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

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 The Rules: Rule 4: Never take language learning advice from native speakers (watch movies, read translations, read kids books) Rule 5: Same study routine every day (discipline in the small things gives you freedom in the bigger!) Rule 6: Look for "big dominos", not new tactics (e.g. read for 1 hour a day, start speaking) 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

Kristin asks: "How can I learn vocabulary from reading without stopping every 5 seconds?" In Today's Episode: Consider this analogy: When you're pushing yourself on the treadmill and working hard, it can get uncomfortable. However, you keep going because  you know it's doing you good. Try to extend that analogy to the act of "reading without stopping". By keeping reading, without stopping to look up words, you're pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Some practical tips to make reading easier: Everyone has a strong desire to understand every word, but there is so much value in being content not understanding 100% To combat that, try a "zero stopping" policy for a while, and see how it feels. After you finish the entire chapter, go back and look at vocabulary. You'll find that - from continued reading - you've already understood words that flummoxed you earlier If you really must look words up, only look up vital words that keep coming up Read electronically so you can look up words instantly On Kindle,

Simon asks: "How can I use storytelling with my students?" In Today's Episode: Anecdotes are stories... Providing continuity between those anecdotes would be great if possible. The key with storytelling is to motivate, interest and captivate your students Stories don't have to follow a structural approach, so don't worry about teaching specific grammar up-front Teachers can observe students' reactions to the story and teach based on emerging needs Resources: TPRS - Teaching proficiency through reading and storytelling Dogme / Unplugged language teaching - a teaching methodology based on holistic methods Spanish Uncovered - learn Spanish through stories German Uncovered - learn German through stories Natural Order Hypothesis - we learn grammar in a set order! 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

David asks: "How many words can you learn per day?" In Today's Episode: In language teaching theory, 8-12 new words a day is often used as a rule of thumb How many words you learn in a day isn't a great measurement of progress in a language It's impossible to control when a word is actually learnt The most effective way to learn vocabulary is in the context of the "whole language" - i.e. through listening, reading and speaking Resources: Bulletproof Memory - My complete memory course where I teach you the most effective techniques for learning vocabulary in a foreign 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

Ron asks: "What's the best way to learn verb conjugations?" In Today's Episode: Here are what are the big-picture principles for learning and memorising verb conjugations in Spanish or any other language: Make sure you're getting lots of exposure through listening and reading - learning verb conjugations ultimately will come down to whether you can get used to the language through a lot of exposure Speak regularly - it's how you gain confidence over the usage of the verbs Some focus on rules and deliberate practice helps - whether that's practice exercises, drills or something else Resources: Follow along with my Italian project: Italian Mission Control - where I'm posting all the resources I'm using, plus regular video updates My YouTube channel - subscribe to my YouTube channel to get notifications as soon as new videos go live 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//italkisho

In this episode, Olly introduces his new project to learn Italian! In Today's Episode: Note: For full show notes, please visit the main blog post introducing the project. To view the "mission control" for the Italian project, including all the resources I'm using, click here: Italian Project Resource Page 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 podcas

In this episode, Olly speaks with Shannon Kennedy from Eurolinguiste.com. In Today's Episode: Minimalism in the language sphere Introversion and shyness, and how it affects the learner Moving from Romance to Asian languages https://youtu.be/iwPu0WoNpFQ 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 p

Luca asks: "Are you changing your view on the best way to learn a language?" In Today's Episode: Luca's noticed an evolution in the way I've been talking about language learning on the podcast He finds a Krashen-esque "input-based" methodology to be the most effective and wonders if I'm becoming a convert to this I've found my experiences influenced a lot by the languages I've been learning In certain languages, reading is a genuine barrier (Japanese, Chinese) I'll be able to say more after my Italian project this summer! Resources Mentioned: Conversations - learn to understand fast, spoken language Make Words Stick - my complete guide to flashcards for language learning 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

Christy asks: "How can I get better in English conversation?" In Today's Episode: Studying and acquiring vocabulary is just the beginning You learn to communicate in a foreign language by actually communicating Communication between different cultures relies on lots beside just language - body language, cultural difference, hierarchy Get out there and start spending time with foreigners! Meetups, societies, language exchanges... whatever you can do! Don't worry about making mistakes, and treat every interaction as an opportunity to improve! 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 ab

David asks: "How can I understand more of what's said in my salsa class?" In Today's Episode: Taking classes in your target language is a great way to get more exposure to the target language Friends, communities, and shared experiences will all help you learn more in the long run Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect during your class To understand more of what's said, focus first on vocabulary Record the class, or look for related YouTube videos. Then analyse the vocabulary Resources Mentioned: Conversations  - Learn to understand fast, spoken Spanish (or 6 other languages!) Today's Quote: Life Is What Happens to You While You're Busy Making Other Plans - John Lennon 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

