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

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 Be VERY patient, and don't expect quick results Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Tetsu Yung on the Act

In this episode, I discuss learning languages abroad. In this episode: Moving abroad to learn a language isn't always as easy as it seems The need to feel comfortable can lead to decisions that aren't helpful for language learning What I've been doing in Hong Kong: Talking to people on the street is neither easy nor productive. Create dedicated opportunities to speak: ConversationExchange.com, MyLanguageExchange.com Learning local vocabulary for daily life is the biggest benefit to living abroad: Use flashcards to store what you learn Keep an ongoing record of phrases you want to use, and ask someone later (again, I use flashcards for this) You only need a couple of good friends to create a perfect learning environment - go out as much as possible Use commuting time for study Use all dead time for revision Don't stop studying! Look for ways to involve yourself in --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

In this episode, I discuss learning languages abroad. In this episode: Moving abroad to learn a language isn't always as easy as it seems The need to feel comfortable can lead to decisions that aren't helpful for language learning What I've been doing in Hong Kong: Talking to people on the street is neither easy nor productive. Create dedicated opportunities to speak: ConversationExchange.com, MyLanguageExchange.com Learning local vocabulary for daily life is the biggest benefit to living abroad: Use flashcards to store what you learn Keep an ongoing record of phrases you want to use, and ask someone later (again, I use flashcards for this) You only need a couple of good friends to create a perfect learning environment - go out as much as possible Use commuting time for study Use all dead time for revision Don't stop studying! Look for ways to involve yourself in the language - I'm creating my own materials Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ConversationExchange.com MyLanguageExchange.com Today's quot

Marco asks: "My teacher says I don't speak like a native. What should I do?" In this episode: When you begin talking to native speakers, most of the value comes from simply speaking Getting used to speaking is the most important thing If you have a lot of existing language knowledge from school, you need to spend time with native speakers in order to get used to how they actually speak Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Speaking Bootcamp - A crash course in speaking fluently and communicating better with native speakers Start speaking today I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. iTalki is the best place online to connect with affordable and effec --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Marco asks: "My teacher says I don't speak like a native. What should I do?" In this episode: When you begin talking to native speakers, most of the value comes from simply speaking Getting used to speaking is the most important thing If you have a lot of existing language knowledge from school, you need to spend time with native speakers in order to get used to how they actually speak Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Speaking Bootcamp - A crash course in speaking fluently and communicating better with native speakers 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 updat

Andy asks: "Why am I still a beginner?" In this episode: Asian languages can take a long time to get used to 6 months seems to be the length of time it takes to become familiar with a new language If you're not seeing progress, you need to increase the frequency and depth of your learning Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly's YouTube channel - subscribe for regular videos from Hong Kong! 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:

Tadeusz asks: "Do Chinese concepts of time differ from English?" In this episode: In this episode, I'm joined by Chris Parker. We discuss... How to express time in Chinese Potential confusion with English Similarities in Cantonese and Japanese Language Examples: Before and after, not really front and behind 5 years ago - 5年以前 = 5 years before (not really front) 5 years time - 5年以后 = 5 years after (not really behind) (trad chars = 五年以後） 前 = before or in front 后 = after + behind 上个星期 last week (upper week) （上個星期 trad chars) 这个星期 this week （這個星期 trad chars） 下个星期 next week (lower week) （下個星期 trad chars) (for weeks and months) For series of books or films etc: 上 the one on the top - part 1 (中) the one in the middle - part 2 下 the one on the bottom - part 3 or 上 first part 下 second part 上下 approximately (upper + lower) 左右 approximately (left + right) 前年 - the year before last (before year) 去年 - last year (gone/left year) 今年 - this year 明年 - next year 后年 - the year after next (year after) trad=後面 Resources M

In this episode, I look back on the last 3 months of learning Thai. In this episode: What I've done since returning from Thailand Is one lesson a week enough? Learning two languages at once Advice for a "minimum" time commitment Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly's YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/iwtyal Learn Thai Video Series: Click here 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 lik

Rana asks: "How can you learn a language without traveling abroad?" In this episode: Traveling abroad isn't necessarily a good thing You can easily learn the basics of a new language from anywhere Get a good textbook & take online classes Plan a trip abroad later on, once you can speak Longer-term, the mosts important thing is to stay motivated in your learning Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Do you need to live abroad to learn a language? - An interesting piece by Jana Fadness on Luca Lampariello's blog. 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. Tha

