If you’re learning a new language, there are six possible language levels you can be at, from A1, beginner to C2, advanced. … Read More about Am I Fluent? From A1 To C2: The Six Language Levels Decoded
Strategy & Method
How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language?
If you want to start speaking French, Swahili, German, whatever it is, but you're wondering - how long does it take to learn a language? - … Read More about How Long Does It Take To Learn A Language?
How To Learn A Language For Travel Fast: 10 Top Tips
If you have a trip coming up and you’re wondering how you can quickly learn a language for travel so you can survive from the … Read More about How To Learn A Language For Travel Fast: 10 Top Tips
9 Secrets To Get Off The Intermediate Plateau & Reach Advanced Fluency
Have you reached intermediate level in a new language? Fantastic! You can chat with friends over dinner, shop confidently, order a … Read More about 9 Secrets To Get Off The Intermediate Plateau & Reach Advanced Fluency
iTalki vs Preply vs LanguaTalk: Where’s The Best Place To Find An Online Tutor?
This article compares three popular language tutoring platforms: LanguaTalk, italki and Preply. These are three of the most well-known … Read More about iTalki vs Preply vs LanguaTalk: Where’s The Best Place To Find An Online Tutor?
Can You Really Learn A Language Fluently Just By Reading?
Honestly, Olly, are you really saying that I can learn a language by reading? I’m not surprised that people ask me that question so … Read More about Can You Really Learn A Language Fluently Just By Reading?
The Only Four Types Of Language Learning Apps That Work
Are you learning a foreign language? Then get ready for a bit of detective work on your phone. Check it now because only four valuable types … Read More about The Only Four Types Of Language Learning Apps That Work
LanguaTalk Review 2023: Is The Tutoring Website Any Good?
Looking for an honest LanguaTalk review? LanguaTalk burst onto the scene in 2021, and it's been rapidly growing ever … Read More about LanguaTalk Review 2023: Is The Tutoring Website Any Good?
Top Language Learning Tips To Improve Your Fluency
There are several errors language learners make when trying to achieve fluency in their chosen language. The difference between success … Read More about Top Language Learning Tips To Improve Your Fluency
Core Study Sequences: Studying Textbook Dialogues
https://youtu.be/XEioXvgLnqo In this series of articles, I show you exactly how I’m learning foreign languages every day. In these … Read More about Core Study Sequences: Studying Textbook Dialogues
Core Study Sequences: Study Preparation
https://youtu.be/baTRLadNTJk Welcome to my series of articles in which I show you exactly how I'm learning foreign languages every … Read More about Core Study Sequences: Study Preparation
5 Signs You’re Not Fluent Yet (And How to Fix It)
Today we have a great guest post from Kerstin Hammes, of Fluent Language Tuition, on some danger signs to look out for on your … Read More about 5 Signs You’re Not Fluent Yet (And How to Fix It)
How NOT To Suck At Language Challenges
The term "Language challenge", you may have noticed, is cropping up all over the place! Typically lasting either 30 or 90 days, you come … Read More about How NOT To Suck At Language Challenges
5 Myths about Language Learning
Every day, I talk to people who have the wrong idea about language learning. Some of these myths and misconceptions about second language … Read More about 5 Myths about Language Learning
10 Reasons You Will Fail Language Learning
There's no doubt about it - learning a language is no easy task. One of the key elements in mastering any skill is knowing how to identify, … Read More about 10 Reasons You Will Fail Language Learning
Do Foreign Languages in School Need To Be Taught Differently?
Many people believe that the teaching of foreign languages in school is not fit for purpose. "School put me off languages for life!" ... … Read More about Do Foreign Languages in School Need To Be Taught Differently?
