Just remembered a language learning tip that I thought I'd share.

So you're learning a new language.

You're getting better.

There are many conversations you can have, and many where you still need to develop the vocabulary.

If you find yourself in a conversation that's flowing at a fast pace, you might want to try closing your eyes.

Just close your eyes and listen to what's being said and you may pick up on subtle distinctions you're missing with your eyes open.

Yes, you look like an idiot, and whomever's speaking with you will think, "why the hell is this idiot closing their eyes while they're listening to me?"

But with your eyes open, your mind is taking in all kinds of extrasensory information (the look on your interlocutor's face, their mouth, the evaluation you think they're making of your language skills when you make eye contact, background distractions etc.) that can distract you from your goal of understanding what is being said.

With those eyes closed, even though you look ridiculous, you've still got a better shot at precisely understanding what's being said in a rapid-fire improvised conversation.

As you understand more and more, your eyes open wider and wider, eventually getting to the point where you can take in all the extrasensory information while still understanding exactly what's being said, like you do with your mother tongue.

It works.

And does look foolish.

Whatevs I say.

Whatevs.