I Will Teach You A Language | Weekly Motivation And Language Learning Tips To Help You Become Fluent In Any Language

Welcome to this 5-part series, where I'm joined by my friend Lydia Machovha, from LanguageMentoring.com We'll be discussing the fundamentals of language learning, according to Lydia's framework for teaching and learning. Lydia is a professional interpreter, speaks 9 languages herself, has organised the Polyglot Gathering in Bratislava, and now teaches people to learn languages independently. In Today's Episode: Take responsibility for your own learning: Today we have the internet - an incredible resource for learning any language The different between language material and instruction materials Finding a language school is not the answer, and can lead to a dangerous mindset Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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

Kausalya asks: "How do you decide what to do every day in your core study time? In Today's Episode: My "Core Study Time" is quiet, focused time that I spend on my target language every morning I don't have any kind of weekly routine where I do specific activities every day Rather, I focus on one activity, often for a period of 2-3 weeks I call these Sprints, which you can read more about in this article The reason for Sprints is that sustained focus is how I've always been able to bring about real, meaningful progress in my language learning Jumping from one activity to another on a daily basis, in my opinion, encourages shallow learning Resources Mentioned: Core Study Time in Your Language Routine - What is it and how does it work? Core Study Time Videos - The complete playlist on YouTube Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do You Have A Question? Ask me yo

Brendan asks: "Is there a place for romanisation in language learning? In Today's Episode: What is romanisation? Considerations for romanisation in different languages The dilemma for publishers Should you use romanisation or not? Resources Mentioned: Judith Meyer's Script Hacking books: Script Hacking Arabic Script Hacking Hebrew Script Hacking Korean Script Hacking Russian Script Hacking Greek Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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

In this episode, Olly discusses whether you should use translations when reading. In Today's Episode: Should you use translations when reading? Translation is inevitable (in your head) Translations can be useful Activities relying on translation can be powerful But you always need to think about the point of the activity and what you’re trying to achieve Translation can be useful to help you: Get a piece of important information (e.g. official document) Understand a difficult piece of text (above your level, e.g. many parallel texts) Translation as an activity can be useful to: Practise expressing tricky concepts from L1 (e.g. reverse translation) Translation can be damaging for: Aiming for immersion (e.g. extensive reading/listening) Focusing on fluency Improving ability to cope with and operate in the language Why I chose not to include translations in Grammar Hero Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: http

In this episode, Olly announces a new programme to help you master grammar in your target language. In Today's Episode: What is Grammar Hero? The vital missing ingredient from your textbooks, and how Grammar Hero fills the gap How long it took us to create the programme The unexpected crises that hit towards the end! Join Grammar Hero Today: Enrolment in Grammar Hero is now open, and is available in 6 languages: French Spanish German Italian Russian Portuguese Click here to find out more about Grammar Hero today  Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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 l

In this Part 3 of this series, Olly finishes the deep dive into learning grammar. In Today's Episode: The students who come top in grammar tests (without studying grammar) How I stopped translating in my head when speaking Italian The 5-step process you need to get grammar right when speaking (naturally, and without hesitating) Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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

In this Part 2 of this new series, Olly continues the deep dive into learning grammar. In Today's Episode: How to learn new grammar The grammar points you must avoid The best kind of material to study with Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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 podca

In this Part 1 of this new series, Olly takes you on a deep dive into learning grammar the natural way. In Today's Episode: Why we struggle with grammar How to stop translating in your head How do immigrants learn English without studying grammar? Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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 partic

Ron asks: "How do you learn colloquial language with limited resources?" In Today's Episode: There's a perennial problem with materials in minority languages Textbooks are simple and boring The next level up is native level... far too hard It's a real problem without a good solution Long-term, you're only going to crack this problem by learning to understand native material and speaking with people a lot Take the long view and do what you can Keep studying the best you can Speak regularly and spend time with people Learn to read It will come eventually, but you've got to maintain a positive attitude over time Resources Mentioned: Talk In Arabic - The best resource on the web for learning colloquial Arabic and Arabic dialects Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do You Have A Question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do m

Fletcher asks: "Have your views on flashcards changed?" In Today's Episode: I've been using input-based methods to learn languages recently But does this change my approach to learning vocabulary with flashcards? Do I display the word in the target language first on my flashcards? Resources Mentioned: Make Words Stick - my popular guide for using flashcards to memorise words and phrases in another language Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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… Shar

Johanna asks: "How important is it to review your lesson notes?" In Today's Episode: The principle of review is super important In the past, I've spent 15 minutes at the end of the day reviewing what I did in the morning, and it's very effective The foundation of memory and mastery is repetition Your teacher is right that reviewing your notes is the best way to learn the stuff from the lesson However, the question remains... why? If the topics aren't relevant to you, it can be demotivating But if you have follow-up lessons on the same topic, then reviewing your notes is bound to help you It's the big conundrum of classroom learning - is the stuff actually relevant or interesting to you? I suggest dealing with the reality in front of you and doing your best to learn it Review the whole text, not just the vocab Study "smart" not "hard" - e.g. identify the really important words and work hard to remember them Resources Mentioned: Free Listening Course - a free email course to help you memorise vocabulary

