StoryLearning Podcast

Charlotte asks: "What's your opinion on removing English from flashcards altogether? Episode Summary: Arguments for having flashcards entirely in the target language: Avoid translation Learn to think in the target language Increased exposure to target language "Learn like a child" Arguments for having pictures on your flashcards: Visual memory is stronger than auditory memory Wyner: "It’s much eas...

In this episode, I chat with Mark Pentleton from Coffee Break Italian about the UK podcast awards! Episode Summary: The UK podcast awards Coffee Break Italian's nomination Filming behind the scenes How Coffee Break got started Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode: https://youtu.be/vTgrwPliQmY Coffee Break Italian on iTunes Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. T...

Quinton asks: "How can I prepare for my trip to China?" Episode Summary: What's the unique opportunity you'll have on your trip? Most likely, it's speaking, and the chance to speak a lot to people If you study characters, there's no particular benefit to being in China Take iTalki lessons every day and build up your speaking muscle Potentially find people to meet and practise with in advance Resou...

Meg asks: "How can I make my Russian sentences less English?" Episode Summary: The challenge you're facing is learning to express ideas the way a Russian would It's not just a linguistic thing - it's a cultural thing. Compare: Good Morning / おはようございます There's no shortcut to doing this - it's a long, gradual process If you want to express yourself like a Russian, you need to spend a lot of...

Andy asks: "Why am I still a beginner?" In this episode: Asian languages can take a long time to get used to 6 months seems to be the length of time it takes to become familiar with a new language If you're not seeing progress, you need to increase the frequency and depth of your learning Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly's YouTube channel - subscribe for regular videos from Hong Kong! Sta...

Tadeusz asks: "Do Chinese concepts of time differ from English?" In this episode: In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Parker. We discuss... How to express time in Chinese Potential confusion with English Similarities in Cantonese and Japanese Language Examples: Before and after, not really front and behind 5 years ago - 5年以前 = 5 years before (not really front) 5 years time - 5年以后 = 5 years...

In this episode, I look back on the last 3 months of learning Thai. In this episode: What I've done since returning from Thailand Is one lesson a week enough? Learning two languages at once Advice for a "minimum" time commitment Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly's YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/iwtyal Learn Thai Video Series: Click here Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki fo...

Rana asks: "How can you learn a language without traveling abroad?" In this episode: Traveling abroad isn't necessarily a good thing You can easily learn the basics of a new language from anywhere Get a good textbook & take online classes Plan a trip abroad later on, once you can speak Longer-term, the mosts important thing is to stay motivated in your learning Resources Mentioned in This Episode:...

Dave asks: "How useful are word frequency lists?" In this episode: A small number of words account for a disproportionate amount of use in spoken language But does it make sense to memorise the most frequent words? What about nuance, or context? Why a holistic approach is best - you'll learn those words naturally anyway Frequency dictionaries can be useful for filling in gaps Resources Mentioned i...

Syawal asks: "How can I enrich my vocabulary when speaking?" In this episode: Why we tend to use the same limited vocabulary when we speak Syawal's English is already strong, so we're talking about finer shades of meaning and expression How does a native English speaker enrich their vocabulary? Extensive reading is the ultimate way to expose yourself to new linguistic possibilities Combine that wi...

Ashley asks: "How do you stay safe when doing language exchanges?" In this episode: Making connections is the real joy of language learning My perspective as a man It's undeniable that some people are looking for more - just like real life! Just as in real life, you need to stay aware Corresponding in advance, talking about the terms of your exchange, and trusting your gut is probably best Beyond...

In this episode, I speak with Kevin about his fascinating journey to learn to read and write Japanese. Find Kevin's blog here . In this episode: How Kevin got started with Japanese Struggles in learning kanji Materials that inspired him Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Wanikani - a website for learning kanji Heisig's Remembering The Kanji book Memrise  - website for memorising vocabulary The j...

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Parts 1&2 yet, please do that first: Part 1 Part 2 In this episode: The "T" in the A.R.T. technique - Try! Trying out your new vocabulary in conversation is the last part of mastering it You need to get your new words off the page and onto the tip of your tongue Find a safe person...

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, click here to listen to it first! In this episode: The "R" in the A.R.T. technique - Repetition Why most people get Repetition wrong Techniques for introducing Repetition into your memory process Why automating the process of Repetition is a good idea The big danger to...

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. In this episode: Is your memory as bad as you think it is? My A.R.T. formula for memorising new words in any language Selecting vocabulary to learn The process of bringing attention (A.) to new words Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online...

Denise asks: "My class in the local English school isn't right for me. Help!" In this episode: Self-taught learners and language schools don't always mix It's important to be in the right level of class There maybe many opportunities to speak English locally Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly Richards' Fluency Mastermind Facebook Group Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for suppo...

Class asks: "How can I put together a study plan that works for me in Italian?" In this episode: Too much advice can lead to paralysis by analysis Stress is the enemy of learning It's important to stay connected to your original reason for learning Taking 3 weeks off to focus on enjoying the language can work wonders Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is...

Kento asks: "How can I make the most out of iTalki lessons?" In this episode: Decide what you're looking for in a teacher Avoid the trap of "just talking" Come to the lesson with a specific task to do For example: Describing photos Preparing a monologue or diary entry Transformation drills Summarising stories Finishing stories Resources mentioned in this episode: 5 Study Hacks That Are Working For...

Joy asks: "My boyfriend wants me to speak German, what should I do?" In this episode: Language and emotions are inextricably linked Friendships that begin in one language rarely switch to another You're lucky he's so supportive with speaking German! Try fixing a specific time when you speak German Resources mentioned in this episode: IWTYAL 029: I'm learning my wife's language Language learning wi...

In this episode, I'm joined by Shayna from Espresso English to talk about learning English grammar! In this episode: Does grammar matter? Why do students struggle to learn English grammar? Does learning grammar change at different levels? Tips for mastering English grammar Resources mentioned in this episode: Espresso English  - Shayna's awesome blog for learning English! Espresso English Podcast...

Anna asks: "What inspired you to learn so many languages?" In this episode: How I started learning languages My inspiration for learning more than one Why I felt encouraged and motivated by my success Tips for getting started Resources mentioned in this episode: IWTYAL 011: I'm 17. Should I bother learning a new language? Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalk...

Nicolas asks: "I'm getting frustrated with my Chinese. What should I do?" In this episode: Chinese is a difficult language that takes time and patience You can't compare it with learning French Tips for getting through the frustration: Make sure you're speaking as much as possible with people in your community Learn to read and write Chinese characters Book a trip to China Search for some new, int...

Angel asks: "How can I improve my advanced English even more?" In this episode: At the advanced level, you have so many options for studying Even native speakers face the same dilemma I recommend specialising in a field of life or work, so you can use English as a vehicle in a more academic setting Resources mentioned in this episode: Olly's YouTube channel - subscribe for lots of exciting new vid...

Innes asks: "I'm studying German with FSI. What are your thoughts?" In this episode: FSA and the audiolingual method Pros and Cons of the FSI method Who is it for, and should you use it? Resources mentioned in this episode: FSI Language Courses Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native spea...

Nicolas asks: "I've learnt European Portuguese. Can I switch to Brazilian?" In this episode: Comparison between European and Brazilian Portuguese Switching between varieties of Portuguese How to do it Resources mentioned in this episode: True language love is in the margins : A thoughtful piece from the Loving Language blog on what it means to choose a language to learn Olly chatting Portuguese wi...