The Language Learner

Episod

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  Benny Lewis: Can You Really Be Fluent in Just Three Months? 27.07.2026 50min

  Benny Lewis (Fluent in 3 Months) on Speaking From Day One, Realistic 3-Month Goals, and His Comeback*Benny:*Benny's coaching Bootcamp:https://courses.fluentin3months.com/p/bootcampBenny's email list on his blog homepage:https://www.fluentin3months.com/The Language and Travel Hacking podcast:https://www.fluentin3months.com/podcast/YouTube:Travel & Lifestyle: https://www.youtube.com/@irishpolyglotLanguage learning: https://www.youtube.com/@fi3mInstagram:Travel: https://www.instagram.com/irishpolyglot/Language: https://www.instagram.com/languagehacking/*What we cover:*Loïs interviews Benny Lewis (Fluent in 3 Months) about whether “fluency in three months” is realistic, clarifying that the brand is about SMART, time-bound targets and speaking from day one rather than promising fluency for most people. Benny argues progress depends on hours invested, motivation, and tolerance for mistakes, and says many learners can reach a 10–15 minute conversation in three months with an immersive, communication-first approach. He explains his method: learn basic scripts immediately, book native-tutor sessions quickly (no English, using Google Translate only as temporary “training wheels”), and build personalized Anki decks from tutor-provided vocab. Benny discusses disappearing due to personal crises in the U.S. (obesity, depression medication, divorce, debt, pandemic isolation), including suicidal ideation and therapy, and says he’s now nomadic again, splitting content between lifestyle/mental health and language learning, while continuing deep travel and running a one-off three-month boot camp guaranteeing a 15-minute conversation.*Chapters:*00:00 Meet Benny Lewis00:34 Fluent in Three Months04:55 Hard Languages Reality09:08 Showing the Process11:05 Where He Went14:18 Fame vs Real Life21:43 Darkest Moments25:36 From Failure to Polyglot32:25 Chinese Three Month Plan42:19 Anki and Vocabulary44:05 What’s Next50:09 Final Thanks
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  How To Learn French To A Native-Like Level (Don't Go To University) 20.07.2026 40min

  Layla shares how she reached a native-like level in French.In this video, I sit down with Layla, a passionate language learner who shares her journey of learning French from scratch to achieving fluency. We delve into the strategies and tools she used, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal moments that propelled her to success. Whether you're learning French or another language, Layla's story is full of practical tips and inspiration.*What we're covering:*- Layla's motivation and initial struggles with French- How university courses contributed to her foundational knowledge- The transformative impact of immersion and study abroad programs- The role of online classes, specifically on italki- The importance of consistent practice and use of flashcard apps like Quizlet and Clozemaster- Overcoming plateaus and maintaining motivation*Chapters:*00:00 - Introduction00:27 - Layla's background and what drew her to French01:15 - The Rousseau turning point that made her switch majors03:26 - University French: why English-taught classes held her back05:35 - italki lessons and studying abroad in Switzerland08:01 - COVID, Serbia, and working at a French kindergarten10:00 - Her timeline: from A2 to C111:41 - What a "bad week" really looked like15:53 - How many hours it actually took17:00 - The activities she'd tell you to skip18:57 - Vocabulary, flashcards, and constant listening22:22 - Her native-like accent (and a surprising anecdote)24:30 - Breaking through plateaus with Clozemaster27:25 - Modern French slang and how the language has evolved30:07 - The $10,000 challenge: her from-scratch plan33:04 - How to structure italki lessons35:48 - Why she speaks early, despite mistakes37:41 - Does AI like ChatGPT actually help?38:46 - What was luck, and what you can copyIf you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments! Your support helps us bring more inspiring content.#LearnFrench #LanguageLearning #FrenchFluency #LanguageImmersion #italki #FrenchLanguage #LanguageMotivation
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  My 45-Minute Language Learning Routine (Fluent In 3 Months) 15.05.2026 15min

