501: The real reason I wrote my language story books

Yuki asks: "My high school English teacher wants me to speak more slowly. What should I do?" In this episode: There is often a conflict between the way languages are taught in schools and the way you want to learn them yourself When it comes to exams, you need to do whatever it takes to get good grades Beyond that, focus on the long-term Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes Do you have a question? Ask me your l

1 Jul 201610min

Freddie asks: "What's the best way to get my head around different word order and sentence structure in a new language?" In this episode: Three approaches to getting used to word order and sentence structure: Learn the rules. It doesn't take long, but is important for you to be aware of how the language works Lots of input. Word order is something you ultimately get used to in a language, so in order to make this happen you need to be listening and reading to as much as possible. Regular production. At the beginning, it's natural to think using the word order of your mother tongue. To get over this, make sure you're producing (speaking or writing) the language regularly. Two ways to practise producing and getting used to the word order of the language: Copy out the dialogues from your textbook onto paper. This gives you the experience of producing th

16 Apr 20169min

2 weeks ago, I started learning German. In this episode I talk about my experience learning a brand new language. In this episode: Why I decided to learn German My specific aims The time frame I've given myself, and why this is important My strategy for learning German Similarities with English and the opportunities that presents Resources Featured In This Episode Colloquial German - the textbook I'm using to study every day Basic German - A Grammar and Workbook - the grammar book I chose to compliment the textbook Your Homework! Help me create an amazing feature for the 100th episode! I'd like to create a montage of voices of podcast listeners from around the world, all giving one piece of language advice they've learned from the show. This would be such a great way to commemorate the 100th episode, and provide motivation for all of you

14 Apr 201613min

SJ asks: "I'm using flashcards to help me learn English expressions. But am I relying too much on translation?" In this episode: The challenges of learning a language at a higher level Why you shouldn't worry too much about translation Use bilingual flashcards to help prompt you - not to produce a direct translation Why, as a general principle, you should study entirely in the target language Your Homework! Help me create an amazing feature for the 100th episode! I'd like to create a montage of voices of podcast listeners from around the world, all giving one piece of language advice they've learned from the show. This would be such a great way to commemorate the 100th episode, and provide motivation for all of you out there learning languages on your own. If you'd like to participate, please click the link below and leave a short message including the following information: Name Where you're from The ONE thing you've learned from the show that's made a big difference to your language learning Click here to leave the message Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://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!

7 Apr 201613min

Tomás asks: "I get tired after speaking English for 30 minutes. How can I raise my stamina?" In this episode: My experience breaking through the "tiredness" barrier in Spanish You need to spend extended time speaking a language in order for it to become easier When you're having fun, you won't get tired so easily In your lessons, try to push yourself from the start by defining challenging topics to discuss Today's Featured Quote: "Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well." - Theodore Roosevelt" 100th Episode Special! Help me create an amazing feature for the 100th episode! I'd like to create a monta

5 Apr 201611min

Thiago asks: "I'm learning Japanese. How important is it for me to learn the culture?" In this episode: Why language and culture are inextricably linked Why you can't learn a language to a high level without familiarity with the culture However, if basic communication is your main aim, you don't need to be culturally literate You can get to a basic level of conversation in the language without knowing about the culture Today's Featured Resource: Does Language Influence Culture? - A fascinating article from the Wall Street Journal 100th Episode Special! Help me create an amazing feature for the 100th episode! I'd like to create a montage of voices of podcast listeners from around the world, all giving one piece of language advice they've learned from the show. This would

1 Apr 201612min

Nicolas asks: "Is it helpful to read aloud in Chinese?" In this episode: Reading aloud and why we do it Our experience of reading aloud from school The benefits of reading aloud on pronunciation Why reading aloud has few other benefits for developing fluency Why reading aloud is harmful for developing reading skills Today's Featured Resource: Hacking Chinese: Reading Aloud In Chinese Is Really Hard - an interesting article on this topic for those of you learning Chinese 100th Episode Special! Help me create an amazing feature for the 100th episode! I'd like to create a montage of voices of podcast listeners from around the world, all giving one piece of language advice they've learned from the show. This would be such a great way to commemorate the 100th episode

30 Mar 201611min

In this episode I talk with Luke Thompson from Luke's English Podcast. Luke's been podcasting for over 7 years, and I asked him about the top three things he'd learnt during that time. He chose four things - but I won't hold it against him! In this episode: Luke's top lessons from 7+ years of podcasting: Attitude - It's vital for language learners to ask questions and be willing to fail Time - You must be willing to work regularly at your target language over time Practice - Practise often and don't be afraid to make mistakes Materials - Motivating and enjoyable materias are essential in order to enjoy the learning process Today's Featured Resource Luke's English Podcast 332: Interview With Olly Richards - Hear my interview on Luke's podcast! Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effective native speakers teachers and tutors. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, simply visit:http://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!

24 Mar 201643min