StoryLearning Podcast

120: The mother tongue's role in vocabulary learning

19 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Rocco asks: "What role should your mother tongue play in learning vocabulary?" In this episode: Translation is useful (and desirable) at the early s...

119: I can't understand English TV

16 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Mateusz asks: "I have trouble understanding TV in English. What should I do?" In this episode: TV, movies and radio are "larger than life" and often...

118: How to choose intermediate material

14 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus asks: "What's the best way to choose intermediate material?" In this episode: There is often no "perfect" choice for intermediate level mater...

117: Conversation with Steve Kaufmann Part 2

07 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down for a chat with Steve Kaufmann. This is part 2 of the conversation. In this episode: What role languages play in our live...

116: Conversation with Steve Kaufmann Part 1

05 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down for a chat with Steve Kaufmann. This is part 1 of the conversation. In this episode: Learning and maintaining multiple la...

115: My teacher wants me to slow down

01 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Yuki asks: "My high school English teacher wants me to speak more slowly. What should I do?" In this episode: There is often a conflict between the ...

097: Word Order & Sentence Structure In A New Language

16 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Freddie asks: "What's the best way to get my head around different word order and sentence structure in a new language?" In this episode: Three appr...

096: Olly's Strategy to Learn German

14 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

2 weeks ago, I started learning German. In this episode I talk about my experience learning a brand new language. In this episode: Why I decided t...

095: Should I rely on translation at advanced levels?

07 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

SJ asks: "I'm using flashcards to help me learn English expressions. But am I relying too much on translation?" In this episode: The challenges o...

094: I get tired after speaking for 30 minutes

05 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Tomás asks: "I get tired after speaking English for 30 minutes. How can I raise my stamina?" In this episode: My experience breaking through the...

093: Is culture important in language learning?

01 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Thiago asks: "I'm learning Japanese. How important is it for me to learn the culture?" In this episode: Why language and culture are inextricably...

092: Is reading aloud helpful?

30 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Nicolas asks: "Is it helpful to read aloud in Chinese?" In this episode: Reading aloud and why we do it Our experience of reading aloud from sch...

091: Luke Thompson on teaching and learning

24 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with Luke Thompson from Luke's English Podcast. Luke's been podcasting for over 7 years, and I asked him about the top three th...

090: Should I add audio to my flashcards?

22 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Sergio asks: "Is it a good idea to add audio to my flashcards?" In this episode: Why audio and images are helpful to remember vocabulary The ben...

089: How can I resurrect a childhood language?

17 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Zena asks: "I spoke fluent Chinese as a child, but I've since forgotten it. How can I resurrect it?" In this episode: If you spoke another langua...

088: Should I watch movies with subtitles?

15 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Pete asks: "I'm learning Portuguese, should I watch movies with subtitles?" In this episode: Why movies are not a useful learning strategy for be...

087: How to avoid translating in your head

10 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Pete asks: "I'm learning Portuguese, how can I avoid translating in my head?" In this episode: Translation is inevitable It's a useful strategy ...

086: How to study during a busy period

08 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Isabelle asks: "I'm about to enter a very busy period of final exams. How can I keep up my Mandarin during this period?" In this episode: The goo...

085: How should I allocate time to different languages?

03 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Freddie asks: "I'm a professional English translator and interpreter living in Portugal. However, learning Portuguese is detracting from my English......

084: How can I teach my mother English?

01 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Nicolas asks: "I'd like to help my mother learn English. What's the best way to do that?" In this episode: First of all, Nicolas' mum needs to fi...

083: Shouldn't language learning be unconscious?

25 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Masoud asks: "For me, language learning has always been an unconscious experience. Studying just shuts me down." In this episode: We discuss the top...

082: The truth about flashcards and language learning

23 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss the common criticism of flashcards as an "ineffective" study technique. In this episode: Three common criticisms of flash...

081: 10 Ways To Make A Living Online With Languages

10 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I answer a common question I receive: "How can I make a living online with my language talents?" In this episode: As a language spec...

