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

Eleanor asks: "How can I maintain my Spanish after university?" Episode Summary: Learning vs maintenance When is maintenance necessary? Being realistic Richard Simcott's approach (as described in Language Learning Foundations) What I do personally to maintain my languages Tips for maintaining languages at an advanced level Reading books you like Watching movies, TV or listening to podcasts Attending events Hanging out with friends Studying in the language Language exchanges using a foreign language (e.g. Spanish/Korean as a native English speaker) Teach the language to others Resources Mentioned In This Episode: IWTYAL 047: How do you maintain your level in multiple languages How I learnt 8 languages Language Learning Foundations Video Course Start speaking today: I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes  Do you have a question? Ask me your language learning questions by clicking here,

Chris asks: "How should I start learning Cantonese, given that I already speak Mandarin?" Episode Summary: Cantonese is to Mandarin what Cockney is to English It's a highly developed, unique language that is considered a spoken language When Cantonese speakers write things down, they normally use standard Chinese So what does this mean for a Mandarin speaker who wants to learn Cantonese? At the risk of oversimplifying, your major task is to learn a large amount of Cantonese-specific vocabulary, including the different pronunciation and more tones While there is more to it than that (different grammar structures, sentence particles etc), the two languages are close enough that your existing knowledge of Mandarin will transfer very well, help you notice any differences and slowly adjust You won't have many new linguistic concepts to learn, it's more a question of getting use to the specific w --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Chris asks: "How should I start learning Cantonese, given that I already speak Mandarin?" Episode Summary: Cantonese is to Mandarin what Cockney is to English It's a highly developed, unique language that is considered a spoken language When Cantonese speakers write things down, they normally use standard Chinese So what does this mean for a Mandarin speaker who wants to learn Cantonese? At the risk of oversimplifying, your major task is to learn a large amount of Cantonese-specific vocabulary, including the different pronunciation and more tones While there is more to it than that (different grammar structures, sentence particles etc), the two languages are close enough that your existing knowledge of Mandarin will transfer very well, help you notice any differences and slowly adjust You won't have many new linguistic concepts to learn, it's more a question of getting use to the specific ways Cantonese speakers express themselves It's not the same task as learning a Chinese dialect from scratch as a forei

In this episode, I describe a terrible language exchange experience I had this week. Episode Summary: Great news! Full transcripts of each podcast are available on the show notes - that's here! Scroll down to find the transcript. My terrible language exchange this week Why it went wrong What you can learn from the experience Start speaking today: I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, 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,

In this episode, I describe a terrible language exchange experience I had this week. Episode Summary: Great news! Full transcripts of each podcast are available on the show notes - that's here! Scroll down to find the transcript. My terrible language exchange this week Why it went wrong What you can learn from the experience Start speaking today: I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, 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 ratin

Chris asks: "Should I speak formally or informally in Turkish?" In this episode: Every language has it's convention as to when and where you should speak formally or informally I've found myself resisting speaking formally in other languages, and I've always been curious why that is What I've learnt is that my "default" is informal, because that's the way we speak English Once you understand the cultural significance of formal and informal speech in the language you're learning, it will make your decision much easier Japanese: Ultra polite: omeshi-agari ni narimasen ka Polite: meshi-agarimasen ka OR taberaremasen ka Normal: tabemasu ka Informal: taberu? Spanish: Tú is standard in most places for speaking to someone your age or below But in Colombia, Usted is used within the family, as a cultural mark of respect and affection French: --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Chris asks: "Should I speak formally or informally in Turkish?" In this episode: Every language has it's convention as to when and where you should speak formally or informally I've found myself resisting speaking formally in other languages, and I've always been curious why that is What I've learnt is that my "default" is informal, because that's the way we speak English Once you understand the cultural significance of formal and informal speech in the language you're learning, it will make your decision much easier Japanese: Ultra polite: omeshi-agari ni narimasen ka Polite: meshi-agarimasen ka OR taberaremasen ka Normal: tabemasu ka Informal: taberu? Spanish: Tú is standard in most places for speaking to someone your age or below But in Colombia, Usted is used within the family, as a cultural mark of respect and affection French: "Je peux vous tutoyer?" The problem in your case may be that you're not using Turkish enough to develop a gut feel for what is appropriate... Once you're using the langua