21 Bad Study Habits That Are Killing Your Progress
What would you say if I told you: "You already know everything you need to know about language learning"? "You know the bad study habits … Read More about 21 Bad Study Habits That Are Killing Your Progress
How To Learn Vocabulary Quickly And Easily From Stories
Wondering how to learn vocabulary from stories? If you’re using stories to learn a new language then you have accidentally stumbled upon the … Read More about How To Learn Vocabulary Quickly And Easily From Stories
Sprint Learning – A Way to Stay Productive while Language Learning
My entire experience with language learning has led me to one important conclusion about the big question of setting goals and making … Read More about Sprint Learning – A Way to Stay Productive while Language Learning
Dating Someone Who Speaks a Different Language: Tips to Make it Work
https://youtu.be/Q2UL_eSvMq4 One of the most common quips you hear about language learning when talking with someone on the … Read More about Dating Someone Who Speaks a Different Language: Tips to Make it Work
Why Is it Important for Language Teachers to Be Language Learners? | TROLL 020
https://youtu.be/3eeY__FqB2Q Olly Richards here, back again with another Rule of Language Learning, and today I have language teachers … Read More about Why Is it Important for Language Teachers to Be Language Learners? | TROLL 020
Learning How to Learn: Mastering the Science of Learning with Dr Barbara Oakley
https://youtu.be/uHdTLMuV9do Dr Barbara Oakley is a lifelong learning enthusiast with a colourful past. After struggling with … Read More about Learning How to Learn: Mastering the Science of Learning with Dr Barbara Oakley
Learning Script to Boost Your Foreign Language Abilities| TROLL022
https://youtu.be/NCfmSD2qeUI Now, you may have noticed that not everyone in the world speaks English. And thank God for that… I mean, … Read More about Learning Script to Boost Your Foreign Language Abilities| TROLL022
How to Maintain a Language: 7 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dream Alive
After all the blood, sweat and tears it takes to learn a foreign language… The one thing you really want to avoid is… Forgetting … Read More about How to Maintain a Language: 7 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dream Alive
Intensive Language Learning: How to Learn Faster
Today I'm delighted to feature a guest post by Chi Fang about the value of intensive language learning. In this post, Chi argues that … Read More about Intensive Language Learning: How to Learn Faster
Michel Thomas Language Publisher Reveals How She Changed the Face Of Language Learning
Michel Thomas is one of the best-known language teachers of all time. His language courses are supremely popular, and his teaching method … Read More about Michel Thomas Language Publisher Reveals How She Changed the Face Of Language Learning
How To Learn Vocabulary in a Foreign Language: 3 Steps to Success
This post will show you how to learn vocabulary in a foreign language, based on my experience of learning 10,000s words in the eight … Read More about How To Learn Vocabulary in a Foreign Language: 3 Steps to Success
Keep the Inconsistency Villain at Bay: Learning Consistency
https://youtu.be/lKNOd3wdTsQ If you're learning a new language, then you need to know that six villains are out to get you. Yes, … Read More about Keep the Inconsistency Villain at Bay: Learning Consistency
How to Learn a Language Fluently: The Secret to Success… | TROLL 012
https://youtu.be/u0AabTA81_0 She said: "Nobody ever told me!" I said: "What do you mean nobody ever told you?" "Nobody told me. I … Read More about How to Learn a Language Fluently: The Secret to Success… | TROLL 012
Best Way To Learn A Language For Free: 9 Free Language Learning Strategies
We live in an online world where you can easily learn a language for free. But, without the structure of formal classes, you may be … Read More about Best Way To Learn A Language For Free: 9 Free Language Learning Strategies
Glossika Review: How to Use Glossika Language Training As Part of Your Core Study Time
https://youtu.be/TDE_0UBcsvE Welcome to my series of articles in which I show you exactly how I’m learning foreign languages every day. … Read More about Glossika Review: How to Use Glossika Language Training As Part of Your Core Study Time
How to Stick to Routine Language Learning: 10 Years of Trial and Error
Brian Kwong from DaGeniusLab surveyed his audience on what was holding them back in their language learning. The overwhelming response? Time … Read More about How to Stick to Routine Language Learning: 10 Years of Trial and Error
Stephen Krashen on Language Learning in the Polyglot Community
https://youtu.be/YnesW3kL5cY Dr. Stephen Krashen is a linguistics professor at the University of California who has written extensively … Read More about Stephen Krashen on Language Learning in the Polyglot Community
How to Remember Things Quickly With Jonathan Levi
https://youtu.be/WZZzaE16lDw If you could learn how to remember things quickly this year, would you? How about if you could … Read More about How to Remember Things Quickly With Jonathan Levi
Can You Learn Two Languages At Once?