080: Does travelling make you fluent?

02 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I'm joined by special guest Jan Van Der Aa. In this episode: Do you have to travel abroad to take your language to a high level? ...

079: Want me to teach you Spanish?

29 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode: Information about Spanish Bootcamp 2016 To find out more, click here: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/spanishbootcamp Start ...

078: When should I stop learning vocabulary?

21 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Steffen asks: "When's the right time to stop focusing on vocabulary?" In this episode: Why you'll always need to grow your vocab The ONE thing t...

077: How do you learn slang?

19 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Sam asks: "How do you keep up with ever-changing slang in Cantonese?" In this episode: The dangers of slang and idioms When to learn them... and...

076: How to run a language exchange

14 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew asks: "What's the best way to run a language exchange?" In this episode: Manage expectations - tell your partner what you want Keep it in...

075: How to complete specific tasks in another language

12 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Alexia asks: "I can hold a conversation in Polish, but I can't take my patients' medical history. How can I do this?" In this episode: Doctors vs...

074: Confusing Spanish & Portuguese

08 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Steve asks: "I learnt Spanish for two years, and recently I've been learning Portuguese for 8 months. How can I avoid confusing the two?" In this epi...

073: 8 reasons to read in a foreign language

05 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I give you 8 reasons you should be reading in your target language. In this episode: Reading slows down the language It's great ...

072: Audacious language goals

29 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss my language plans for 2016 and how you can make it the best year of language learning ever! In this episode: 3 ways to su...

071: Beginner Japanese hacks

18 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole asks: "How can I progress beyond the basics in Japanese?" In this episode: Why you should avoid focusing on kanji as a beginner What you ...

070: How to deal with fossilisation

16 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Owain asks: "How can you deal with fossilisation in a language?" In this episode: What is fossilisation? Why does it occur? How can you deal wi...

069: Are some language pairings easier than others?

10 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Allen asks: "I want to learn French and Japanese at the same time. What do I need to consider?" In this episode: You can learn two languages at t...

068: Studying for the test or speaking practice?

08 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Halvard asks: "I'm studying for the B1 exam in Russian. Does your advice to speak regularly still stand?" In this episode: My advice on regular s...

067: How to use teachers at different levels

03 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Neil asks: "What's the best way to use a teacher beyond a beginner level?" In this episode: How to work with teachers as a beginner How to work ...

066: What does it feel like at different language levels?

25 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 languag...

065: My CRAZY 5am language routine - Part 2

19 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 continuatio...

064: My CRAZY 5am language routine - Part 1

18 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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?...

063: Can texting improve spoken fluency?

13 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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...

062: How can I restart learning a language?

10 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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...

061: Is it REALLY a bad idea to learn multiple languages?

05 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 episod...

060: How to assess your progress in a language

03 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 prog...

059: How can I understand my colleagues?

29 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

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 as...

058: What Skype recording software do you use?

28 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Marie asks: "What software do you use to record your Skype lessons?" In this episode: What software I use to record Skype lessons Mac vs PC Sho...

057: Extensive listening - good or bad?

22 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Andy asks: "Is extensive listening effective?" In this episode: When listening to language too far above your level is unproductive i+1 and why ...

056: Do I have to travel to learn a language?

20 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

I answer the common question: "Do I need to travel to learn a language? In this episode: Against traveling: As a tourist, you will often find you...

055: Polyglot Conference 2015 NYC

15 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Last weekend saw the Polyglot Conference 2015 take place in NYC. In this episode I sit down with two of the organisers, Richard Simcott and Alex Rawli...

054: I'm reluctant to give up a language

08 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Hugh asks: "I'm trying to learn four languages, but I don't want to give any up. What should I do?" In this episode: The difficulty of learning 4 ...

053: Starting to speak with limited vocabulary

06 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Lanae asks: "I'm learning Japanese, but all the vocabulary I've learnt from books has been on restaurant vocabulary etc. How can I start speaking when...

