501: The real reason I wrote my language story books

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

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

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

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

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

My new book of Spanish short stories was published today. Grab your copy on Amazon Kindle for only $0.99 for a few days only. "Spanish Short Stories for Beginners" - Olly Richards Click the link below to grab your copy: http://amzn.com/B010BO84W0 Thanks so much for your support, Olly

26 Juni 20151min

Ferdaous asks: "I'm learning English, how can I develop a good American accent quickly?" In this episode: Why a good accent is important The difference between phonemes and prosody Why developing a good accent is the result of extensive communication in your target language Tips for improving your accent: Tackle pronunciation immediately with a native speaker to perfect your pronunciation, before you develop any bad habits. Observe native speakers in action and their voices when they interact, especially at key social moments, such as introductions or meeting friends. If you only work with a teacher, how is their voice when they greet you? This is often the most authentic moment of the conversation. TV and movies are also a good place to focus in on this. Imitate how native speakers say common words and phrases that you’re familiar with.

25 Juni 201518min

Doug asks: "I know I need to focus on one language, but I'm torn between two languages. What should I do?" In this episode: Why it's important to focus on one language The difficulty of leaving behind one language Why a language is never "lost" Three ideas for choosing which language to focus on: Learning one language well will be beneficial for all the others A language is never lost - you can always come back to it The "Rocking Chair Test": Imagine your 80-year-old self sitting in a rocking chair looking back on your life. Look at your current dilemma through those eyes. What should you do? Today's quote: Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”  Do y

23 Juni 201515min