503: You don't ACTUALLY need grammar

Andy asks: "What does it feel like to speak at different levels of a language?" In this episode: What it feels like at different stages of a language: A1: Very basic, self-introductions A2: Greater awareness, but communication is difficult B1: Can hold a conversation, but range of expression is restricted and limited to the concrete B2: Can hold conversations comfortably on a variety of topics, including abstract and less common ones C1: Conversation is easy, mistakes are fewer, and you fit in naturally in social situations C2: A strong command of the language in almost all situations, including academic Resources mentioned in today's episode: Olly's interview in Portuguese on the MyPolyglot podcast <a href="http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/cadre1_en.asp" targ

25 Nov 201513min

In this episode I give you a run-down of my latest language learning routine, and what you can learn from it! In this episode: This is a continuation from episode 64. 3 key questions to ask yourself when setting up a routine: What do I need to do? What resources do I need? What will stop me succeeding? Resources mentioned in today's episode: Sample language learning routine Glossika - fantastic listening drills available in lots of different languages GoodDrama.net - Asian drama repository 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!

19 Nov 201514min

In this episode I give you a run-down of my latest language learning routine, and what you can learn from it! In this episode: Why wake up at 5am? What your core study time should be How to use dead time How to use down time Resources mentioned in today's episode: Sample language learning routine 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:h

18 Nov 201515min

Andy asks: "I've found that texting really helps fluency in my target language...but does it work for everyone?" In this episode: The benefits of text chat in a foreign language Common expressions Natural interaction The ability to practice often Like speaking, but slowed down! Resources mentioned in today's episode: Olly on Periscope HelloTalk - my video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bixMSfNIgtw 7 ways you can use texting to your advantage in the classroom - from Global Digital Citizen Start speaking today I’d like to thank <a href="http://iwil

13 Nov 201510min

Shaghayegh asks: "How can I restart learning a language? I haven't studied for 3 months and I'm forgetting everything." In this episode: If you've taken time off, get right back to it! The language is still there in your head! Two focusing questions: What effective activity can I do for 15 minutes only? What did I used to do that was so effective? Resources mentioned in today's episode: Polyglot Pub - brand new language event in London! How to resurrect your high school Spanish - an interesting article from Tim Ferriss 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!

10 Nov 20158min

Agnes asks: "I'm learning lots of languages, and it's going fine! Is it really a bad idea to learn more than one language at a time?" In this episode: Always follow your passions If you love learning different languages... keep going! High school and university is the ideal time to be learning languages Ellen Jovin - http://ellenjovin.com/ Adults often have a hard time learning a foreign language because of busy lives, so for them the advice to stick with learning one language stands Today's Quote: "There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don't necessarily want to be like them. I'm too happy being myself." James D'arcy [Tweet ""There are lots of people I admire and respect, but I don't necessarily want to be like them. I'm too happy being myself." - James D'arcy"] Start speaking today I’d like to thank

5 Nov 20158min

Greg asks: "How can I self-assess my progress in a language?" In this episode: How to self-assess when there's no exam or course Judge your progress based on goals Topic-based competency Resources mentioned in today's episode: Flashcards Deluxe Time Control - my brand new time management and productivity course for language learning! Tips for keeping track of where you're at - blog post on Multilingual Living Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. <a href="http://iwillteachyoual

3 Nov 201510min

Derek asks: "Even though I don't have much problem reading, I have a lot of problem speaking and understanding while listening. Sometimes I have to ask my colleagues to repeat or to tell me the word that I didn't understand, but if there are too many things that I don’t understand during a conversation then this approach doesn’t work very well, because then I'm not even able to tell which word that I don't know, and stopping a conversation from time to time just feels so stupid." In this episode: How to learn the language you need to function at work Considering what topics you need Creating your own material Using your tutor to role-play conversations on relevant topics Resources mentioned in today's episode: Olly on Periscope <a href="http://www.iwillteachyoualanguage.com/foreign-language-materials/" target="_

29 Okt 201513min