Did you know? Just by knowing 625 basic words, you can understand and communicate 80% of your daily life. That’s why we need to change the way we learn languages.
Learning a new language is often seen as difficult and time-consuming. But the truth is, learning doesn’t have to start with reading thick textbooks or memorizing complicated grammar. You can start speaking by using the most essential words and sentences—and that’s the key to a new language learning method that many language experts have proven to work.
Why Traditional Language Learning Doesn’t Work
- Too much time and resources:
Many courses focus on studying every grammar point in detail or unnecessary difficult vocabulary, which wastes time and motivation. - Not relevant for real-world use:
You may learn words or structures that are not relevant to real-life situations. - Lack of clear goals:
“Learn to complete” studies without specific goals leads to unclear outcomes, and most people feel that they are “not improving.”
The 80/20 Principle in Language Learning
The 80/20 concept or Pareto Principle is to focus on the 20% of the most important things that will produce 80% of the results in your communication, such as:
- 625 Basic Words:
These are the words you encounter and use most often in English (e.g. good, work, help, start) and can help you understand and respond to up to 80% of conversations without learning complex words. - Basic sentence structure:
such as asking a simple question (“What time is it?”) or making a clear statement (“I need help with this project.”) - Goal-aligned practice :
If you have to use English at work, start with vocabulary or phrases that are relevant to your field, such as meetings, explaining ideas, or negotiating.
Note: Did you know? Why you need to know only 625 basic words?
Referring to the book Wyner, G. (2014). Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It, Gabriel Wyner suggests an effective approach to language learning, starting with learning 625 basic words, which have been carefully selected based on the principles of frequency of use and variety of everyday situations.
These vocabulary words are designed to help learners build a strong foundation in the target language by emphasizing recall through visual associations and systematic repetition, strategies that stimulate long-term memory and rapid application.
The concept was developed with reference to psychology and language learning science. Wyner points out that starting with the most frequently used words allows learners to understand everyday conversations more quickly, and is an important first step towards developing more advanced language skills.
How to get started to see the fastest results
1. Set small but specific goals:
- Practice 10 new words per day with example sentences.
- Practice speaking in common situations, such as introducing yourself or ordering food.
2. Use a variety of learning techniques:
- Listen-Speak before Reading-Writing: Focus on listening and imitating sounds to build confidence.
- Active Recall Vocabulary Practice: Use Flashcards to Stimulate Recall and Test Yourself
3. Practice using it immediately in your daily life:
- Try simple communication with your colleagues or answer simple questions with AI.
AI: Assistants make language learning faster and easier
With modern AI technology, especially the advent of Generative AI such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and others, if you use it, you will benefit from it to practice your language skills. You will be able to:
- Analyze your most frequently used words: AI will recommend words that are relevant to your specific goals.
- Check your pronunciation: Practice speaking and get instant feedback
- Practice virtual conversations: Let AI create real-life situations, such as conversations in meetings, presentations, and more.
Case Study: Learn to Speak English in 30 Days
“Thawachchai”, a marketing manager of a famous company in Bangkok, once had trouble speaking English at an international meeting. He started by learning basic vocabulary and practicing short conversations via ChatGPT for just 15 minutes a day. Within 30 days, he was able to introduce himself and present ideas in meetings with confidence!
Conclusion
“Being good at languages is not difficult. It is difficult because we do not know the right and proper way to start.”
Start today by knowing just the essentials.
Learning English isn’t hard if you know how to start right. Just focus on key vocabulary and sentence structures, spend a few minutes a day, and open your mind to AI technology that will help you overcome this hurdle faster.