052: Can technology help you learn a language? (2/2)

01 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. Fo...

051: Can technology help you learn a language? (1/2)

29 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, myself and Luca Lampariello discuss the question: "Can technology help you learn a language?" This is a conversation in two parts. ...

050: I'm too busy to learn a language (3/3)

24 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In the last of a three-part series, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: ...

049: I'm too busy to learn a language (2/3)

22 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In the second of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: ...

048: I'm too busy to learn a language (1/3)

17 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of a three-part episode, I answer the question: "I'm simply too busy to learn languages. How can I find the time?" In this episode: ...

047: How to you maintain your level in multiple languages

08 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Hugo asks in an iTunes review: "How do you maintain a good level in all your languages?" In this episode: Polyglots do not speak all their langua...

046: Can I learn Afrikaans with my friend?

03 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Nathan asks in an iTunes review: "I have several native Afrikaner friends, however none of them are trained teachers. What is the best way I can hel...

045: How should I study between lessons?

01 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Terry asks: "What's the best way to study in-between lessons in order to consolidate what you've learnt?" In this episode: What's the main purpos...

044: How many teachers should I have?

27 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Terry asks: "I've been taking regular Chinese lessons with iTalki, but should I stick with one teacher, or have a variety?" In this episode: Why ...

043: A career in languages

25 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Chiara asks: "Is it still worth doing a degree in languages? Is there still a role for language teachers in a rapidly changing world? In this episode...

042: Which language should I learn?

20 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Wendel asks: "I need to learn a 3rd European language, but none appeals to me. What should I do?" In this episode: What's a good reason to learn a...

041: Introverts and language learning

18 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss how introverts deal with learning foreign languages. In this episode: I am an introvert by nature, despite what you may...

040: What kind of books should I read?

13 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

One reader asks: "I want to try my hand at reading a book and wondered what you would recommend?" In this episode: The problem with children's book...

039: How to find materials for minority languages

11 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Alex asks: "How should one go about gathering together language learning materials when there are none?" In this episode: Here are my suggestions ...

038: Living with native speakers

06 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ben asks: "I'm currently on a work placement in France. How can I make the most of living with native speakers?" In this episode: The huge opport...

037: People keep replying in English

04 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa asks: "I'm learning Spanish, but people keep replying to me in English. How can I solve this?" In this episode: The difficulties of findi...

036: Fluency vs Proficiency

30 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

ManchesterAul asks (in an iTunes review): "What's the difference btw fluency and proficienncy? Do i consider myself fluent or proficient in my langua...

035: Coaching my mum to learn Italian

29 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Nina asks: "How can I coach my mum to learn Italian?" In this episode: The most important things about coaching someone to learn a language Why ...

034: How to learn tonal languages

23 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Shane asks: "I'm learning Chinese and Thai. What's the best way to learn the tones, or tonal languages in general?" In this episode: How to approa...

033: Olly's Arabic teacher explains his progress

21 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview my Arabic teacher Mona about how I made quick progress in my Arabic. In this episode: My progress compared to Mona's ...

032: Single words or full sentences?

16 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Sebastian asks: "Should I learn single words or complete phrases?" In this episode: The disadvantages of learning single words Why learning voca...

031: What's the best mobile app for connecting with native speakers?

14 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Jane asks: "What's your favourite mobile app for meeting and practising with native speakers?" In this episode: The importance of connecting with...

030: Should I learn a German dialect?

09 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus asks: "Should I learn a German dialect or standard German?" In this episode: The advantages of learning standard German Why you might wan...

029: Learning your partner's language

07 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Many people have asked: "I'm struggling to learn my partner's language, why is it so hard?" In this episode: Why it can be so difficult to learn y...

028: How to stop reading becoming a chore

02 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Alex asks: "How can stop listening becoming a chore?" In this episode: The key to reading usefully is choosing material where you already underst...

027: How can I improve my listening comprehension?