It's the language learning question I get asked most often. It comes up again and again on the podcast. And no matter how often we … Read More about Can You Learn Two Languages At Once?
Why You Should Focus on Learning Phrases, Not Words | TROLL 016
https://youtu.be/iBDX9vuNlfw Olly Richards here and I’m back with another rule of language learning. And this one is an absolute belter! … Read More about Why You Should Focus on Learning Phrases, Not Words | TROLL 016
Can You Learn a Language Just by Listening? Try Listening with the Transcript | TROLL 007
Welcome back to the Rules of Language Learning... Rule number 7, ladies and gentlemen, will make a massive difference in how you … Read More about Can You Learn a Language Just by Listening? Try Listening with the Transcript | TROLL 007
7 Year Old Speaks 5 Languages – How Did She Learn Them?
https://youtu.be/pe-qj19LljI Meet my friend Yukine. She's 7 years old and speaks 5 languages: English, Spanish, Japanese, German and … Read More about 7 Year Old Speaks 5 Languages – How Did She Learn Them?
Language Learning For Introverts: 8 Things You Need to Know
I’m an introvert, but it took me years to understand what that means, and how that affects my language learning. In this post on language … Read More about Language Learning For Introverts: 8 Things You Need to Know
Language Immersion at Home: Where Do You Like To Do It?
On the sofa? In the bedroom? In the car? At work!? I do it in all these places. Everyday. And so should you! Want more details? Of course … Read More about Language Immersion at Home: Where Do You Like To Do It?
MosaLingua Review – Is This Language App Worth It?
https://youtu.be/2R-eNzxs5Ao I've been hearing a lot about the MosaLingua app for some time now, so I thought I'd give it a try, and … Read More about MosaLingua Review – Is This Language App Worth It?
Why Being A Translator Isn’t As Easy As You Think
Lots of people dream of being a translator. Perhaps this is because you need to be very, very good at another language in order to … Read More about Why Being A Translator Isn’t As Easy As You Think
How to Set Smart Goals For Learning a Language
No path through the forest Goal setting - this is where it all begins. Whatever stage you're at in learning a language, without smart … Read More about How to Set Smart Goals For Learning a Language
How to Learn Language Through Songs
We all love music, so shouldn't we learn language through songs? I'm a jazz pianist and so songs have always been really important for … Read More about How to Learn Language Through Songs
How To Do Language Immersion The Right Way: Strategies For Expats
Today I’m delighted to feature a guest post from Alicia about creating a language immersion environment for yourself. … Read More about How To Do Language Immersion The Right Way: Strategies For Expats
Drops Language Review 2022: Is the App Any Good?
Welcome to this Drops language review which will give you an honest assessment of this language learning app. There’s a lot to like … Read More about Drops Language Review 2022: Is the App Any Good?
3 Hidden Links Between Music and Language Learning
When I tell people I did a music degree, most people assume there is a link between music and language learning. The predictable … Read More about 3 Hidden Links Between Music and Language Learning
How to be a Good Language Teacher: 19 Tips For Success
In a recent article, I asked the question: Are you wasting your money on language classes? The article made the point that, while classes … Read More about How to be a Good Language Teacher: 19 Tips For Success
Core Study Sequences: Back Translation
https://youtu.be/8VXmDiBfzwA This is another part of a series of articles in which I show you exactly how I’m learning foreign languages … Read More about Core Study Sequences: Back Translation
Clozemaster Review 2022: Is It Any Good?
Remember the old “fill in the blank worksheets” you used to get in school? Picture that online and you’ve got Clozemaster, a language … Read More about Clozemaster Review 2022: Is It Any Good?
Rocket Languages Review 2022: Is It Any Good?
There are so many language courses on the internet nowadays, how can you know which one will suit you best? Many courses cater for … Read More about Rocket Languages Review 2022: Is It Any Good?
Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo (2021): Which Is Better?
This article is a comparison between two popular language-learning apps: Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo. Both are online resources for learning a … Read More about Rosetta Stone vs Duolingo (2021): Which Is Better?
Babbel vs Rosetta Stone (2021): Which Is Better?
This article is a comparison of two of the most well-known online programmes for learning a new language: Babbel vs Rosetta Stone. Both of … Read More about Babbel vs Rosetta Stone (2021): Which Is Better?
Babbel vs Duolingo (2021): Which Is Better?
Overview Of Babbel vs Duolingo This article is a comparison between two hugely popular language-learning apps: Babbel vs Duolingo. Both … Read More about Babbel vs Duolingo (2021): Which Is Better?
Babbel Review (2021): Is It Any Good?
This article is a review of Babbel, an online resource for learning languages through audio and quiz-style lessons. … Read More about Babbel Review (2021): Is It Any Good?
The 10 Rules Of StoryLearning
https://youtu.be/PqCJSXHYth8 There are 10 golden rules for learning languages with stories. And if you apply even ONE of these 10 … Read More about The 10 Rules Of StoryLearning
8 Ways To Beat Your Fear Of Speaking
https://youtu.be/8IxyoN0QUS0 Hands up if you freeze at the thought of speaking your new language to a real person? Yes, the fear is … Read More about 8 Ways To Beat Your Fear Of Speaking
The Fear Villain
https://youtu.be/i4ATzPgEsbg If you're learning a new language, then you need to know that six villains are out to get you. Yes, … Read More about The Fear Villain
The Hoarding Villain
https://youtu.be/vNtJIHoPbZY If you're learning a new language, then you need to know that six villains are out to get you. Yes, … Read More about The Hoarding Villain
Meet The App Villain
https://youtu.be/tQMvVoJs-eI If you’re learning a new language, then you need to know that six villains are out to get you. Yes, … Read More about Meet The App Villain
Introducing: The Language Learning Villains
https://youtu.be/IlHkz5K3pPE If you thought Batman had it bad. Think again. The Joker? Nothing compared to what you have to … Read More about Introducing: The Language Learning Villains
6 Things Every Extrovert Needs To Know About Language Learning
Extroverts! It seems to me that you don’t really need much encouragement with language learning. As an extrovert, you’re normally … Read More about 6 Things Every Extrovert Needs To Know About Language Learning
Rosetta Stone Review 2020
This article is a review of Rosetta Stone, an online resource for learning languages. In this review, I'll take you inside the paid … Read More about Rosetta Stone Review 2020
Don’t Learn Two Languages At The Same Time | TROLL 25
https://youtu.be/cY9OOumMooY Now on the I Will Teach You a Language podcast… Which of course all self-respecting language learners … Read More about Don’t Learn Two Languages At The Same Time | TROLL 25
Take Responsibility For Your Own Speaking Practice | TROLL 024
https://youtu.be/5kHLaUES8c4 After the relationship advice I dished out in the last Rule of Language Learning, quite frankly I’m amazed … Read More about Take Responsibility For Your Own Speaking Practice | TROLL 024
Ultralearning: Mastering The Principles Of Effective Learning with Scott Young
Scott Young is a writer and blogger who undertakes interesting and ambitious self-education projects. From attempting to learn MIT's … Read More about Ultralearning: Mastering The Principles Of Effective Learning with Scott Young
Quantity… Not Quality | TROLL 019
https://youtu.be/QOhSXXJuIEU Here’s a little known fact about me... Many years ago I used to practise martial arts. … Read More about Quantity… Not Quality | TROLL 019
Read, Read, Read (For Krashen!) | TROLL 014
