StoryLearning Podcast

Andy asks: "I've found that texting really helps fluency in my target language...but does it work for everyone?" In this episode: The benefits of text chat in a foreign language Common expressions Natural interaction The ability to practice often Like speaking, but slowed down! Resources mentioned in today's episode: Olly on Periscope HelloTalk - my video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bix...

Shaghayegh asks: "How can I restart learning a language? I haven't studied for 3 months and I'm forgetting everything." In this episode: If you've taken time off, get right back to it! The language is still there in your head! Two focusing questions: What effective activity can I do for 15 minutes only? What did I used to do that was so effective? Resources mentioned in today's episode: Polyglot P...

Agnes asks: "I'm learning lots of languages, and it's going fine! Is it really a bad idea to learn more than one language at a time?" In this episode: Always follow your passions If you love learning different languages... keep going! High school and university is the ideal time to be learning languages Ellen Jovin - http://ellenjovin.com/ Adults often have a hard time learning a foreign language...

Greg asks: "How can I self-assess my progress in a language?" In this episode: How to self-assess when there's no exam or course Judge your progress based on goals Topic-based competency Resources mentioned in today's episode: Flashcards Deluxe Time Control - my brand new time management and productivity course for language learning! Tips for keeping track of where you're at - blog post on Multili...

Derek asks: "Even though I don't have much problem reading, I have a lot of problem speaking and understanding while listening. Sometimes I have to ask my colleagues to repeat or to tell me the word that I didn't understand, but if there are too many things that I don’t understand during a conversation then this approach doesn’t work very well, because then I'm not even able to tell which word tha...

Marie asks: "What software do you use to record your Skype lessons?" In this episode: What software I use to record Skype lessons Mac vs PC Should you record your lessons? What can you do with them? Resources mentioned in today's episode: ECAMM call recorder  (Mac) Pamela for Skype  (Windows) Article from Skype: How can I record my Skype calls? Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for sup...

Andy asks: "Is extensive listening effective?" In this episode: When listening to language too far above your level is unproductive i+1 and why it matters How the same podcast can be effective for beginners and advanced learners in different ways Is it still worth listening to advanced audio even if it's too hard? Specific tips: Listen to one piece of audio many times over Listen to things you're...

I answer the common question: "Do I need to travel to learn a language? In this episode: Against traveling: As a tourist, you will often find you are spoken to mostly in English Even if you are able to practise, it can be limited to simple exchanges – such as ordering in a restaurant or buying a train ticket People in certain countries are notorious for resisting helping you practise their own lan...

Last weekend saw the Polyglot Conference 2015 take place in NYC. In this episode I sit down with two of the organisers, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawlings to reflect on the event. In this episode: The Polyglot Conference 2015 NYC Come to next year's conference in Greece! Join the Facebook group for information about the 2016 conference: http://facebook.com/polyglotconference Start speaking today I’...

Hugh asks: "I'm trying to learn four languages, but I don't want to give any up. What should I do?" In this episode: The difficulty of learning 4 languages How to choose one language How choosing one languages leads to success Resources mentioned in todays episode: Episode 4 -  Can you learn 3 languages at the same time? Episode 25 - I'm torn between two languages Today's Quote: “Twenty years from...

Lanae asks: "I'm learning Japanese, but all the vocabulary I've learnt from books has been on restaurant vocabulary etc. How can I start speaking when I don't know enough to talk?" In this episode: You know you need to start speaking, but how? Why you can't rely on textbooks Why it's ok to skip large parts of your textbook Seeing speaking as the "end result" Speaking to learn vs. Learning to speak...

In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. For the first half of the discussion, see episode 51 . In this episode: What Luca's friends told him about their technology habits Can Duolingo and other language apps help? Gamification can help get people started in language learning, but is this a g...

 In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. For the second half of the discussion, see episode 52. In this episode: What Luca's friends told him about their technology habits Can Duolingo and other language apps help? Gamification can help get people started in language learning, but is this a...

In the last of a three-part series, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: The power of tiny How I learnt Cantonese during an extremely busy period in my life Why "1 hour" will put you off, whilst "30 seconds" will get you started! How to create micro habits so you can effortlessly get up and study any time and fill your day with...

In the second of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: How to use the power of the "One Thing" to make massive progress towards your goals The importance of saying "no" How to focus on your goals like a laser Resources mentioned in todays episode : Time Control - a brand new training course where I walk you...

In the first of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: Why goal setting is often overlooked, but is the key to everything How people set unachievable goals What a sensible goal looks like Defining your next-step goal Resources mentioned in todays episode: Time Control - a brand new training course where I wal...

Hugo asks in an iTunes review: "How do you maintain a good level in all your languages?" In this episode: Polyglots do not speak all their languages "perfectly" Level in a language is a fluctuating thing Why learning a language to a high level is the key How your need to use a language will influence your long-term success with it To maintain languages, doing small things little and often is the k...

Nathan asks in an iTunes review: "I have several native Afrikaner friends, however none of them are trained teachers. What is the best way I can help them to help me learn their language." In this episode: How I learnt Arabic with few resources and native speakers With friends, you need to set clear boundaries for language learning Begin with learning to talk about yourself and familiar things Sim...

Terry asks: "What's the best way to study in-between lessons in order to consolidate what you've learnt?" In this episode: What's the main purpose of a language lesson? How lessons, for me, are the place to practise, not to "study" How to use your time in-between lessons to consolidate what you've learnt Resources mentioned in todays episode: Are you wasting your money on language classes?  - This...

Terry asks: "I've been taking regular Chinese lessons with iTalki , but should I stick with one teacher, or have a variety?" In this episode: Why focusing on one thing can be the most beneficial How to get "glimpses of mastery" Why sticking with one teacher is probably your best bet Resources mentioned in todays episode: How To Get S*** Done - how to harness the power of one thing to bring you the...

Chiara asks: "Is it still worth doing a degree in languages? Is there still a role for language teachers in a rapidly changing world? In this episode: Why a language degree is a great thing to do My experience at university and what I got from it The role of language teaching in a world with ever-increasing technology Resources mentioned in todays episode: The Business of Language podcast - #6 Int...

Wendel asks: "I need to learn a 3rd European language, but none appeals to me. What should I do?" In this episode: What's a good reason to learn a new language? The dangers of learning a language you're not passionate about How to decide on a new language to learn Resources mentioned in todays episode: IWTYAL 025: I'm torn between two languages British Council "Languages for the future report" Sta...

In this episode, I discuss how introverts deal with learning foreign languages. In this episode: I am an introvert by nature, despite what you may guess from my public persona! How I suffer from shyness in groups How this has impacted my language learning Why living abroad hasn't been a "no-brainer" for me How I nevertheless enjoy speaking, and base my language learning on speaking with people I g...

One reader asks: "I want to try my hand at reading a book and wondered what you would recommend?" In this episode: The problem with children's books... Intended for children Low-frequency vocabulary What kind of books are best to read... Graded readers (not parallel texts) Short, non-fiction books on a topic that interests you (e.g. biographies, how-to books) Any book you've already read, translat...

Alex asks: "How should one go about gathering together language learning materials when there are none?" In this episode: Here are my suggestions for finding materials for minority languages: Reach out to people who have learnt the language before - there will be more than you think. Use Google to search for people, groups and blogs Even if there is little material, use what you can find. You can...