StoryLearning Podcast

Linda asks: "What do you think of using the  Laddering  technique to use one second language to learn another?" In this episode: The laddering technique When does it make sense to use one language to learn another? Similar languages, such as Macedonian and Albanian Crafty ways to meet native speakers of one language... using another language! Resources featured in this episode: Richard Simcott is...

Tamiyo asks: "When do you decide you've learnt enough and it's time to move on to another language?" In this episode: Why are you learning a language in the first place? When are you fluent enough? When should you move on to a new language? Resources mentioned in this episode: CommentCast  - see all the iTunes reviews of a podcast from around the world Random.org - choose a number or numbers at ra...

Davide asks: "I'm very fluent in English but there are still words I don't know. How can I learn them?" In this episode: Moving from fluent to advanced The law of diminishing returns Learning advanced vocabulary The importance of reading Resources featured in this episode: Three great websites that will help you read online in your target language. Lingua.ly  -  http://lingua.ly/  Collect new word...

Today's episode features a question from Ben: "I'm 17. Should I bother learning a language, when technology can already do so much for us?" In this episode: Technology is advancing quickly We're getting to the stage where technology can translate for us Is it still worth learning a language in 2015 with all this technology? Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clickin...

Today's episode features a question from Cecilia: "How can I learn a language that's completely different to my own?" In this episode: How can you learn a completely different language? Why closer languages are easier to learn The three keys: Time to get used to it Regular exposure Deliberate practice Today's featured resource  Talk In Arabic - a fantastic new resource for learning Arabic. Do you...

Today's episode features a question from Nicki: "I'm learning Turkish and Kurmanji, how can avoid confusing them on my trip to Turkey?" In this episode: What is Kurmanji and where is it spoken? The surprising roots of Turkish Learning 2 languages at the same time Soufflé and Baked Alaska Links and resources mentioned in this episode: Map of Kurdistan (click to enlarge):   Soufflé:   Baked Alaska:...

Today's episode features a question from John: "I recently learnt the word for Heathrow  in Chinese. How can I make sure I don't forget it?" In this episode: How can I learn a word that I've learnt recently? What kind of vocabulary should you prioritise learning? The memory techniques that will help you Links and resources mentioned in this episode: The Polyglot Gathering, Berlin 2015 Lang-8.com T...

Today's episode features a question from Tom: "I'm not getting anywhere with Russian cases. Can you help me make progress with this?" With special guest: Alex Rawlings . In this episode: What are Russian cases? How do they work? How to learn Russian cases Links and resources for Russian cases:   Today's featured resource Private Russian coaching with Alex - Zero to intermediate in four months. Do...

Today's episode features a question from Marcelo: "Now that I'm at an intermediate level of English, which is better - intensive or extensive reading?"  In this episode: What are extensive/intensive reading? What are the benefits of each? How language teachers use these approaches The "intermediate plateau" and how to break through Why speaking alone isn't enough to help you reach an advanced leve...

Today's episode features a question from Kevin: "How can I take vocabulary from songs and use it in my conversations?"  In this episode: The benefits of learning languages through songs How to re-articulate language from songs in everyday conversation How natural is language from songs? How songs work in different languages Songs as a tool for "discovering" language Strategies for learning songs:...

In today’s episode we feature a question from Terry: “Is it a good idea for me to learn three languages at the same time, or should I just focus on one?” In this episode: Is it possible to study three languages at the same time, and get good at all of them? Or should I just focus on one? Why depth and focus is the trick to making quick progress in a new language How to use the 80/20 rule if you do...

In today’s episode we feature a question from Adam: “How can I get back on the horse and keep myself motivated after a bad week of learning?” In this episode: What does it mean to “fall behind” in your language learning? Are your expectations realistic? Does it matter if you don’t study for a week? Whenever you find yourself getting frustrated, try being kind to yourself Whenever you find yourself...

In this episode I tell you a bunch of stories about how I went about learning the 7 languages I speak (8 if you include English!). These are: French – in Paris Italian – in Italy Spanish – in London Portuguese – in London Japanese – in Japan Cantonese – in Qatar (!) Egyptian Arabic – in Cairo In this episode: The story of how I learnt my languages How to win a free copy of my Language Learning Fou...

Welcome to the first ever episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast! I created the IWTYAL podcast so that I have the opportunity to help you with your language learning, beyond what’s possible on the blog. The podcast will be released twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursday, and this is the place for you to get a regular dose of inspiration and motivation with your language learning, so th...