Who has success stories with the "Language Parent" method outlined in the famous Poly-Glot-A-Lot video?

Our take

In the realm of language learning, the "Language Parent" method, as introduced by Professor Jeff Brown in the captivating Poly-Glot-A-Lot video, sparks curiosity and conversation. This approach emphasizes the value of engaging with a native speaker who can provide comprehensible input for two hours each week. While the concept is intriguing and promises results, especially when combined with other learning strategies, the practicalities raise questions. Can you realistically find someone willing to converse in their native language for that time? How do you approach a friend, coworker, or family member for this favor? Brown's own success across seven languages, including Arabic, hints at feasibility, but real-life experiences are essential to gauge effectiveness. Have others navigated these waters? What strategies worked for them, and how challenging was it to secure their "language parents"?

In this video which I imagine many of you have seen, Professor Jeff Brown outlines an interesting and attractive way to learn languages, where you find a "language parent," or someone who basically will just work with you directly on giving you comprehensible input (his recommendation is 2 hours per week with this person!).

It seems like a great method and one that produce a lot of results especially when paired with other things, but my question is, has anyone actually managed to do this? It seems like a huge ask to have somebody just free-ball in their native language for two hours a week with you, even if you're offering the same with English. And it seems especially difficult to request this favor from a family member, coworker, or friend who isn't getting anything out of the exchange. Yet, Jeff Brown in the video mentions like 7 languages he says he's done this with, and he includes footage of him doing it with Arabic in the video, so clearly it's possible.

Have folks done this? What was your method? How hard was it to find "language parents"? Was it effective?

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#language evolution#philosophy of language#humor in language#creative language use#Language Parent#comprehensible input#language learning#Jeff Brown#language acquisition#native language#study method#multilingualism#language exchange#learning method#practice sessions#interaction#family member#co-worker#friendship#Arabic