  *Language learning tools / resources mentioned:*- My Spanish vocabulary deck: https://loistalagrand.com/lt/spanish-challenge-package- My AI tutor: https://islandkoala.com/- Assimil Spanish (find it on Amazon)This is the 30-45 minute daily routine I used during my three-month Spanish challenge. The goal was not to do everything. It was to focus on the few activities that would actually help me speak, understand native speakers, and build enough vocabulary to hold real conversations.In this video, I break down the five activities in the routine: memorized words and short scripts, Anki flashcards, AI tutor practice, a compact textbook/course, and passive listening with Netflix.*What we're covering:*- Why memorization still matters for language learning- How to choose the exact scenarios you want to become fluent in- How to use AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini to create targeted practice material- How I used Anki to learn high-frequency Spanish vocabulary- Why I used Island Koala as an AI tutor instead of booking regular tutor sessions- Why Assimil Spanish worked well for a three-month challenge- How passive Netflix listening fit around the 30-45 minutes of active study- Which parts of the routine had the biggest impact*Chapters:*00:00 - The 45-minute language learning routine00:31 - The five activities in the routine00:40 - Activity 1: memorized words and scripts03:04 - Using AI to create targeted vocabulary and phrases06:14 - Activity 2: Anki flashcards07:41 - Activity 3: AI tutor practice with Island Koala10:35 - Activity 4: Assimil Spanish11:53 - Activity 5: Netflix for passive listening13:53 - How the routine fits into 30-45 minutes a day14:53 - The two most important activities*Don't forget to:*- Subscribe for more language learning experiments and software reviews- Like the video if this helped you design your own study routine- Comment with the language you're learning and how much time you study each dayWebsite: http://loistalagrand.com/#LanguageLearning #LearnSpanish #Fluency #Anki #LanguageRoutine #SpanishChallenge #Polyglot---*Disclaimer: Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools I would use or seriously consider myself.*
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  The 7 Best Apps To Learn Spanish (2026) 14.05.2026 11min

  *Best prices / links for these Spanish learning tools:*- Island Koala (my AI tutor): https://islandkoala.com/- Anki: https://apps.ankiweb.net/- My Anki deck: https://loistalagrand.com/lt/spanish-challenge-package- Rocket Spanish: https://www.rocketlanguages.com/spanish/premium?type=freetrial&aff=langscien- SpanishPod101: https://www.spanishpod101.com/member/go.php?r=1028049&l=%2F- Lingua Verbum: Use the code "LOISCODE" at https://linguaverbum.com/- Pimsleur: https://imp.i271380.net/2rjjZQI just finished a three-month Spanish challenge, and in this video I'm breaking down the apps, courses, and tools I actually used, plus the close contenders I seriously considered.This is not just a list of random Spanish apps. I'll explain what each tool is good for, why I chose some of them for my own challenge, and when one of the alternatives might be a better fit for you.*What we're covering:*- The three resources I used during my Spanish challenge: Anki, Island Koala, and Assimil Spanish- Why Anki is still one of the best tools for building Spanish vocabulary- How Island Koala works as an AI tutor, and why I'm biased about it- Why Assimil Spanish fit my three-month time frame- Four strong alternatives I considered: Rocket Spanish, SpanishPod101, Lingua Verbum, and Pimsleur Spanish- Which tools are better for long-term study, listening practice, pronunciation, and comprehensible input*Chapters:*00:00 - The best apps to learn Spanish00:33 - The tools I used during my three-month challenge01:33 - Anki for Spanish vocabulary02:17 - Island Koala AI tutor03:07 - Assimil Spanish04:40 - The apps I considered but did not use05:10 - Rocket Spanish06:31 - SpanishPod10109:06 - Lingua Verbum10:13 - Pimsleur Spanish11:38 - Final thoughts*Don't forget to:*- Subscribe for more language learning and software review videos- Like the video if it helped you compare Spanish learning tools- Comment with the Spanish app or course you're currently usingWebsite: http://loistalagrand.com/#LearnSpanish #SpanishApps #LanguageLearning #Anki #Pimsleur #SpanishPod101 #SpanishChallenge---*Disclaimer: Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tools I would use or seriously consider myself.*
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  How To Learn A Language According to 13 Researchers 13.05.2026 21min