https://youtu.be/HwIB9-fcxY8 Back in the 5th Rule of Language Learning, we had a very pithy rule that was summed up like this: Review, … Read More about Read, Read, Read (For Krashen!) | TROLL 014
Nobody Cares About Your Language Skills | TROLL 013
https://youtu.be/1g4g78JYQQQ Back in Rule 005, you may remember I mentioned a Spanish friend of mine, Tomás, who taught me how to … Read More about Nobody Cares About Your Language Skills | TROLL 013
Study Languages The Same Way Every Day! | TROLL 010
https://youtu.be/08WEnz1d9DQ In a previous life, I was a musician. And the piano was my weapon of choice. I was very serious about … Read More about Study Languages The Same Way Every Day! | TROLL 010
Don’t Learn It Just Because It’s In Your Textbook! | TROLL 009
https://youtu.be/rqiAHHst-Mo Back in the dizzy days of 2011, I was living in Japan, teaching English. It was the start of term, and I … Read More about Don’t Learn It Just Because It’s In Your Textbook! | TROLL 009
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat | TROLL 005
https://youtu.be/XLF9ZlJBaLA In my early days of language learning, I had a very close friend - a Spanish speaker called Tomás. He … Read More about Repeat, Repeat, Repeat | TROLL 005
Study At Your Desk With The Door Closed | TROLL 003
https://youtu.be/4aewHQhOgtw In years gone by, when I first started learning languages… In the “olden days” you might call it… I … Read More about Study At Your Desk With The Door Closed | TROLL 003
Don’t Take Language Learning Advice From Native Speakers | TROLL 001
https://youtu.be/gYx-gWK8bgI Let me ask you a very important question… Would you take business advice from someone who’s stinking … Read More about Don’t Take Language Learning Advice From Native Speakers | TROLL 001
The Ultimate MetaLearning Guide: 5 Strategies To Accelerate Your Language Learning From Cognitive Science
Today I'm delighted to feature a guest post from my friend Nasos Papadopoulos about metalearning techiques you can use to become a more … Read More about The Ultimate MetaLearning Guide: 5 Strategies To Accelerate Your Language Learning From Cognitive Science
16 Reasons To Learn A Language Through Story
You may have never considered learning a foreign language with stories. You might not even think it’s possible! But from all my years … Read More about 16 Reasons To Learn A Language Through Story
How The World’s Top Polyglots Learn Languages: What Do Their Methods Have In Common?
What do the language learning methods used by the world's top polyglots all have in common? Today, I'm delighted to feature a guest … Read More about How The World’s Top Polyglots Learn Languages: What Do Their Methods Have In Common?
Language Learning & Coffee: How To Use “Productivity Anchors” To Upgrade Your Language Study
It's been some time since we've had a really good look at productivity on the blog, so today I'm delighted to feature this guest post … Read More about Language Learning & Coffee: How To Use “Productivity Anchors” To Upgrade Your Language Study
Why Authenticity Is The Missing Link In Language Learning
In the following guest post, Lukas Van Vyve of The Polyglot Life discusses the importance of being authentic in your … Read More about Why Authenticity Is The Missing Link In Language Learning
Endangered Languages: Tips For Learning & Using The World’s Minority Languages
It’s easy to say how every language-learning journey starts. You may hear a friend say it. It may come to mind while daydreaming - namely, … Read More about Endangered Languages: Tips For Learning & Using The World’s Minority Languages
5 Tips To Roll Your Rs In Spanish, Italian… Or Any Other Language!
Learning how to roll your Rs is one of those language learning ordeals that can really make you feel stupid! Whether you're learning … Read More about 5 Tips To Roll Your Rs In Spanish, Italian… Or Any Other Language!