In this episode, Olly and Gabriel Wyner discuss the ins and outs of learning Italian through opera. NOTE: The full show notes to this episode are here: How to learn Italian through opera - A conversation with Gabe Wyner 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 rankin

Ron asks: "How can I make the most of my commuting time?" In Today's Episode: Driving is not an ideal language learning environment because your focus is elsewhere Stick with principles - listen to material that's just above your current level Use the time to listen to material that you can then study more intensively in your free time That way, the listening becomes a recycling or consolidation activity, not an isolated activity 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

In this solo episode, Olly talks about why it's so important to start speaking. In Today's Episode: If you feel you're ready to start speaking... do it! It never gets easier to start. The longer you leave it, the harder it gets. The benefits are truly life-changing, in terms of relationships and linguistics! Podcast Resources: italki - the easiest way to book a speaking session in the next 5 minutes 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 e

Ian asks: "How should I organise my flashcard decks?" The Rules: The biggest danger with flashcards is getting behind in your review If that happens, the SRS algorithm can't work Therefore, break your flashcards down into smaller decks I like to do it by month (April, May, etc) I do this because it's quick and easy, no other reason! Podcast Resources: Make Words Stick - My step-by-step guide to using flashcards to memorise vocabulary 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

Yuna asks: "How can I deal with jealousy in language learning?" The Rules: Olly's recent experience with some fluent Japanese speakers Jealousy at other people's level is a nasty feeling, yet totally natural The way to stop comparing yourself to others is to be clear about your own goals and reasons for learning, and to be at peace with them! Make sure that, within the parameters of your goals, you're doing everything you can to reach them -- that's how to have the mental toughness to stick with this way of thinking! 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

In this episode, Olly begins a new series covering what he believes to be the fundamental rules of language learning. The Rules: 1. Study at your desk 2. Don’t learn grammar before you need it 3. Review, review, review   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 rankin

In this solo episode, Olly talks about why haircuts are a fantastic language learning tool. In This Episode: My recent haircut in Hong Kong How haircuts help you level-up in your language learning: Chitchat is mandatory You'll never get spoken to as much anywhere else, or asked as many questions There's no escape You have to actively engage in the conversation and reply to questions You're sitting there for extensive periods of time You have to push through pain barriers and tiredness You get stronger at socialising, which can have big knock-on effects on confidence etc The broader lesson is to put yourself in situations where the language is not the focus of the activity, so you're not being judged What other activities can you do that lead you to use the language in a more social way? Today's Quote: Life begins at the end of yo --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

In this solo episode, Olly talks about why haircuts are a fantastic language learning tool. In This Episode: My recent haircut in Hong Kong How haircuts help you level-up in your language learning: Chitchat is mandatory You'll never get spoken to as much anywhere else, or asked as many questions There's no escape You have to actively engage in the conversation and reply to questions You're sitting there for extensive periods of time You have to push through pain barriers and tiredness You get stronger at socialising, which can have big knock-on effects on confidence etc The broader lesson is to put yourself in situations where the language is not the focus of the activity, so you're not being judged What other activities can you do that lead you to use the language in a more social way? Today's Quote: Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. - Neale Donald Walsch Start Speaking Today: I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https:/

This episode is a broadcast of interview with me from The Fluent Show, a (newly rebranded) podcast run by my friends Kerstin and Lindsay. In This Episode: In this conversation, we present a project Kerstin and I have been working on together for a while: German Uncovered. German Uncovered is a course for beginners who want to become fluent in German, and we are slowly getting ready to release it to the world. Exciting times! The special thing about German Uncovered is that it is entirely story-based, meaning you will not just learn the language step by step, but you'll also have read a whole book by the end. Listen in to find out how this works! If you're interested in what drives course creators to come up with innovative ideas, and how a language course comes into being, this show will give you great behind the scenes insights.

This episode is a broadcast of interview with me from The Fluent Show, a (newly rebranded) podcast run by my friends Kerstin and Lindsay. In This Episode: In this conversation, we present a project Kerstin and I have been working on together for a while: German Uncovered. German Uncovered is a course for beginners who want to become fluent in German, and we are slowly getting ready to release it to the world. Exciting times! The special thing about German Uncovered is that it is entirely story-based, meaning you will not just learn the language step by step, but you'll also have read a whole book by the end. Listen in to find out how this works! If you're interested in what drives course creators to come up with innovative ideas, and how a language course comes into being, this show will give you great behind the scenes insights. Resources Mentioned: To be notified when German Uncovered is released, follow this link and join the notification list. Other links: Conversations  — We briefly mentioned this pro