034: How to learn tonal languages
Shane asks: "I'm learning Chinese and Thai. What's the best way to learn the tones, or tonal languages in general?" In this episode: How to approach learning tonal languages Why top-down approaches b...
23 Jul 201512min
033: Olly's Arabic teacher explains his progress
In this episode, I interview my Arabic teacher Mona about how I made quick progress in my Arabic. In this episode: My progress compared to Mona's other students In what ways I progressed What techniq...
21 Jul 201519min
032: Single words or full sentences?
Sebastian asks: "Should I learn single words or complete phrases?" In this episode: The disadvantages of learning single words Why learning vocabulary in complete phrases is so valuable Where you tak...
16 Jul 201515min
031: What's the best mobile app for connecting with native speakers?
Jane asks: "What's your favourite mobile app for meeting and practising with native speakers?" In this episode: The importance of connecting with native speakers Language learning app: HelloTalk.com ...
14 Jul 201514min
030: Should I learn a German dialect?
Marcus asks: "Should I learn a German dialect or standard German?" In this episode: The advantages of learning standard German Why you might want to learn a German dialect German dialects and identit...
9 Jul 201518min
029: Learning your partner's language
Many people have asked: "I'm struggling to learn my partner's language, why is it so hard?" In this episode: Why it can be so difficult to learn your partner's language The danger of looking to your ...
7 Jul 201513min
028: How to stop reading becoming a chore
Alex asks: "How can stop listening becoming a chore?" In this episode: The key to reading usefully is choosing material where you already understand 90% of the contents Try to find material that is s...
2 Jul 201517min
027: How can I improve my listening comprehension?
Max asks: "How can I improve my listening comprehension?" In this episode: Three reasons you might not understand a native speaker: You don’t know the words You can’t distinguish the individual wor...
30 Jun 201516min
