7 Bullet Points About Languages - Week 2
Hi everybody,
I hope your study of your language(s?) is still going strong!
Each week, I share 7 things that could be useful to your learning odyssey. I hope they can help you improve your journey, tickle your curiosity, and inspire you to keep exploring.
Let's dive right in!
One video: Can You Learn a Language Like a Kid? - by Luca Lampariello
In this seemingly common video, Luca compares learning languages between adults and children. He debunks the myths that we can't learn a language as adults and explains the differences in situations between the two. He finishes with some good advice about how to learn a language better as an adult.
One article I read: What Looks Like a “Knowledge Gap” is Often a “Focus Gap” - by David Oppong
In this article, David tackles a common mistake we all do. Too often, we mislabel a lack of focus as a lack of knowledge. He discusses the importance of finding what to ignore before looking for what more to learn. In his own terms: "Where your attention goes, your time goes."
One article I wrote: A Simple Technique to Improve Your Language Faster
Learning a language isn't a straight path you walk on, following directions from a textbook or some online resources. It requires a conscious effort to go the extra mile. In this article, I discussed a simple method to make the language a part of you and start using it today.
One podcast episode: Attention, Learning, and Memory with Althea Kaminske - Learning Scientists
In this episode of the learning scientists' podcasts, Althea explains her research about distractions and how to stay focused when studying. While this podcast is aimed at teachers, all the information can be put into use by self-learners.
One tool to try: RhinoSpike
This website is great to get free audio samples of texts or transcriptions of audio files. With more than 73,000 records in 86 languages, there's already plenty you can use on the platform, but you can also create your own requests. If you wonder how to use it, I wrote a complete guide here.
One quote: "Your outcomes are a lagging measure of your habits. You get what you repeat." - James Clear
One challenge for the week: Write a short text and get feedback
We'll finish the list with a language-learning challenge each week. The goal is for you to get out of your comfort zone and push your knowledge above its current limits.
This week, I'd like you to start using the language today and write a short text in the language you learn. Depending on how long you've been learning the language, you can make it a simple diary entry or a complex explanation of something you enjoy. Create an account on Journaly and submit your first text. If it is one of the languages I could correct in (French, English, Spanish, Japanese, and maybe Korean depending on your level), drop me an email so I can give you feedback myself.
Let me know how the last challenge went for you and send me a mail at barra.mathias(at)gmail.com
As always, thanks for reading!
– Mathias Barra
For more of my articles, you can find them here.