005: How can I learn vocab from songs?

Today's episode features a question from Kevin: "How can I take vocabulary from songs and use it in my conversations?"

In this episode:

• The benefits of learning languages through songs
• How to re-articulate language from songs in everyday conversation
• How natural is language from songs?
• How songs work in different languages
• Songs as a tool for "discovering" language

Strategies for learning songs:

1. Identify key words and phrases from the song that I want to be able to use. Then put them in a flashcard app.
2. Keep a list of the words I want to be able to use and keep it next to me during a language exchange/lesson
3. Use the vocabulary for writing. For example, write a monologue/mini-speech, then memorise it.

Links and resources mentioned in this episode:

• FluentU - Language learning with video
• My review of FluentU
• Let It Go (ありのままで): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvj3-MZO9Tw
• Olly singing in Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sReTCr-WPxc
• Olly singing in Cantonese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Z20Bg8Ppg

Flashcard apps mentioned:

• Memrise
• Anki
• Flashcards Deluxe

Other websites:

• Lang-8 - corrections from native speakers
• Rhinospike - audio recordings from native speakers

Today's featured resource

• FluentU.com - language learning with video

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