New Project: Learn To Write Traditional Chinese Characters
https://youtu.be/A6IIH49dt-g I'm stuck. After a couple of years learning Cantonese, I feel like I'm at an impasse. The … Read More about New Project: Learn To Write Traditional Chinese Characters
12 Language Immersion Tools For Google Chrome
You might have used the Google Chrome web browser before. But did you know Chrome is actually a powerful tool for foreign language … Read More about 12 Language Immersion Tools For Google Chrome
Core Study Time In Your Language Routine
I recently wrote about my new language routine in detail. It's a powerful routine (with a CRAZY early start) I've used to make fast progress … Read More about Core Study Time In Your Language Routine
My CRAZY 5AM Language Routine
For the last month, I’ve been on a crazy new language learning routine. I get up at 5 a.m. every day to study Cantonese, and have … Read More about My CRAZY 5AM Language Routine
5 Ways To Break Your Facebook Addiction And Create More Time For Language Learning
You have the best of intentions ... You plan to study ... But then Facebook happens. 45 minutes later, your textbook … Read More about 5 Ways To Break Your Facebook Addiction And Create More Time For Language Learning
HelloTalk App Review – Connect With Native Speakers Around The World
https://youtu.be/bixMSfNIgtw Have you been learning a new language for a while, and feel like it's time to start practising and using … Read More about HelloTalk App Review – Connect With Native Speakers Around The World
8 Language Learning Hacks For Busy People
https://youtu.be/EprUIgxcgSM Are you too busy to learn a language? Do you always find it hard to make time to study? Me too. In … Read More about 8 Language Learning Hacks For Busy People
FluentU Review – Language Learning With Video
I’m sure you know this feeling. You study your new language at home, or in class, and it all seems to be going well. But then you go … Read More about FluentU Review – Language Learning With Video
How I Learn Foreign Languages
https://youtu.be/5slVHy2JmcQ [For a complete script, scroll down to the end of the post] Hi, I'm Olly. Nice to meet you! As you … Read More about How I Learn Foreign Languages
Are You Wasting Your Money On Language Classes?
If you want to learn a new language, you've probably thought about taking language classes. But is this the best way to go? Are language … Read More about Are You Wasting Your Money On Language Classes?
5 Study Hacks That Are Working For Me Right Now
I'm 3 months into my Egyptian Arabic project right now, so it's high time to write a bit about what I've been doing, how I've been learning … Read More about 5 Study Hacks That Are Working For Me Right Now
Choosing The Best Language Resources – Part 1: Self-Study
It's difficult to underestimate the importance of choosing the right language resources. Getting it right means choosing materials that … Read More about Choosing The Best Language Resources – Part 1: Self-Study
Is learning two languages at once a good idea? (plus big news!)
A couple of weeks ago, I got some big news. I'm moving to Cairo ! Or to be more accurate, I'm being sent to Cairo :) The organisation … Read More about Is learning two languages at once a good idea? (plus big news!)
So Emotional! How Your Emotions Are Working For You
Today I'm pleased to feature a guest post, written by Ariadne Weinberg, an actress, English teacher, and writer for Listen & … Read More about So Emotional! How Your Emotions Are Working For You
Are You Wasting Your Time Watching Foreign Language Movies?
I’ve watched hundreds of movies over the years to help me to learn one language or another. I bet you have too. Who doesn’t like a good … Read More about Are You Wasting Your Time Watching Foreign Language Movies?
8 Ways To Apply The 80/20 Rule To Language Learning
In this post I'll briefly describe the 80/20 rule, give some real-world examples of how it can be applied to language learning, and then … Read More about 8 Ways To Apply The 80/20 Rule To Language Learning
The Beginner’s Dilemma
When you start out in a language you face a straightforward dilemma. You've been told that if you want to get good at a language, "you … Read More about The Beginner’s Dilemma
10 Principles For Language Learning
Are you wondering how you can learn a language? Is there a "best" way to do it? Which strategies can give you the most bang for your … Read More about 10 Principles For Language Learning
Post-it® Heaven!
This one is nice and simple. It works on the principle of learning language that's around you first, because you encounter it everyday, … Read More about Post-it® Heaven!
Unforced Errors – Language Learning And Table Tennis
What can an innocuous game of table tennis teach you about your language learning journey? A proper hammering the other day made me reflect … Read More about Unforced Errors – Language Learning And Table Tennis
How To Do 1 Hour’s Study In Only 5 Minutes
I'm writing this post right now because I just pulled 50 mins of quality study out of a hat. From nothing! And I'm chuffed! I'd … Read More about How To Do 1 Hour’s Study In Only 5 Minutes
Stealth Learning In The Field
This practical activity helps you deal with daily situations in a foreign environment and prioritise the learning of the language being used … Read More about Stealth Learning In The Field
