IWTYAL 305: The “Overwhelming Ocean” of Language Learning

Kristin asks: “How do you overcome the overwhelming ocean of language learning?”

In Today's Episode:

• How I most relate to this: Cantonese
• 3 months isn't a long time… so be patient!
• Recognise that this is a psychological / motivation issue… not a language learning “problem”
• Over time, you get to know how you work and how you learn, and that's what gives you confidence
• But staying motivated is the only thing that matters, because without that you're lost

Some tips for doing this:

• Do a “complete 360” in your study – try something totally different!
  • Take lessons
  • Listen instead of read
  • Stop memorising and get immersion
• Make sure you're doing what most excites you — speaking?
• Find strength from your daily practice
• Apply mindfulness techniques to the emotions of frustration and overwhelm

Resources Mentioned:

• The Waking Up App from Sam Harris

Start Speaking Today:

I’d like to thank italki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: https://storylearning.com//italkishownotes

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See you in the next episode of the I Will Teach You A Language podcast!

Olly Richards

Creator of the StoryLearning® Method

Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.

Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.

When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preaches—he speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.