Subconscious Language Learning

Recently, one of my Facebook friends sent me a message asking me what I thought of subliminal language learning.  I have always been interested in subliminal messages, NLP and affirmations and how they affect the brain and whether they work (I tend to believe they do) so my interest was piqued. 

There are a few different types of subliminal language learning. They are:

Audio subliminal language learning is accomplished by listening to tapes of foreign language vocabulary, conversations or positive messages about language learning that are heard just below the conscious hearing level.  An example would be listening to white noise or whale sounds while studying or resting while subliminal vocabulary words are placed just underneath these sounds, at the subconscious level.

Video subliminal language learning is accomplished by placing messages and information into the subconscious mind. The information is placed in the video’s audio track, just underneath where it will be consciously noticed by the learner. Also, words can be flashed on the screen to imprint on the learner’s mind. This could help with vocabulary recognition.

Language learning while sleeping is accomplished by making vocabulary recordings of the target language (the language you are studying) and the source language (your native language) using a CD or MP3 player. The audio should not be too loud so that you cannot sleep and should be set to repeat so that the vocabulary will be begin to enter your subconscious mind.

Basically, unlike the traditional form of language learning (where you study by reading and by memorization), subliminal language learning means that the information bypasses the conscious mind and embeds itself through repetition into the subconscious mind.

Subliminal learning can also be obtained using NLP, hypnosis and positive affirmations. NLP (or Neuro Linguistic Programming) is based on the principle that if you change your thoughts about something, you can also cause a change in action or results.  Created in the 1970s, by Grinder and Bandler, it was first used in a hotel lobby to quickly help people get over their “elevator phobia” within 30-45 minutes. When you have a thought that “I can’t do this”, NLP helps replace this thought with a more positive thought.

Hypnosis  differs from subliminal learning in that it sends you into a trance. However, the commonality between them is that they both access the subconscious mind.

Positive Affirmations are written or verbal positive statements that are repeated over and over again on a piece of paper or in your mind. For example, “I will be fluent in Russian in 6 months”.

Does subliminal language learning work? That is the question. On a small scale, I imagine it must.

Since I have been studying Mandarin for the past seven months and I have the entire textbook on CD, I have decided to give the “Language learning while sleeping” form of subconscious learning a try. While I haven’t tried hypnosis, I do practice NLP after taking a recent class on it earlier this year and I have used positive affirmations for many years in many phases of my life.  I plan to report back in two to three months on my findings.