30 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Max asks: "How can I improve my listening comprehension?" In this episode: Three reasons you might not understand a native speaker: You don’...

Special Spanish offer for podcast listeners

26 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

My new book of Spanish short stories was published today. Grab your copy on Amazon Kindle for only $0.99 for a few days only. "Spanish Short Stories ...

026: How to get a good accent quickly?

25 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ferdaous asks: "I'm learning English, how can I develop a good American accent quickly?" In this episode: Why a good accent is important The dif...

025: I'm torn between two languages

23 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Doug asks: "I know I need to focus on one language, but I'm torn between two languages. What should I do?" In this episode: Why it's important to...

024: How can I stay motivated as a beginner?

18 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Cecilia asks: "How do you stay motivated when you don't speak much of the language and it's such a long way ahead" In this episode: The importanc...

023: Which Spanish dialect should I learn?

16 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Greg asks: "There are so many varieties of Spanish. Which dialect should I focus on?" In this episode: How I learnt Spanish About different vari...

022: How can I help my friend with her English?

11 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Isabelle asks: "My Chinese friend is learning English. How can I help her best?" In this episode: How to help someone learn another language T...

021: How can I learn Spanish quickly?

09 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Cody asks: "I'm travelling to South America in a few weeks time. How can I learn the Spanish I need to make the most out of my trip?" In this episod...

020: How can I go from intermediate to advanced?

04 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Nate asks: "I'm currently living in Bolivia and working on my Spanish. Do you have any advice for getting from intermediate to advanced?" In this ep...

019: How to find someone to speak with

02 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Steve asks: "The thing I most struggle with is not having anyone to speak with. I live in a rural part of the country so there are no Japanese langua...

018: When do you consider yourself fluent in another language?

28 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Isabelle asks: "At what point do you consider yourself to be fluent in another language?" In this episode: What is fluency? What does it mean to...

017: How much time should I spend on pronunciation?

26 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny asks: "My English teacher used to say that it's important to speak with a native-like accent. Do you think it's important to spend a lot of tim...

016: How do you stay motivated when you're living at home?

21 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Yingnoi Lee asks: "How do you concentrate on learning foreign languages when you're living in your homeland?" In this episode: Tactics for staying...

015: How do I organise vocabulary from different books?

19 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judi asks: "I'm learning Spanish from two different books at the moment. How can I keep my vocabulary organised between them?" In this episode: L...

014: Can you use one language to learn another?

14 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Linda asks: "What do you think of using the Laddering technique to use one second language to learn another?" In this episode: The laddering te...

013: When is it time to move on to another language?

12 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Tamiyo asks: "When do you decide you've learnt enough and it's time to move on to another language?" In this episode: Why are you learning a lang...

012: How can I learn advanced English vocabulary?

07 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Davide asks: "I'm very fluent in English but there are still words I don't know. How can I learn them?" In this episode: Moving from fluent to adv...

011: I'm 17. Should I bother learning a language?

05 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Ben: "I'm 17. Should I bother learning a language, when technology can already do so much for us?" In this e...

010: How can you learn a completely different language?

30 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Cecilia: "How can I learn a language that's completely different to my own?" In this episode: How can you...

009: How can I avoid confusing two languages?

28 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Nicki: "I'm learning Turkish and Kurmanji, how can avoid confusing them on my trip to Turkey?" In this episo...

008: How can I make sure I don't forget a word?

23 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from John: "I recently learnt the word for Heathrow in Chinese. How can I make sure I don't forget it?" In this ...

007: How can I learn the Russian cases?

21 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Tom: "I'm not getting anywhere with Russian cases. Can you help me make progress with this?" With special gue...

006: Which is better - intensive or extensive reading?

16 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Marcelo: "Now that I'm at an intermediate level of English, which is better - intensive or extensive reading?...

005: How can I learn vocab from songs?

14 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode features a question from Kevin: "How can I take vocabulary from songs and use it in my conversations?"  In this episode: The bene...