  How do you actually learn a language from zero to real fluency?After interviewing 13 researchers in second language acquisition, vocabulary learning, pronunciation, comprehensible input, output, and ancient language pedagogy, this video pulls together the clearest practical lessons: what input can and cannot do, why vocabulary matters so much, when flashcards help, why reading and listening must eventually take over, what adult learners should aim for in pronunciation, and why the best method is less about hacks than sustained use.*What we're covering:*- Why research-based advice is different from internet language-learning advice- Stephen Krashen, comprehensible input, and the limits of input-only learning- Why deliberate study, output, fluency practice, and meaningful input all matter- Why vocabulary is the bottleneck for comprehension- How to use flashcards, retrieval, and keyword mnemonics without stopping there- When to start reading, listening, speaking, and writing in the language- What pronunciation researchers say adult learners should actually aim for- What ancient Greek and Roman language learning got right- A practical summary of what good language learners doResearchers discussed include Paul Nation, Batia Laufer, Norbert Schmitt, Jeff McQuillan, Jonathan Newton, Rebecca Adams, Irina Elgort, Joe Barcroft, Ron Thomson, Tracy Derwing, Eleanor Dickey, and others.*Chapters:*00:00 - The real question: how do you become fluent?02:33 - Why this summary focuses on researchers04:56 - Comprehensible input and Stephen Krashen06:22 - Why input alone is not enough08:04 - Practice the thing you want to do09:26 - Paul Nation's four strands09:56 - Vocabulary as the foundation11:23 - How to acquire thousands of words12:10 - What flashcards can and cannot teach13:19 - The keyword mnemonic technique14:35 - Why reading and listening have to take over15:50 - Pronunciation and the reality of adult accents17:13 - Why early pronunciation work still matters18:18 - What ancient learners already understood19:31 - The practical language-learning map21:14 - Why patience matters more than aptitude*Mentioned interviews / source links:*- Full interview playlist: [ADD PLAYLIST LINK]- Related resources: [ADD RESOURCE LINKS]*Don't forget to:*- Subscribe for more research-based language learning videos- Like the video if it helped clarify how language learning actually works- Comment with the language you're learning and the part of the process you're struggling with mostWebsite: http://loistalagrand.com/#LanguageLearning #SecondLanguageAcquisition #ComprehensibleInput #VocabularyLearning #Fluency #Pronunciation #Polyglot---*Disclaimer: Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you.*
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  The ONLY Exercise That Will Make You Fluent (99% Won't Ever Do This) 11.05.2026 16min

  Today, we uncover the truth behind this underrated technique and how it can transform your language learning journey...*What we're covering today:*- 🎯 How I had a 30-minute Spanish conversation with a native speaker in just 3 months- 🤔 The language learning technique 99% of learners overlook- 📚 Insights from top linguists and real-world success stories- 🧠 The science behind memorization and language acquisition- 🔍 Step-by-step guide to implementing this game-changing method*Chapters:*[00:00] - Intro: My Spanish Conversation Success[00:16] - The Underrated Technique[01:00] - My Language Learning Background[02:00] - The Limitations of Pure Input[03:29] - Science of Memorized Chunks[04:52] - Why Memorization Was Dismissed[06:03] - Evidence Supporting Memorization[07:38] - Skill Acquisition Theory[09:03] - Real-World Examples[10:19] - My Spanish Challenge Approach[12:07] - Benefits of Memorization[12:28] - How to Implement This Technique[14:28] - Why Most People Avoid This[16:08] - Final Thoughts and Takeaway*Don't forget to:*✅ *Subscribe* for more language learning tips and tricks!👍 *Like* this video if you found it helpful!💬 *Comment* below: What's your biggest language learning struggle?#LanguageLearning #MemorizationTechnique #FluencyFast #LearnSpanish #LanguageHacks---*Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.* 💖 Link: http://loistalagrand.com/---
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  Professor Reveals Language Learning Misconceptions | Dr. Atsushi Mizumoto 16.06.2025 21min