Dave asks: "How useful are word frequency lists?" In this episode: A small number of words account for a disproportionate amount of use in spoken language But does it make sense to memorise the most frequent words? What about nuance, or context? Why a holistic approach is best - you'll learn those words naturally anyway Frequency dictionaries can be useful for filling in gaps Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Science Of Successful Blogging - My talk from the Montreal Language Festival in Summer 2016. https://youtu.be/HhC0xbpI9QI 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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Syawal asks: "How can I enrich my vocabulary when speaking?" In this episode: Why we tend to use the same limited vocabulary when we speak Syawal's English is already strong, so we're talking about finer shades of meaning and expression How does a native English speaker enrich their vocabulary? Extensive reading is the ultimate way to expose yourself to new linguistic possibilities Combine that with memory techniques to make sure you don't forget the vocabulary Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Master Your Memory - Learn to improve your memory, so you can easily memorise new vocabulary in any language and not forget it. Why Your Spanish Is Stagnating...And What To Do About It! - A new article I've written for Huffington --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Ashley asks: "How do you stay safe when doing language exchanges?" In this episode: Making connections is the real joy of language learning My perspective as a man It's undeniable that some people are looking for more - just like real life! Just as in real life, you need to stay aware Corresponding in advance, talking about the terms of your exchange, and trusting your gut is probably best Beyond that, if you're meeting online (such as Skype), you're safe - just don't reveal any personal details You could use a separate Skype name and Gmail address, but that might not be the foundation of a good friendship If meeting face-to-face, it's almost certainly fine, just meet in a public place However, I'm not best qualified to advise on this... leave your comments please! Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly Richards' Fluency Mastermind Facebook Group 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 speaker

In this episode, I speak with Kevin about his fascinating journey to learn to read and write Japanese. Find Kevin's blog here. In this episode: How Kevin got started with Japanese Struggles in learning kanji Materials that inspired him Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Wanikani - a website for learning kanji Heisig's Remembering The Kanji book Memrise - website for memorising vocabulary The jouyou kanji (常用漢字) - the Japanese government's official list of kanji in regular use Kevin shows us how to use Wanikani:

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Parts 1&2 yet, please do that first: Part 1 Part 2 In this episode: The "T" in the A.R.T. technique - Try! Trying out your new vocabulary in conversation is the last part of mastering it You need to get your new words off the page and onto the tip of your tongue Find a safe person, such as a teacher or language partner, who can help you practise your new vocabulary in a controlled, non-pressure way Remember, though, if you have followed the A. and R. part of the formula, using the vocabulary in conversation should be the easy part! New Course - Master Your Memory! I'm running a new course, where we'll take the concept of the A.R.T. formula you learnt in this series, and put in into practice! You'll learn the 5 most powerful memory techniques of all, and I'll coach you through applying them in your own language learning! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION Start speaking today I’d like t

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. If you haven't heard Part 1 yet, click here to listen to it first! In this episode: The "R" in the A.R.T. technique - Repetition Why most people get Repetition wrong Techniques for introducing Repetition into your memory process Why automating the process of Repetition is a good idea The big danger to avoid 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 lea

This is a 3-part series where you'll learn to master your memory and learn new vocabulary faster. In this episode: Is your memory as bad as you think it is? My A.R.T. formula for memorising new words in any language Selecting vocabulary to learn The process of bringing attention (A.) to new words 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

Denise asks: "My class in the local English school isn't right for me. Help!" In this episode: Self-taught learners and language schools don't always mix It's important to be in the right level of class There maybe many opportunities to speak English locally Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Olly Richards' Fluency Mastermind Facebook Group 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 he

Class asks: "How can I put together a study plan that works for me in Italian?" In this episode: Too much advice can lead to paralysis by analysis Stress is the enemy of learning It's important to stay connected to your original reason for learning Taking 3 weeks off to focus on enjoying the language can work wonders 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

Kento asks: "How can I make the most out of iTalki lessons?" In this episode: Decide what you're looking for in a teacher Avoid the trap of "just talking" Come to the lesson with a specific task to do For example: Describing photos Preparing a monologue or diary entry Transformation drills Summarising stories Finishing stories Resources mentioned in this episode: 5 Study Hacks That Are Working For Me Right Now 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 te --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwillteachyoualanguage/message

Joy asks: "My boyfriend wants me to speak German, what should I do?" In this episode: Language and emotions are inextricably linked Friendships that begin in one language rarely switch to another You're lucky he's so supportive with speaking German! Try fixing a specific time when you speak German Resources mentioned in this episode: IWTYAL 029: I'm learning my wife's language Language learning with a Chinese boyfriend or girlfriend - A wonderful piece of insight from Hacking Chinese 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 th