418 - How I Learned Spanish

Kristin asks: "How do you overcome the overwhelming ocean of language learning?" In Today's Episode: How I most relate to this: Cantonese 3 months isn't a long time... so be patient! Recognise that this is a psychological / motivation issue... not a language learning "problem" Over time, you get to know how you work and how you learn, and that's what gives you confidence But staying motivated is the only thing that matters, because without that you're lost Some tips for doing this: Do a "complete 360" in your study - try something totally different! Take lessons Listen instead of read Stop memorising and get immersion Make sure you're doing what most excites you -- speaking? Find strength from your daily practice Apply mindfulness techniques to the emotions of frustration and overwhelm Resources Mentioned: The Waking Up App from Sam Harris 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

1 Touko 201921min

Silvia asks: "What's the best way to meet and maintain language partners?" In Today's Episode: Be specific about what you're looking for from a partner Spend longer getting to know a prospective partner before investing too much time Don't worry if it doesn't work out...it's normal! Resources Mentioned: The Worst Language Exchange Ever - ... that's all! Tandem - A cool language exchange app HelloTalk- my review of the HelloTalk app 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

25 Huhti 201913min

Jon asks: "What's the best way to learn to read Chinese?" In Today's Episode: Don't make the assumption that you need to learn to write Chinese characters There are many approaches and methods to learning to read and write Chinese For me, the fundamental approach should be to learn by doing the activity that you want to ultimately do. E.g. if your aim is to read, you should learn the script by reading There is real value in learning to write the first few hundred Chinese characters, so you have an awareness of the foundation of writing, such as stroke order and character balance Resources Mentioned: How to write in Chinese - A comprehensive blog post about how to write in Chinese 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

8 Maalis 201915min

Lucia asks: "Should I give up Russian to focus on Chinese? In Today's Episode: In general, the best advice around learning two languages at the same time is... don't! However, advice should always take account of your personal situation I'm finding that focus on feelings and emotions around the study process is yielding great results Resources Mentioned: Italian Uncovered - my new beginner Italian course 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

1 Maalis 201915min

In this episode, Olly chats with Lindsay Williams about creativity in language learning In Today's Episode: What is creativity in language learning? How can you inject creativity into your learning? Recommended resources and learning ideas Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Guide to Netflix for Language Learners - Lindsay's blog post on ... Netflix for language learners! OpenSubtitles.org - every subtitle under the sun (almost) available for download Rosalía on Genius - Lindsay's current favourite Spanish singer and her lyrics Women in Language - The online conference hosted by Lindsay, Shannon and Kerstin 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

27 Helmi 201933min

Lewis asks: "How can I improve my Italian pronunciation? In Today's Episode: Pronunciation begins with awareness Spend a long time listening English speakers often have to get over intangible “weirdness factor” and drop the sense of pride Record yourself and listen back - it’s always different to what you think! Focus on vowels - it’s a common problem for English speakers Resources Mentioned: Olly’s short story books - text and audio 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

22 Helmi 201921min

Andriy asks: “Is it ok for me to study Spanish through English?” In Today's Episode: Given that your English is so strong, you shouldn’t have any problem! Laddering is the term given to learning a 2nd language through a 3rd The rule with laddering is that it should feel comfortable for you Resources Mentioned: Fluent Spanish Academy - My course for intermediate Spanish learners Episode 106 - How useful is laddering? 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

15 Helmi 201914min

Innes asks: “How can I keep my motivation up after returning from a trip abroad?” In Today's Episode: It’s a great feeling coming back home after a trip abroad, with newfound motivation to study: Remember that the logistics of studying in-amongst real life haven’t changed You’ve still got to commit It can help to re-examine your beliefs about how you learn languages, and the methods you use It may be that a different method or set of activities might be easier for you to keep up Resources Mentioned: Comprehensible input vs Parallel Texts: What’s the best way to read? 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 iTunes to get automatic updates. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the podcast! If you’ve got any comments about the show then please leave them in the “comments” section below! If you’d like to help me out, then I’d love it if you could… Share the episode using the social media buttons around you Leave an honest review and rating of the podcast on iTunes (click here to do that) iTunes reviews in particular really help the rankings of the podcast and help me to reach other aspiring language learners out there! See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

13 Helmi 201918min