Jonathan asks: "How can I find comprehensible input for Hebrew?" In this episode: 1. Find other people who are learning the same language, and ask what materials they like: Forums - UniLang, How To Learn Any Language Facebook groups I use CantoDict.com 2. Go to specialist bookshops (in- and out of country). I found some great stuff in Hong Kong 3. Search for bloggers who write about your target language and email them 4. Find material you like and hire someone to transcribe it. Francesco did this with Estonian. I did this with Cantonese: A friend/tutor iTalki teacher Upwork.com Proz.com   5. Make your own materials! Resources Mentioned in This Episod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Jonathan asks: "How can I find comprehensible input for Hebrew?" In this episode: 1. Find other people who are learning the same language, and ask what materials they like: Forums - UniLang, How To Learn Any Language Facebook groups I use CantoDict.com 2. Go to specialist bookshops (in- and out of country). I found some great stuff in Hong Kong 3. Search for bloggers who write about your target language and email them 4. Find material you like and hire someone to transcribe it. Francesco did this with Estonian. I did this with Cantonese: A friend/tutor iTalki teacher Upwork.com Proz.com   5. Make your own materials! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Endangered Languages: Tips for learning and using the world's minority languages 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.

Valentin asks: "I'm at intermediate level in Russian. How can I grow my vocabulary?" In this episode: There's no quick solution - you have a large amount of vocabulary to learn, and that takes time Firstly, make sure you can read Russian. It's not too hard, and not being able to read is a handicap "I can't read books or read articles" - maybe not, but you can find material that's graded Tools that can help you read... LingQ ReadLang My book of short stories in Russian Also... Find speaking partners and use Russian socially - in Japan, speaking with others as much as possible was how I grappled upward to fluency Don't ignore the option of taking classes - it can be a good, systematic way to improve Avoid using prepared lists or flashcard decks Overall: The principle is to grow your vocabulary --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Valentin asks: "I'm at intermediate level in Russian. How can I grow my vocabulary?" In this episode: There's no quick solution - you have a large amount of vocabulary to learn, and that takes time Firstly, make sure you can read Russian. It's not too hard, and not being able to read is a handicap "I can't read books or read articles" - maybe not, but you can find material that's graded Tools that can help you read... LingQ ReadLang My book of short stories in Russian Also... Find speaking partners and use Russian socially - in Japan, speaking with others as much as possible was how I grappled upward to fluency Don't ignore the option of taking classes - it can be a good, systematic way to improve Avoid using prepared lists or flashcard decks Overall: The principle is to grow your vocabulary using material you enjoy. Why? Because by staying motivated, you'll ultimately get more exposure. Try to enjoy the "struggle" -- it's your best friend! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: LingQ.com ReadLang.com

Max asks: "How can I hold Skype conversations if I'm just a beginner?" In this episode: Many people freeze up as a beginner because they lack vocabulary and confidence If you're willing to make mistakes, you can go far! Keeping conversations going as a beginner: "How do you say ___?" Ask questions Become a master at paraphrasing Success with this depends a lot on your teacher - see Olly's teacher in Thailand for an example of how this can work well: https://youtu.be/RWfVYUktRkE All this develops your communicative competence. But a "Tarzan" approach can leave you with gaps - e.g. grammar and key vocabulary It can be different between languages too You might prefer a more structured approach Choose a textbook to work through, and use your lessons to practise the content of individual modules --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Max asks: "How can I hold Skype conversations if I'm just a beginner?" In this episode: Many people freeze up as a beginner because they lack vocabulary and confidence If you're willing to make mistakes, you can go far! Keeping conversations going as a beginner: "How do you say ___?" Ask questions Become a master at paraphrasing Success with this depends a lot on your teacher - see Olly's teacher in Thailand for an example of how this can work well: https://youtu.be/RWfVYUktRkE All this develops your communicative competence. But a "Tarzan" approach can leave you with gaps - e.g. grammar and key vocabulary It can be different between languages too You might prefer a more structured approach Choose a textbook to work through, and use your lessons to practise the content of individual modules Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Speaking Bootcamp - my complete course in speaking a new language as a beginner Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place o

