's auto dubbing feature, in a video about language learning 🤣
Apparently I (viewer) can't get to listening to the original unless I switch my VPN location to the UK or something...
Welcome back Robin ❤
Go to settings on this video and choose the original audio track - that hit me too :/
@@Adam-MonkeyIsNullThanks, it worked, you saved me 👍
Bahaha it’s so weird to imagine myself dubbed 😂 Did they at least give me a cool voice? 😬🤣 I’m glad you got the issue figured out, and thanks so much for the warm welcome! ☀️
@RobinMacPhersonFilms Noooo, it was some sort weird robotic (for me French because my phone is set to French) voice. Very very odd!
@@RobinMacPhersonFilms No you sounded like the off-screen German voice from the scene in "Die Another Day" when that South Korean guy (Zao) gets implanted foreign memories while his body is transformed through gene therapy 😅 Very weird. I survived 1 minute of it 😅
I have never felt that having a plan in language learning would be useful. The important thing is consistently spending time doing anything that you feel is upgrading your abilities in the language at that moment, whether it's listening, reading, speaking, or writing; and making sure you get a balance of these different skills. But although I don't use a plan, I do have an order I would recommend in learning a new language:
Beginner:
Phonology and orthography (or pinyin, in the case of Chinese), basic phrases that you will actually use, basic grammar (can use text book and/or videos), then get lots of comprehensible input (reading and listening), write down any phrases that you find interesting and that you think you will use. You can also start trying to have basic conversations with native speakers, if you want.
Intermediate:
Review and dive deeper into the phonology and develop a good accent, learn some more difficult grammar points, get tons of input, look over your list of phrases that you've compiled from time to time (you can do flashcards if you're into that, but I'm not), and most importantly at this stage: have fun. Find things to read and listen to (or watch) that you enjoy and that fit your level. At this stage, if you can find a native speaker who can help you regularly and correct your mistakes, that would be good.
Also, at the middle or upper intermediate stage, go to a country where the language is spoken for at least a month, if you can. You can do it earlier, but it will be most beneficial after you've mastered the basics.
Advanced:
Consume native content, and have lots of conversations with native speakers.
Welcome back.
Thanks so much! ❤️
Robin which was the new language you are going to study? I got lost 😅
coziest viiibes :)
Awww only the coziest vibes for the UA-cam family
I hope you’re learning Greek, because that’s the one I just started learning from zero!
Hi, is this video in spanish or youtube is translating this with an ai voice?
Oooh this is the new automatic dubbing feature UA-cam introduced 😅😓 you can change it in the video player settings! Please let me know if you have trouble finding it!
Hey ! What camera are you using to record your vids ? :)
Just communicating with you. How do you make it easy to study languages?
language learning😊
Mr Jonathan Gamble!! It’s so nice to see your comments again friend, thanks so much for still being here!
My guess: Turkish :)
Turkish was my first guess as well!
Me too!
Is the new language Urdu, by chance? ;). Yes, would love a language challenge (learning Spanish & beginning Arabic)
Maybe Swahili?
Awrsome! I wonder where you are... Finland ? Germany? :D
He's in England.
@bethb5915 wow! Cool 👍 thanks for the info
He said that he's in London
I'm going to guess ... Ukrainian. I have missed you on my Finnish journey.
Moro! Mites ne kieliopinnot etenee?
I need advisor to help me learn spanish. Do you think you can help. I can pay. it's really that simple.
The way I got myself to B1 in Spanish -
1 - I used the Mimic Method essential sounds of Spanish master class to learn the sound system of the language, and UA-cam videos to learn the rolled R.
2 - I then used Rosetta Stone
3 - I then used Pimsleur (2 and 3 can be done at the same time, if you have about 2.5 hours daily)
4 - I've read the first Harry Potter book
I'd probably be B2 if I would consistently practice and use what I've learned...
Where ‘s this? Ukraine?
Your new language is Georgian, that's for sure