As a polyglot, I love languages, and I simply adore diving into a new language or brushing up on some language skills. It’s no strange thing to find me practicing Turkish one day and flaunting my love languages with some Italian the next. But I realize that for many people, mastering even one additional language at a time can seem overwhelming.
Many of the people I help with language learning and choosing a language-learning app have told me they don’t know how someone can learn more than one language at the same time, but trust me – you can!
Here’s how.
Is It Possible to Learn More than One Language at a Time?
It is absolutely possible to master more than one language at one time. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee, and you shouldn’t hop out and sign up for another language course in a different language when you are already struggling with the grammar and pronunciation of the first language you started learning in addition to your native language.
There are a few factors that will determine whether you can learn more than one language at the same time, but with practice and dedication, it’s totally doable.
So how do you know whether you should try to learn more than one language at the same time? Here are a few challenges to look out for.
Enjoyed the article? Check out more listed below:
5 Challenges to Learning Multiple Foreign Languages
Several obstacles may keep you from learning a foreign language, but these become even more amplified when you are trying to learn more than one language at a time.
I know when my son began learning German, he was quite worried that he wouldn’t cope as he was already focused on another foreign language in addition to his home language.
Here are some of the concerns he had that we managed to overcome so he could continue his language-learning journey on two fronts.
Learn languages quickly with Mondly Premium. Learn the language you’ve always wanted to learn. It’s fun, fast, and easy!
1. The Fear Doubles
It’s scary to try and learn a new language. Every word sounds strange and well … foreign. You may begin feeling afraid of opening a language book or listening to an audio recording if it’s not in a language you already speak and understand.
Imagine listening to two very different languages that you know nothing about at this stage! It’s pure chaos, right? If you give in to the fear, it will be, but it doesn’t have to be.
Cut fear down to size by dividing the languages into manageable sizes and portions. Never exceed what you can manage in one session. A journey of a gazillion miles begins with a few steps (sorry for the appropriation Lao Tzu).
2. You Need So MUCH Time
A common myth is that people who learn a new language spend hours on it daily, but this isn’t always true. Just because you are learning two new languages at the same time doesn’t mean you will work at those languages for 12 hours a day. You don’t need all day to learn those languages.
With discipline and dedication and a few minutes per day, you can learn a new language or two.
3. You’ll Need a Language Specialist
Language learning is a mythical ability to many people, and they probably think that if you are multilingual, you have had specialist training at some FBI or CIA academy (#NotTrue).
You don’t need an army of language professors to help you learn a new language or build two new languages at once.
4. New Things Require Change
Children embrace change easily (their whole world is made of change), which is why they often master a new language so easily. My son flies through his German lessons, and he’s even picking up some of the languages I speak, just by listening.
When you learn any new thing, it requires change. Learning a new language changes not just how you speak, but also how you think. Word order, pronunciation, homonyms, and a range of ideas will challenge you, and these can make you believe you are the proverbial old dog that can’t learn new tricks.
Some languages, such as Russian and Japanese, even have their own alphabet or unique script. Imagine having to learn two writing systems simultaneously!
While change is scary, you can and will rise above it. All you need is motivation, dedication, and inspiration.
5. You’ll Start to Make Word Salad
Many people fear that when they start learning two languages at the same time, they will become very confused and mix the two languages into a word salad.
The Benefits to Learning More than One Language at a Time
If you’ve ever wondered just what will motivate someone to learn more than one language at a time, here are some of the incredible benefits to learning language in this way.
1. It’s Never Boring
Since you never dive so deeply into one language that you get bored, you can mix it up between the two languages you are learning and your home language, making the learning process much more interactive and fun.
2. You May Learn Faster
Depending on the languages you learn, you can find that learning more than one language at the same time is like a power gym session where your mind gets a super workout, helping the language centers of your brain develop much better.
3. Increased Communication Benefits
Perhaps you are living in a cosmopolitan community where you are trying to learn several languages of the local communities, or you perhaps work with people who speak different languages, and this is why you want to learn more than one language at once.
By combining the language lessons, you can tackle the same topics, such as greetings, ordering food, asking for help, etc., at the same time. You will develop conversational fluency in two additional languages at once.
Begin learning a new language with Babbel! 🌟 Unlock up to 55% OFF your Babbel subscription today!
5 Strategies to Help You Master Dual Language Learning
There are several great strategies I use to help me keep my head straight and focused when I learn more than one language at the same time.
1. Different Language, Different Day
I love baking, and while I may often make more than one recipe at a time, I’d never stick the spoon from one recipe straight into the batter of the next. For me, I use the same approach in learning more than one language at a time.
By focusing on one language on Monday and the second language on Tuesday, alternating through the week, I manage to keep my two language batters from mixing.
Just like if you played two different sports, you’ll soon pick up the differences and avoid mixing them as your brain is perfectly capable of compartmentalizing what you learn.
2. Immersive Learning
Part of the strategy to separate the languages is to use different immersive material for each language. You can master Russian by listening to a Russian musician, while you may decide to work on your Greek by reading Greek newspapers and listening to Greek podcasts.
You essentially keep your savory and sweet brain foods apart by using different immersive materials. Your brain will thrive and easily know which is which language.
3. Flash Cards and More
Many language apps are gamified, and each has their own approach, which can work in your favor.
Perhaps you decide to study German on Duolingo, while you learn Spanish on Mondly. Each app has their own interface, and the competitions and exercises are different, helping your brain compartmentalize the languages you are learning.
Hope you like the article! Check out our reviews listed below:
4. Learning as a Habit
The amount of learning required for one language is intimidating, and much more so with two languages. However, the best solution to large volumes of knowledge is to make learning a habit. Study each chance you get.
Perhaps you can follow recipes in one of the languages while listening to the radio in the other. You can read on your phone while nature calls, and a glass of wine with a podcast is excellent use of your time while you soak in a hot bath after a long day.
Every minute that you’re not otherwise occupied can be a minute you learn something new in the new languages.
Consider using your language app on the morning bullet train, or enjoy an extensive session while you fly between continents for business. Anywhere and anytime will present learning opportunities to you.
5. Start with One Language First
Another clever cheat is to first start with one of the languages. Once you’ve had a couple of lessons and have some basic vocabulary and grammar in place, it will be easier to start with the new language.
Learn languages quickly with Mondly Premium. Learn the language you’ve always wanted to learn. It’s fun, fast, and easy!
Final Thoughts on Language Doubling Up
Learning two languages at the same time isn’t a nightmare, and you can absolutely achieve your language-learning goals in both languages without losing your mind. Use the strategies I explained, and also consider diversifying in what you use to expose yourself to the languages you’ve chosen to learn.
If you feel your motivation is wearing thin, you will instantly feel energized by spending some time speaking to a native in those languages. Consider using online tutor services, and you may find that by speaking more, you’ll learn about the language in ways you never thought possible.
Happy language learning!
If you enjoyed my article, please feel free to share it. Have any questions? Don't hesitate to email me!
Disclaimer: I select and review independently. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions that help support my testing at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure for more information.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up now to get the freshest updates on language learning and exclusive app deals delivered straight to your inbox!