  🚀 The most comprehensive flashcard decks on the internet - https://ankicoredecks.com/📺 My webinar "How To Become Fluent In Any Language: 7 Scientific Principles From 17 Professors" - https://loistalagrand.com/📱 Ranking 30 Language Learning Apps (Ultimate Tier List) - https://youtu.be/TiPlEz3XNJESUBSCRIBE OR YOU'LL NEVER BE FLUENT╔═╦╗╔╦╗╔═╦═╦╦╦╦╗╔═╗║╚╣║║║╚╣╚╣╔╣╔╣║╚╣═╣╠╗║╚╝║║╠╗║╚╣║║║║║═╣╚═╩══╩═╩═╩═╩╝╚╩═╩═╝📩 For any questions or inquiries regarding this video, please reach out to lois.talagrand@gmail.com
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  Professor Reveals Scientific Language Learning Techniques | Dr. Irina Elgort 29.05.2025 50min
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  Language Professor Explains How To Learn Languages | Alexander Arguelles 17.03.2025 46min

  My science-based Anki decks: https://ankicoredecks.com/Alexander's academy: https://www.alexanderarguelles.com/Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:27 - Sponsor: Lingq02:43 - Alexander introduces himself03:35 - How many languages can Alexander speak?06:36 - Sponsor: Mochi07:32 - Learning languages from home11:39 - Learning a language in 15 minutes a day16:43 - The Assimil method21:46 - Shadowing for learning languages28:07 - Do not use technology for learning languages34:30 - How to learn a new language in 1 year41:00 - Using textbooks43:57 - Outro
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  Language Expert: Scientific Methods For Learning Languages | Dr. Joe Barcroft 24.12.2024 1j 1min

  Science-based flashcard packages: https://ankicoredecks.com/ Get the takeaways from this interview: https://loistalagrand.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Importance of vocabulary in language learning 00:43 - Who is Dr. Joe Barcroft? 03:38 - Importance of vocabulary in language acquisition 07:53 - Learning words in isolation and in context 10:49 - Defining incidental vs intentional vocabulary learning 12:51 - Limit knowledge without input 13:27 - Anki Core Decks for learning vocabulary 14:46 - First language vocabulary study advantages and disadvantages 17:15 - Learning word forms with pictures and sentences 18:03 - Discussing intentional vocabulary and grammar study 20:18 - Using mnemonics in language learning (the keyword method) 22:54 - Keyword method benefits and drawbacks 25:49 - Offering mnemonics in flashcard packages 26:37 - Disadvantages of the keyword method 27:41 - Goal-based vocabulary development 28:27 - Linguistic development in English and L2 34:24 - Splits in word forms between English and Spanish 35:42 - Vocabulary nuances 40:41 - Increasing number of talkers increases learning 45:30 - Manipulating input, increasing repetition 45:48 - Linguistic language teaching positive and negative effects 49:33 - Negative effects of writing target words and sentences 52:07 - Increasing vocabulary learning with multiple talkers 54:21 - Acoustic variability to improve learning 57:44 - Retrieval benefits in vocabulary learning 58:44 - Interesting summary of principles for language learning software 59:01 - Learning Japanese with innovative tools 01:01:36 - Isolated lexical items advantages
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  Polyglot Goluremi Reveals How He Learns Languages | Will John Interview 16.12.2024 38min

  Learn a language using Lingq (discount applied): https://www.lingq.com/accounts/new/?next=/accounts/subscription/basic_2024/12//checkout/&referral=the_language_scientist Will John's channel:  @goluremilanguages  Will John's website: https://goluremilanguages.com/ Flashcards mentioned: https://ankicoredecks.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Goluremi's Italian accent 00:52 - Goluremi introduces himself 01:12 - Footballer turned language enthusiast 01:52 - Learning languages: Spanish, Italian, French, German, Russian 06:17 - Experiences in Europe and Morocco 06:42 - Football's role in language development 09:22 - Sponsor 10:56 - How would you learn a new language? 12:46 - Learning process: Taking over traditional methods 17:40 - Reading football stories with restricted words 18:47 - Creating artificial immersion for beginners 23:29 - Pimsleur and Assimil 28:54 - Grammar 31:12 - The role of physical fitness in language learning 33:55 - Meditation benefits language learning 34:35 - Personal fitness and training goals 38:07 - Course 39:01 - Exploring different ways of life
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  Dr. Ron Thomson: How To Improve Your Pronunciation And Become Fluent 03.12.2024 56min

