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To understand AnkiMaster, you need learn about three things:

  1. SRS (Spaced Repetition Software)
  2. Input-based learning
  3. Polyglots

Let’s go over each of these in detail.

What is SRS?

SRS, or Spaced Repetition Software, is a groundbreaking tool for retaining information efficiently. Anki, a popular SRS app, uses algorithms to help you memorize large amounts of information in a short time by spacing out review sessions at optimal intervals. This approach maximizes retention while minimizing time spent reviewing.

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SRS is becoming a revolutionary tool for learning new languages, although many students don’t know about it. Memorizing information is fundamental to learning new skills, especially languages. SRS is currently the best technology to help you memorize lots of information in the shortest time possible. Anki in particular is an extremely powerful SRS that can greatly accelerate your learning process.

Learning about Anki and incorporating it into my study routine was the biggest game changer in my journey with languages. I went from feeling overwhelmed and lost by so much new information to fluent and confident in a very short time. Thanks to SRS, it’s possible to reach a conversational level in months. This learning speed was impossible for most people 10-15 years ago.

Using SRS has completely changed the way I look at new information and devise strategies for learning it. I believe that SRS technology has the power to revolutionize how we learn languages, making it much easier to reach an intermediate or even high level in a very short amount of time. This was not possible just a couple of decades ago because of limited technology and access to appropriate language content.

The polyglot Gabriel Wyner popularized Anki with his Fluent Forever method, which emphasizes learning vocabulary and grammar without translation, using only images and example sentences. I’ve incorporated elements of the Fluent Forever method into the AnkiMaster system.

Input-Based Learning

Gabriel Wyner used a method of learning called input-based learning. Input-based learning focuses on immersing yourself in language through comprehensible input—listening, reading, and interacting with content you can mostly understand. One of the foundational researchers behind input-based learning is Stephen Krashen. Here is an old but very good video of him demonstrating input-based learning and explaining the core concept of comprehensible input.

Polyglots

My methods of learning have been strongly influenced by polyglots. I believe when learning a new skill, you should imitate as much as possible the habits and behaviors of the people who have already achieved what you want to achieve. Polyglots are the most successful people when it comes to learning languages so it would be a good idea to learn about their habits and behaviors. Polyglots are learning languages three, four, maybe even five times faster than a typical student taking language classes at a university. How can they accomplish so much in such a short time?

I’ve spent many years investigating this question. These are some of the best websites, blogs, and books that have helped me learn languages better, faster, and more efficiently.

The AnkiMaster Method

After years of trial and error with myself and my students, I developed AnkiMaster, a method that combines input-based learning with a structured flashcard routine. Initially developed during my time studying Japanese, I refined it further when I learned Spanish and eventually created the FluencyDB Flashcard Library to share this method with others.

The Core of AnkiMaster: Input + Flashcards

The method is simple and powerful. There are two core elements:

  1. Getting Input – This means exposing yourself to reading, listening, and watching content in your target language daily. It’s challenging at first, but this input gradually builds a foundation.
  2. Flashcard Study Routine – SRS flashcards complement your input sessions, helping you retain vocabulary and recognize language patterns faster.

Studying your flashcards makes the experience of getting input much more tolerable. When you are a beginner, you can hardly understand anything. It sucks. It makes you feel helpless and stupid. I understand. I’ve been there many times before. Fortunately, I discovered Anki. After using Anki for a few months I made noticeable progress. I found new hope. I stopped feeling stupid and started believing in myself.

Anki doesn’t do everything, but it takes care of two of the most difficult parts of learning a new language.

  • Ear Training – Anki helps train your ears to recognize new sounds and distinguish words in fast speech, an essential skill for beginners.
  • Vocabulary Building – Learning the most common 1,000 words gives you roughly 85% comprehension. With daily use, Anki can help you master these essentials in under a year.

The Snowball Effect: Gaining Momentum with Each Step

Once you have a strong foundation, your progress will accelerate. Language learning becomes like a snowball—starting small and gradually growing as you gather new words and phrases. Khatzumoto from AllJapaneseAllTheTime likened it to the video game Katamari. You start small. Most things around you are too big to pick up. This is the same as the language learning process. In the beginning, you just have to keep rolling even though you don’t understand much. After a while, you pick up enough small words and phrases and you don’t feel so small and helpless. After learning all these little words and phrases, it’s much easier to learn bigger, more complex things. At the same time, learning most words is just easier than it was when you first started. You pick up new words much faster. Spending time with the language is more fun and less overwhelming. When your vocabulary gets very good, then you become unstoppable. You understand almost everything.

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