Reaching for Words: a language learning podcast
6 episodes · 2018 · hosted by Rob Ashby
Reaching for Words is a long-form podcast series, focusing on practical strategies and tips for language learners.
In each episode, we interview various language experts – polyglots, technologists, linguists, teachers – as well as everyday language learners, to understand what’s working for them in their language learning right now.
Each episode looks at a particular area of language learning, delving deep into what does, and doesn’t work.
We recorded six episodes in 2018, each with a different guest: polyglots Luca Lampariello, Shannon Kennedy and Olly Richards, Lindsay Williams, Katie Harris and Jo Sayers. The tips are about learning any language, so they’re just as useful for your Spanish.
The episodes
Episode 1 · 43 min
Speaking fluently, with Luca Lampariello
Polyglot Luca Lampariello on how to speak a language fluently: preparing to speak, practising without a partner, speaking as a performance and the mindset of fluency.
preparing to speakkeys to fluencypractising speakingthe mindset of fluency
Episode 2 · 30 min
Beginning a language, with Shannon Kennedy
Polyglot Shannon Kennedy on how to start a new language: three dos and don’ts, how much grammar beginners need, motivation vs discipline, and building a routine.
dos and don’tsgrammar for beginnersmotivation vs disciplinelanguage routines
Episode 3 · 41 min
Memorisation, with Olly Richards
Polyglot Olly Richards on the role of memorisation in language learning: do memory champions make the best learners, active vs passive memorisation, and techniques that work.
memory championsactive vs passivememory techniques
Episode 4 · 45 min
Independent learning, with Lindsay Williams
Lindsay Williams of Lindsay Does Languages on carving your own path as an independent learner: creating structure, planning, motivation and the best activities for solo learning.
structureplanningmotivation and disciplinesolo activities
Episode 5 · 38 min
Finding joy in language, with Katie Harris
Katie Harris of Joy of Languages on how to put the joy back into language learning – how, when and why to enjoy it, with down-to-earth, actionable advice.
enjoying learninglearning with TVactionable advice
Episode 6 · 42 min
Language learning and technology, with Jo Sayers
Language teacher and technologist Jo Sayers on what makes a good language learner, whether technology helps or hinders, and where language learning apps fit in.
good language learnerstechnologylanguage learning apps
Grab your Fluency Phrasebook
95 essential phrases for beginners, designed to guide you towards fluency. Fluent speakers don’t build sentences word by word: they reach for ready-made phrases. Learn these and you’ll be speaking from day one, picking up the big grammar patterns along the way.
- Starts with the basics, builds step by step
- The big grammar areas, explained simply
- Phrases you’ll hear and use every day
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