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The Dojo · Methods
Language learning methods compared
The short answer
This page compares popular language learning methods by evidence, effort and fit for Asian languages, and gives each one a Kungfucius rating. Use it to pick a method or combine several.
Evidence: anecdotal · intermediate10000 sentences methodLearn a language by mining and reviewing around 10,000 natural sentences in an SRS, the idea popularised by AJATT (Khatzumoto).⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: anecdotal · allAJATT (All Japanese All The Time)Total self-made immersion: switch all media to Japanese and mine sentences into an SRS until Japanese is your default environment.⏱ Several hours (all waking time ideally)
Evidence: anecdotal · allAntimoon MethodTomasz Szynalski's antimoon.com approach: lots of input, SRS for correct sentences, and producing only what you know is correct to avoid fossilised mistakes.⏱ 1-2 h
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerAssimil MethodFrench course series (since 1929) using daily dialogues with parallel translation: a passive phase of listening and reading, then an active phase of translating back.⏱ 30 min
Evidence: moderate · beginnerAudiolingual Method (ALM)Mid-20th-century method of drills and pattern practice based on behaviourism, developed from US Army wartime training.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: anecdotal · intermediateBidirectional Translation (Luca Lampariello)Translate a target-language text into your native language, then later translate it back and compare with the original to notice gaps.⏱ 30-45 min
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerBilingual Method / Interlinear ReadingRead texts with a line-by-line or word-by-word translation so you can tackle authentic material early.⏱ 20-30 min
Evidence: moderate · beginnerCharacter PracticeRepeatedly writing or typing characters to build recognition and recall of hanzi, kanji or Hangul.⏱ 15-30 min
Evidence: limited · beginnerChorusingSpeaking simultaneously with a recording (or group) to copy rhythm and intonation.⏱ 10-15 min
Evidence: moderate · allCommunicative Language Teaching (CLT)Classroom approach prioritising meaningful communication over grammar drills; the mainstream since the 1980s.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: limited · beginnerCommunity Language Learning (CLL)Counselling-based method by Charles Curran where learners decide what to say and the teacher translates and supports.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: strong · allComprehensible InputKrashen's theory that languages are acquired by understanding messages slightly above your level; the basis of today's input-heavy self-study.⏱ 1-3 h
Evidence: moderate · intermediateContent and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)Learning a subject such as history or science through a second language, common in European schools.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: moderate · allDeliberate PracticeFocused practice on specific weaknesses with immediate feedback, based on Anders Ericsson's expertise research.⏱ 20-45 min
Evidence: moderate · allDual Language Learning (DLL)Learning content through two languages at once, typical of bilingual school programmes.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: limited · beginnerEchoingListen to a phrase, let it echo in your head, then repeat it aloud; Karen Chung's Echo Method for pronunciation.⏱ 10-20 min
Evidence: strong · allExtensive Reading (Kaufmann)Read lots of easy, enjoyable material without stopping to look up every word.⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: strong · intermediateExtensive Reading (Krashen)Read large amounts of comprehensible material for pleasure; strongly supported by research on graded reading.⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: limited · beginnerFluent Forever (Gabriel Wyner)Gabriel Wyner's system: master pronunciation first, then learn words through picture-based SRS cards without translation, then grammar through sentences.⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerForeign Language Roadrunning (Laoshu)Moses McCormick's approach: learn the basics of many languages quickly and get them out in real conversations with native speakers as soon as possible.⏱ Varies
Evidence: moderate · allFull ImmersionLiving where the target language is the only option, so every daily task becomes practice.⏱ All day
Evidence: limited · beginnerGlossika Method (Mass Sentence Method)High-repetition listening and speaking practice of thousands of graded sentences with native audio.⏱ 20-30 min
Evidence: anecdotal · allGoldlist MethodDavid James's paper-based method: write lists of 25 phrases, review after two weeks and copy only the ones you forgot to the next list.⏱ 20 min
