StoryLearning Podcast

Explore the unconventional approach to language learning as the host reveals why he deliberately doesn't maintain all his languages. He shares personal anecdotes, including his experience with Arabic and how life purpose influences language choice. Discover research on language retention and the surprising ease of reactivating skills after a break. Instead of memorizing, he suggests using older languages casually through films and conversations. With a focus on depth over breadth, learn how to strike a balance for effective language learning.

Discover the debate on whether Spanish or Italian is easier for English speakers. Learn how motivation plays a crucial role in mastering these languages. Hear tips on reaching B2 fluency in just six months with intensive study. Find out how knowing one Romance language can simplify learning another, and explore the importance of cognates and pronunciation. Plus, Olly introduces his unique 'pub test' for assessing fluency in real-life conversations. Tune in for practical advice on conquering grammar and enhancing listening skills!

👉 Grab your FREE Difficulty Guide: https://storylearning.com/difficulty-guide-super-hard👉 Get your FREE Language Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal-planner-super-hardAre super hard languages like Japanese or Mandarin worth learning? I've learned three of the world's hardest languages, Japanese, Cantonese and Arabic. These category five languages were worth it for me, but what about you? Let's get philosophical about whether it's "worth it" and answer the practical question of how to learn very difficult languages. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

Imagine learning a language effortlessly! This discussion reveals the power of reading and listening over traditional memorization. The speaker explains why selecting the right materials is crucial for success, and shares insights on how children naturally absorb language. Embracing some beginner boredom can accelerate your progress, while a six-step reading method enhances understanding. Discover why children's books often miss the mark for adults and how to select materials that challenge you just enough to foster growth.

👉 Grab your FREE Study Sheet: https://storylearning.com/free_grammar_vocab_sheetStop obsessing over grammar rules! Discover why grammar study shouldn't be your focus, especially as a beginner language learner. Find out where to put your time and energy instead. 👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info

👉 Grab your FREE Goal Planner: https://storylearning.com/goal_planner_2_languagesWant to learn multiple languages? Here's the truth nobody tells you: there's a specific level you need to reach in your first language before starting another. Miss this, and you'll stay stuck at beginner level in both.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/Language_Courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning_VIP_Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

Discover the inspiring journey of creating captivating short stories for language learners, starting from a kitchen table to selling over 1.5 million copies. Olly shares his belief in the power of reading for language acquisition and criticizes traditional graded readers for being dull. Learn about the thoughtful design behind his stories aimed at engaging beginners and the excitement of including underrepresented languages. Plus, get a sneak peek at upcoming titles, including Ukrainian and Latin!

👉 Grab your FREE Fluency Blueprint: https://storylearning.com/freefluencyblueprintVaughn Smith is a 26-language polyglot who had his brain scanned at MIT. Discover the man behind the scan and the surprisingly simple ways he learned so many languages.👉 Got a question you want Olly to answer on the podcast? Submit it here: https://storylearning.com/ask_Olly_your_question👉 Get a 7-day FREE trial to one of my story-based language courses: https://storylearning.com/SL_language-courses👉 Check out my all-inclusive VIP language program with guaranteed results: https://storylearning.com/StoryLearning-VIP-Info#storylearning #learnthroughstories

In this episode, Juan asks: “I’m learning Portuguese. Which language should I think in - English or Spanish?“ Find a 5* language tutor! We're proud to recommend LanguaTalk as the best place to take language lessons online with a real teacher. StoryLearning is now part-owner of LanguaTalk, and that's because we're committed to building the best possible service out there to practise speaking, find a new tutor, or get support with your learning. Click the link below and take a FREE trial lesson: https://storylearning.com/lt Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) Olly's Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language

In today's episode, Olly speaks with Sam Hendry, who lives in Dubai, about his amazing journey learning Spanish in one year.  Here's where you can watch the video of Sam surprising his girlfriend in Spanish: Watch on Facebook Watch on Instagram Find a 5* language tutor! We're proud to recommend LanguaTalk as the best place to take language lessons online with a real teacher. StoryLearning is now part-owner of LanguaTalk, and that's because we're committed to building the best possible service out there to practise speaking, find a new tutor, or get support with your learning. Click the link below and take a FREE trial lesson: https://storylearning.com/lt Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your questions by visiting: https://storylearning.com/ask ...and I’ll do my best to feature it on the show!  Leave a Review If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to: Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.) Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen) Olly's Language Courses If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language  courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.  Please visit: https://storylearning.com/language-courses-select-your-language