The Story Learning Method
Olly Richards joins me for a talk about learning through stories. Olly is a polyglot, author and well-known language learner. Through his podcast (I Will Teach You A Language), he shares advice for language learners and interviews expert guests. His book series “Short Stories” has had a huge impact on the language-learning community.
Timestamps
2:15 – Start
4:20 – Where Olly’s interest in languages begun
5:37 – Can you explain the idea behind your book series?
9:55 – What if you don’t like reading?
11:09 – What kind of learner is Michael?
15:05 – How will reading assist in other skills, such as speaking?
18:46 – What specific reading methods should I use?
24:22 – How much time should we spend studying?
30:33 – How can we stay motivated to study and learn?
37:57 – What are the biggest mistakes learners make?
41:03 – Olly’s embarrassing language learning mistake
44:35 – Where to find Olly online & his books
Where to Find Olly
Things We Spoke About
Comprehensible input – Read stuff at your level (not too hard)
Compelling input – Read stuff you enjoy (just as you would in your native language)
Language island – Pick a topic to focus on in learning (eg. philosophy) and improve that area before moving onto another ‘island’
Reading gives the fuel for your speaking – like the petrol for the car.
Consistency is the most powerful language technique of all.
People who struggle with language learning treat it as a chore. People who have an easy time with language learning make it part of their life.
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