In this solo episode, Olly gives you some updates on what's been going on. In Today's Episode: Update on the Short Story Book launch, worldwide and in US & Canada How to claim your book launch bonuses Random coincidences Language Masters event in London with Michel Thomas About the Language Influencer Summit Polyglot Conference 2019 New language material to master grammar Resources Mentioned: Short Story for Beginner Books with Teach Yourself (including information on bonuses) Language Influencer Summit 2019 - for bloggers, YouTubers, IG'ers, podcasters in the field of language learning Polyglot Conference - Slovenia October 2018 Conversations - story-based listening material for intermediate learners Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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 th

In this episode, you're going to hear an interview I did on another podcast, the newly-released Reaching for Words show. The reason I wanted to share this episode on this show was that I thought the interview was uncommonly good, and host Rob asked me a lot of good questions that allowed us to discuss a lot of common topics from a beginner perspective. In Today's Episode: Rob talks with Olly Richards about the role of memorisation in language learning: Do memory champions make the best language learners? Is memorisation really important? Active vs passive memorisation Memorisation tips and techniques for language learning Resources Mentioned: Reaching for Words Podcast - iTunes, Website   Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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, ple

Austin asks: "Any tips for learning French together with my wife?" In Today's Episode: Learning your partner's language can be fraught with problems Learning a new language with your partner sounds like a great idea! The activity itself, and the benefit for your relationship is far more important that the efficacy of the approach, I think You might find yourself with different learning preferences, and that will be something you'll need to compromise on If you want to learn the language to a higher level, you'll need to find your own path in time Resources Mentioned: Short Stories in French for Beginners - my new book of short stories with Teach Yourself French Foundations - master the basics of French in two weeks Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://iwillteachyoualanguage.com//italkishownotes Do You Have A Question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here, and I’ll do my best to featu

Maria asks: How can I integrate revision into my schedule? In Today's Episode: Revision needs to be meaningful and you need to know it works It's possible to waste a lot of time with revision, time that you could be spending with more content It can be tricky with multiple languages I tend to think of revision now more as a question of repeating content - listening/reading to things over and over Important point: Things that you want to "revise" will learn themselves naturally over time Taking notes is a funny one... many people literally never look at them again My personal revision process involves: Putting key phrases into flashcards and reviewing regularly Highlighting useful words/phrases for lessons Covering topics multiple times in speaking sessions I deal with grammar by: Putting complete sentences into flashcards Looking briefly at rules, and then noticing how that grammar is used in real content Resources Mentioned: Bulletproof Memory - My complete programme for developing a world-class mem

Ellen asks: How should I supplement my university language course? In Today's Episode: It's good to think about how you want your language skills to develop post-uni, not just how to pass your exams! Many people studying languages at uni cannot speak when they graduate At uni, you'll get a huge amount of "education"... there's no risk of you not learning all the important stuff It's natural to want to master the vocabulary and grammar you meet, but you won't be able to do that by more study The way to master vocab and grammar, and to learn to speak the language confidently over time is by making the language a part of your life Find things you like in Spanish and German and spend as much time as possible enjoying them! I give you permission to put the books away and have fun! Resources Mentioned: Casa de Papel - an extraordinarily good Spanish tv series Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://iwillteachyou

Terry asks: What should I do when I lose my motivation? In Today's Episode: Motivation to learn makes or breaks your learning project Sunk cost fallacy - the more time you've put into something the harder it is to let go Languages need to be a living breathing part of your life, or it's hard to keep them up Resources Mentioned: IWTYAL 256: The extraordinary power of haircuts in language learning New Books - visit the launch page to find out about the books and bonuses! Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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

In this episode, I finally reveal the "big news" I've been teasing you with for over 2 years! In Today's Episode: For complete information on today's episode, please visit the main blog post at: Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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 m

In this episode, I react to the never-ending belief that children's book are good for language learning. In Today's Episode: Why I'll never recommend that adults should use kids' books for language learning: The vocabulary is NOT high-frequency The grammar is NOT simple The content is NOT interesting or relevant Readings from: Harry Potter and the Philsopher's Stone Hansel and Gretel Jack and the FlumFlum Tree Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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…

In this episode, Olly continues a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. Click here to listen to part 1 Click here to listen to part 2 The Rules: Rule 7: Listen with the transcript Rule 8: Don't worry about something until it’s actually a problem (Spanish varieties, Italian dialects, a notorious grammar point) Rule 9: Do something every day...however small Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://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