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 beat bottom-up approaches for learning tones How I approach learning a tonal language: Make sure you understand the tones in the language you're learning Start listening to recorded dialogues from your textbook every day Work with a tutor right from the start, so you can practise speaking and get feedback Write down new words and phrases with the tone indicated Give yourself time to get used to it all! [Tweet "You don't learn a language, you get used to it - Khatzumoto"] Resources mentioned in today's episode: Tone Pair Drills - a great article on the Sensible Chinese blog. Olly speaking Cantonese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QRVpNbNzK8 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!
23 Juli 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 techniques I use during the lesson Here is a video of the conversation: https://youtu.be/TSsSO-JOcCA Resources mentioned in today's episode: Language Learning Foundations - my course for learning to speak a new language quickly, where you can find the full 1-hour interview Mona's iTalki teacher profile ArabicGlobal.com Start speaking today <img class=" alignright wp-image-1429" src="http:
21 Juli 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 take your vocabulary from Resources mentioned in today's episode: Memrise.com Flashcards Deluxe My recommended resource today is: Make Words Stick video - my tutorial on using full sentences to memorise vocabulary Start speaking today <img class=" alignright wp-image-1429" src="http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/italki-logo-1024x625.jpg" alt="italk
16 Juli 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 How their built-in features help you focus on the conversation Resources mentioned in today's episode: HelloTalk.com - available on iPhone and Android Start speaking today I'd like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. <a href="http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkis
14 Juli 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 identity How dialects might effect how you learn Resources mentioned in today's episode: Deutsche Welle Dialektatlas - an atlas of German dialects. Speak German Like A Native - Kerstin's brand new German pronunciation course that teaches you to leave your foreign accent behind and sound just like a native. 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!
9 Juli 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 family or loved ones for language practice How you can make regular, consistent progress by externalising your learning routines Resources mentioned in today's episode: Lasting Love Connection - a great podcast about relationships you should check out Language Learning Foundations - my flagship video course. My specific strategies for learning to speak a new language fluently Language learning with a Chinese girlfrie
7 Juli 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 short, broken down into manageable chapters Common European Framework of Reference As far as possible, try to live with the ambiguity of not understanding everything you read Resources mentioned in today's episode: IWTYAL Episode 6 - Which is better, intensive or extensive reading? Spanish Short Stories for Beginners - my new book of short stories in Spanish: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010BO84W0/"
2 Juli 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 words (whether you know them or not) You understand the individual words, but you still don’t understand what they’re trying to say A simple process for using textbook dialogues for improving your listening skills Today's featured resource: A manifesto for better listening - a detailed blog post I wrote about improving your listening skills 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! A
30 Juni 201516min
