StoryLearning Podcast

In this episode, Olly continues a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. Click here to listen to part 1 The Rules: Rule 4: Never take language learning advice from native speakers (watch movies, read translations, read kids books) Rule 5: Same study routine every day (discipline in the small things gives you freedom in the bigger!) Rule 6: Look for "...

Kristin asks: "How can I learn vocabulary from reading without stopping every 5 seconds?" In Today's Episode: Consider this analogy: When you're pushing yourself on the treadmill and working hard, it can get uncomfortable. However, you keep going because  you know it's doing you good. Try to extend that analogy to the act of "reading without stopping". By keeping reading, without stopping to look...

Simon asks: "How can I use storytelling with my students?" In Today's Episode: Anecdotes are stories... Providing continuity between those anecdotes would be great if possible. The key with storytelling is to motivate, interest and captivate your students Stories don't have to follow a structural approach , so don't worry about teaching specific grammar up-front Teachers can observe students' reac...

David asks: "How many words can you learn per day?" In Today's Episode: In language teaching theory, 8-12 new words a day is often used as a rule of thumb How many words you learn in a day isn't a great measurement of progress in a language It's impossible to control when a word is actually learnt The most effective way to learn vocabulary is in the context of the "whole language" - i.e. through l...

Ron asks: "What's the best way to learn verb conjugations?" In Today's Episode: Here are what are the big-picture principles for learning and memorising verb conjugations in Spanish or any other language: Make sure you're getting lots of exposure through listening and reading - learning verb conjugations ultimately will come down to whether you can get used to the language through a lot of exposur...

In this episode, Olly introduces his new project to learn Italian! In Today's Episode: Note: For full show notes, please visit the main blog post introducing the project . To view the "mission control" for the Italian project, including all the resources I'm using, click here: Italian Project Resource Page S tart Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free...

In this episode, Olly speaks with Shannon Kennedy from Eurolinguiste.com . In Today's Episode: Minimalism in the language sphere Introversion and shyness, and how it affects the learner Moving from Romance to Asian languages https://youtu.be/iwPu0WoNpFQ S tart Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwill...

Luca asks: "Are you changing your view on the best way to learn a language?" In Today's Episode: Luca's noticed an evolution in the way I've been talking about language learning on the podcast He finds a Krashen-esque "input-based" methodology to be the most effective and wonders if I'm becoming a convert to this I've found my experiences influenced a lot by the languages I've been learning In cer...

Christy asks: "How can I get better in English conversation?" In Today's Episode: Studying and acquiring vocabulary is just the beginning You learn to communicate in a foreign language by actually communicating Communication between different cultures relies on lots beside just language - body language, cultural difference, hierarchy Get out there and start spending time with foreigners! Meetups,...

David asks: "How can I understand more of what's said in my salsa class?" In Today's Episode: Taking classes in your target language is a great way to get more exposure to the target language Friends, communities, and shared experiences will all help you learn more in the long run Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect during your class To understand more of what's said, focus first...

In this episode, Olly and Gabriel Wyner discuss the ins and outs of learning Italian through opera. NOTE : The full show notes to this episode are here: How to learn Italian through opera - A conversation with Gabe Wyner Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishown...

Ron asks: "How can I make the most of my commuting time?" In Today's Episode: Driving is not an ideal language learning environment because your focus is elsewhere Stick with principles - listen to material that's just above your current level Use the time to listen to material that you can then study more intensively in your free time That way, the listening becomes a recycling or consolidation a...

In this solo episode, Olly talks about why it's so important to start speaking. In Today's Episode: If you feel you're ready to start speaking... do it! It never gets easier to start. The longer you leave it, the harder it gets. The benefits are truly life-changing, in terms of relationships and linguistics! Podcast Resources: italki - the easiest way to book a speaking session in the next 5 minut...

Ian asks: "How should I organise my flashcard decks?" The Rules: The biggest danger with flashcards is getting behind in your review If that happens, the SRS algorithm can't work Therefore, break your flashcards down into smaller decks I like to do it by month (April, May, etc) I do this because it's quick and easy, no other reason! Podcast Resources: Make Words Stick - My step-by-step guide to us...

Yuna asks: "How can I deal with jealousy in language learning?" The Rules: Olly's recent experience with some fluent Japanese speakers Jealousy at other people's level is a nasty feeling, yet totally natural The way to stop comparing yourself to others is to be clear about your own goals and reasons for learning, and to be at peace with them! Make sure that, within the parameters of your goals, yo...

In this episode, Olly begins a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. The Rules: 1. Study at your desk 2. Don’t learn grammar before you need it 3. Review, review, review   Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishown...

Nick asks: "What do you think of Memrise?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iTune...

Mattias asks: “How should you react to criticism from your peers in trying to perfect your accent?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it...

Paul asks: “Why do gurus advise against learning multiple languages at the same time?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!...

Owain asks: “What is the value of passive, unfocused listening?” Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscrib...

In this solo episode, Olly talks about how to get over your fear of Skype lessons Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also...

In this solo episode, Olly talks about translation and its implications in language learning. Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on th...

In this episode, Olly reflects on the past year and speaks about what you should expect from him in 2018. Start speaking today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feat...

Edward asks, "Are subtitles really that bad?" Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here , and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show! Also, please subscribe to the show on iT...

In the second of a two-part episode, I continue revealing the 9 easiest ways to start an argument about language learning. Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Bulletproof Memory Email Course  – free email course to help improve your memory Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit:  https://iwillteachyouala...