Libby asks: "I've recently returned home after a year in Germany. How can I keep up my German?" In this episode: It's normal for your language to go through "seasons" My Thailand experience, how I feel about it now, and why I'm not worried How I learnt Spanish and Portuguese... and didn't use them for years! The maturing of my Japanese Having lived abroad and experienced what it's like to live a language, going back to studying might feel wrong to you You're doing all the right things... reading, speaking etc So try to answer the question: "What role does German play in my life now?" A new language ultimately exists to use it Personally, I don't study my older languages much (if at all). I just use them. What I do to keep my languages alive: Actively search out friends using language exchange sites Attend meetups Sign up to cultural acti --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Libby asks: "I've recently returned home after a year in Germany. How can I keep up my German?" In this episode: It's normal for your language to go through "seasons" My Thailand experience, how I feel about it now, and why I'm not worried How I learnt Spanish and Portuguese... and didn't use them for years! The maturing of my Japanese Having lived abroad and experienced what it's like to live a language, going back to studying might feel wrong to you You're doing all the right things... reading, speaking etc So try to answer the question: "What role does German play in my life now?" A new language ultimately exists to use it Personally, I don't study my older languages much (if at all). I just use them. What I do to keep my languages alive: Actively search out friends using language exchange sites Attend meetups Sign up to cultural activities Travel to the country Invent language-related projects to keep the language in my attention Run my own Meetup in London Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Goethe

In this episode, I talk about my plans for 2017 and thank some people who have influenced my life and work over the last year. In this episode: My big plans for the year: Fluent Spanish Academy - growing the Academy into the best resource for Spanish learners on the web New beginners Spanish course - watch this space! Conversations - collections of fun, natural dialogues for language learners Cantonese listening materials - a new project coming soon Short Stories - a big (but still secret) project coming soon Polyglot Pub - more events for language fans Languages Of London - a new Instagram account celebrating the linguistic diversity of the greatest city in the world. #languagesoflondon Thanks: Steve, for being my biggest inspiration for language learning

In this episode, I talk about my plans for 2017 and thank some people who have influenced my life and work over the last year. In this episode: My big plans for the year: Fluent Spanish Academy - growing the Academy into the best resource for Spanish learners on the web New beginners Spanish course - watch this space! Conversations - collections of fun, natural dialogues for language learners Cantonese listening materials - a new project coming soon Short Stories - a big (but still secret) project coming soon Polyglot Pub - more events for language fans Languages Of London - a new Instagram account celebrating the linguistic diversity of the greatest city in the world. #languagesoflondon Thanks: Steve, for being my biggest inspiration for language learning Benny, for showing me what's possible Colin, for helping me reach more people around the world Calif, for her passion for Cantonese and help producing amazing dialogues Israel, for his help translating Anthony, for his advice and friendship Tetsu and J

Clay asks: "For how long should I use the same material?" In this episode: One of the most destructive language habits is jumping from one material to the next Usually, my advice is to stick with ONE thing, simply to guard against the "butterfly" problem "Don't let the great be the enemy of the good" When I'm studying, I usually have a few different strands to my learning: Speaking on a regular basis Flashcard review of vocabulary Study time In my study time, I tend to do one thing over and over, until I get bored. I wonder why you're asking this question? You should know deep down if the activity you're doing is productive or not If you feel it's productive, keep going! You will certainly lose motivation to do it sooner or later... wait till that time! (For me it's usually 3 weeks) If you feel it's not productive, stop immediately and t --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Clay asks: "For how long should I use the same material?" In this episode: One of the most destructive language habits is jumping from one material to the next Usually, my advice is to stick with ONE thing, simply to guard against the "butterfly" problem "Don't let the great be the enemy of the good" When I'm studying, I usually have a few different strands to my learning: Speaking on a regular basis Flashcard review of vocabulary Study time In my study time, I tend to do one thing over and over, until I get bored. I wonder why you're asking this question? You should know deep down if the activity you're doing is productive or not If you feel it's productive, keep going! You will certainly lose motivation to do it sooner or later... wait till that time! (For me it's usually 3 weeks) If you feel it's not productive, stop immediately and try something else Try to avoid FOMO - providing you're speaking, learning vocabulary, and doing other holistic activities, you won't be missing out on anything! Resource

Chen asks: "How can I teach my child a foreign language without a native environment?" In this episode: Studies comparing school education systems don't find any benefits to starting school tuition before the age of 11. However, this is an indictment of the education system more than anything It is possible to teach children many languages at the same time It's always good to follow the child's interests, but since children change their tastes so frequently, I would pick the language you want him/her to learn, and focus on that over the long-term The ideal scenario is as follows: Set aside one hour a day for the language If possible, bring in an au-pair or nanny to interact with the child for that time ("One Person One Language") If that is not possible, learn the language yourself, and teach him/her as you go Use the same teaching methods you would use in your mother tongue - songs, games, cartoons --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message