  Get the takeaways from all my interviews at https://loistalagrand.com/ My flashcard decks: https://ankicoredecks.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Pronunciation tips for language learners 00:27 - Ron Thomson explains why people should listen to pronunciation advice 03:59 - Experiments with foreign accents 06:58 - Neuropsychological consensus on intelligibility process vs comprehensibility 09:10 - Interest in pronunciation in Poland 10:45 - Asian people speak English more accented than French 11:22 - English accent coach website developed for nonnative speakers 11:59 - Effective methods for improving pronunciation 16:42 - Discussing the pros and cons of having multiple talkers in training 19:19 - Why do we need multiple talkers? 22:25 - Pronunciation mistakes with short book 22:55 - Pimsleur divides language learning into three categories 26:44 - Phonetic perception bootstrap, isolation, and second language learning 29:33 - Bad pronunciation and lack of understanding early in life 31:57 - Silent period benefits and pronunciation examples 36:05 - Free support for podcast 37:07 - Discussing fluency in conversation 37:34 - Distinguishing between proficiency and fluency 38:14 - Distinguishing speech rate from cognitive fluency 40:09 - Fluency speed, listening, comprehension, strategies 44:25 - Chinese speakers use English more than other languages 46:00 - Effective methods for speaking and listening proficiency 50:17 - Challenging, engaging language learning methods 52:18 - Discussing vocabulary's importance in language learning 53:33 - Vocabulary is correlated with phonological working memory in second language 54:46 - Learning more vocabulary improves working memory 55:36 - Ron's insightful pronunciation and fluency tips for easy learning
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  Dr. Norbert Schmitt | Mastering Vocabulary: Strategies for Language Learners 17.11.2024 35min

  Get the takeaways from all my interviews at https://loistalagrand.com Vocabulary decks mentioned: https://www.ankicoredecks.com/
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  Dr. Barry Lee Reynolds: "input is not enough" 15.10.2024 30min

  Get the takeaways of this video here: https://loistalagrand.com/ Flashcard decks mentioned: https://www.ankicoredecks.com/ Chapters: 00:00 - Trailer 01:42 - Who is Dr. Barry Lee Reynolds 02:47 - Japanese and Chinese as hardest languages 03:23 - There are two types of academics on either side of the debate 04:08 - Debate about language use 05:07 - Language learners need balanced course, not just input 07:50 - Importance of vocabulary in language learning 08:14 - Strategies for faster vocabulary learning 10:34 - Using language for fun, engaging activities is critical 13:33 - Importance of vocabulary in language learning 15:41 - Focus on word families for effective language learning 17:05 - People benefit from intentional language learning 19:29 - Accent and pronunciation tips for nonnative speakers 22:16 - Invest time in other activities, not native pronunciation 24:41 - Choosing a language for lifelong learning 27:49 - Productive retrieval of German words 28:29 - Learn high frequency words effectively using apps and multimodal input
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  Dr. Jeff McQuillan: Strategies for Effective Language Acquisition 23.09.2024 47min

  Get the show notes and the takeaways here: https://loistalagrand.com/
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  Researcher Reveals Language Learning Tactics (According To Science) 09.09.2024 50min