Evidence: moderate · beginnerGrammar-TranslationClassic school method of grammar rules and translating sentences, best for reading and dead languages.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: moderate · intermediateIntensive ReadingClose reading of a short text, looking up and analysing everything.⏱ 20-40 min
Evidence: strong · allInterleavingMixing topics or skills in one session instead of blocking them, which research shows helps long-term retention.⏱ Applies to any session
Evidence: moderate · allIPALearning the International Phonetic Alphabet to understand and transcribe sounds precisely.⏱ 10-15 min (initially)
Evidence: moderate · allLanguage ExchangeSwapping practice time with a native speaker learning your language, in person or via apps.⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: anecdotal · intermediateLanguage LadderingLearning a new language through another foreign language you already speak, for example Japanese via Mandarin.⏱ Varies
Evidence: moderate · beginnerLanguage Learning with PicturesLinking words to images rather than translations.⏱ 15-30 min
Evidence: moderate · allLanguage TandemA structured, often academic version of language exchange with set roles and goals.⏱ 60 min
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerLanguage TransferMihalis Eleftheriou's free audio method of thinking through a language using what you already know.⏱ 20-30 min
Evidence: limited · intermediateLanguage WalkCombining walking with language exchange, so conversation flows more freely with movement and fresh air.⏱ 30-60 min
Evidence: strong · allLearning with FlashcardsPaper or digital cards for active recall of words and phrases.⏱ 15-30 min
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerLevelling up (Laoshu)Moses McCormick's term for approaching native speakers in public to practise and 'level up' your language.⏱ Varies
Evidence: anecdotal · beginnerMichel Thomas MethodAudio method where you join two recorded students in building sentences step by step, with no memorisation or notes.⏱ 20-30 min
Evidence: strong · beginnerMnemonicsMemory aids such as stories, images or the memory palace to remember words and characters.⏱ 10-20 min
Evidence: moderate · allNatural Language AcquisitionLearning like a child through meaningful input, the general idea behind Krashen's theories.⏱ 1-3 h
Evidence: moderate · allOutput Practice (Speaking/Writing)Actively producing speech and writing; Merrill Swain's output hypothesis argues it forces learners to notice gaps.⏱ 20-60 min
Evidence: limited · beginnerPimsleur MethodAudio lessons using graduated interval recall and prompting you to answer aloud.⏱ 30 min
Evidence: anecdotal · allRefoldStructured immersion roadmap evolved from AJATT, with stages from foundations to output.⏱ 1-3 h
Evidence: anecdotal · intermediateSentence MiningCollecting useful sentences from native content into SRS cards.⏱ 20-40 min
Evidence: moderate · intermediateShadowingRepeating native audio almost simultaneously to improve pronunciation, rhythm and fluency; associated with Alexander Arguelles and interpreter training.⏱ 15-30 min
Evidence: strong · allSpaced Repetition System (SRS)Reviewing items at increasing intervals just before you forget them; one of the best-evidenced learning techniques.⏱ 15-30 min
Evidence: limited · beginnerStoryLearning (Olly Richards)Olly Richards's method of learning through engaging graded stories, then moving to native material.⏱ 20-40 min
Evidence: moderate · intermediateTask-Based Language Learning (TBLL)Learners complete real-world tasks in the target language, with grammar learned along the way.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: limited · allTest progression method (Follow the official tests and study material)Use official exam levels (HSK, TOCFL, JLPT, TOPIK) and their vocabulary lists and textbooks as your syllabus.⏱ 30-90 min
Evidence: anecdotalThe Ikenna MethodApproach associated with YouTuber Ikenna; no reliable public description was found.
Evidence: moderate · beginnerThe Natural ApproachKrashen and Terrell's 1983 classroom method built on comprehensible input and low-anxiety communication.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: limited · beginnerThe Silent WayCaleb Gattegno's method where the teacher stays mostly silent and learners discover the language with coloured rods and charts.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: moderate · beginnerTone TrainingExercises to hear and produce tones, such as minimal pairs and tone pair drills, for Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Thai.⏱ 10-20 min
Evidence: limited · beginnerTongue Position TrainingExplicit articulation coaching to place the tongue and lips correctly for difficult sounds.⏱ 10 min
Evidence: moderate · beginnerTotal Physical Response (TPR)James Asher's method where learners respond physically to commands, ideal for concrete beginner vocabulary.⏱ Classroom-based
Evidence: limited · intermediateTranslationTranslating between languages to notice structural differences.⏱ 20-40 min