  (PDF) The best online resources for language learning: https://subscribepage.io/lois-talagrand Brigitta Dóczi, a language researcher, discusses her researcg. She emphasizes the importance of a balance between input and output in language learning, especially as learners progress to higher levels. She also highlights the benefits of learning lexical items and formulaic language, as well as the role of self-confidence in pronunciation. Subtitles in the target language can be a helpful tool for reinforcing spoken form with written form. The conversation explores effective strategies for language learning, with a focus on vocabulary acquisition and fluency development. The importance of bimodal subtitles and choosing appropriate materials for language learners is emphasized. The concept of narrow reading/watching is introduced, where learners focus on a specific topic and consume related content to reinforce vocabulary. The use of pushed output, or actively using vocabulary in conversations or writing, is highlighted as a way to overcome plateaus in language learning. The conversation also touches on the role of teachers in providing feedback and helping learners improve their language skills. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Language Learning Background 01:41 The Importance of Balancing Input and Output 04:54 Age and Level in Language Learning 07:35 The Role of Self-Confidence 09:02 Using Subtitles as a Tool 22:45 Transparency in Pronunciation 27:54 Bimodal Subtitles and Material Selection 30:17 Narrow Reading/Watching: Reinforcing Vocabulary 37:28 Pushed Output: Overcoming Plateaus 44:07 The Role of Teachers: Feedback and Improvement 54:33 The Role of Teachers: Feedback and Improvement
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  Dr. Bill VanPatten: How To Learn Languages (According To Science) 03.09.2024 1j 12min

  Bill's website: https://www.billvanpatten.net/ Bill Van Patten, a former professor of linguistics, discusses the misconceptions people have about language learning. He emphasizes that language is not a set of rules that can be learned from textbooks, but rather an abstract and complex system that is acquired through exposure to meaningful input. He explains that language acquisition involves the gradual construction of a language system in the brain, which is influenced by the data and patterns observed in the environment. Speaking and output, while important for communication, are not the primary drivers of language acquisition. Bill also addresses concerns about making mistakes and fossilizing incorrect patterns, noting that second language acquisition is influenced by external factors and individual differences. In this conversation, Bill VanPatten and Loïs Talagrand discuss various topics related to language learning. They touch on the importance of exposure and comprehensible input, the role of teachers in language acquisition, the power of reading in language learning, and the impact of age on language learning. Bill emphasizes the need for time on task and motivation in language learning, and dispels the misconception that age is a barrier to language acquisition. He also shares insights into his transition from academia to fiction writing. 00:00 Introduction to Bill Van Patten and his background in language learning 02:06 The divide between traditional language learning approaches and input-based approaches 04:02 The misconception that language can be learned through rules and textbooks 06:31 The gradual construction of a language system through exposure to input 10:53 The evolution of language acquisition over time 22:50 The role of textbooks as 'baby teeth' in language learning 28:30 The importance of bootstrapping into meaning through vocabulary acquisition 30:29 The role of speaking in language learning and its limitations 37:18 Leakage from the first language system in second language acquisition 38:35 Exposure and Comprehensible Input 50:58 Redefining the Role of Teachers 57:07 The Power of Reading 01:10:40 Dispelling the Myth of Age 01:14:46 From Academia to Fiction Writing
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  Professor Paul Nation: The Scientific Way To Learn Languages 01.09.2024 1j 56min

  In this episode, professor Paul Nation shows us how to learn a language using scientific methods.
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  Language Learning Expert: How To Really Learn Languages (Input Is Not Enough!) 01.09.2024 45min

  The conversation explores the challenges faced by average people trying to learn a language, both in a classroom and on their own. They discuss the concept of fossilization, where learners make mistakes and struggle to correct them. The divide between input-based learning and deliberate learning activities is also examined. The importance of vocabulary in language learning is highlighted, and the role of classroom instruction is questioned. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the usefulness of listening and the impact it can have on speaking and writing skills. 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:18 Optimizing Language Teaching 05:33 The Gap Between Study and Use 05:34 Informal Conversations and Stabilization 10:15 The Divide in Opinions on Language Learning 12:44 Input, Deliberate Learning, and Noticing 17:34 Vocabulary as an Obstacle in Language Learning 18:22 The Main Obstacle: Vocabulary 22:17 Acquiring Vocabulary Faster and Better 27:19 The Potential of Artificial Intelligence 31:13 The Value of Feedback from Teachers 37:57 Closing the Gap: Research and Classroom Practice
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  Lamont (From Days And Words): How To Learn A Language & YouTube Advice 01.09.2024 1j 34min

  In this conversation, Lamont and Loïs discuss language learning and YouTube. Lamont shares his experiences learning French, Swedish, and Spanish, and the challenges he faced in achieving conversational fluency. Lamont emphasizes the importance of pronunciation and accent reduction in language learning and the motivation that comes from interacting with native speakers.