Shhh, I’m Learning!

It's time to talk about more books! Today I recommend four books to you. I also go into not waiting too long to read in other languages, the benefits of a Spotify Premium account (15 hours of audiobook listening time per month!), and rethinking how books come into our lives. Three Notes/Corrections: 1) The name of Terrance Lee's podcast changed from "Quiet Voice Fearless Mind" to "The Introvert Experience." and 2) Terrance Lee has a new book coming out this month called The Calm Effect - be on the lookout! 3) Spotify Premium gives you 15 hours of audiobook listening time per month, not 10 as I mistakenly said in the episode, but you can "refill" in 10-hour increments (that apparently roll over each month if unused). Resources Mentioned in the Episode: speakingspades on Instagram Torto Arado (Portuguese) / Soy introvertido ¿Y qué? (Spanish) / Sono introverso, e allora? (Italian) Quiet Girls Can Run the World by Rebecca Holman The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D theintrovertleader on Instagram The Introvert Experience podcast (available also on Spotify) Quiet Voice Fearless Leader book tales_n_teabookclub on Instagram Mindful Retreats in Sicily website

In today’s episode, we have a special guest: Dr. Devina Krishna, Assistant Professor at the Department of English, Patna Women's College, India, and a reputed scholar in linguistics. In this riveting conversation, Dr. Krishna provides us with deep insights into the realm of language preservation and the criticality of communicating effectively. As an introvert, she provides her unique perspective as both student and teacher. She stresses the need for creating an inclusive classroom environment that caters to the needs of both introverts and extroverts. Dr. Krishna's fervor for language preservation is inspiring as she highlights the integral role language plays in preserving cultural identities. In her daily life, she actively participates in discussions on language attrition and the crucial steps required for effective language preservation, particularly by championing one's native language. Beyond academic discourse, Dr. Devina shares practical advice on how to navigate the teaching process for students of varying dispositions, utilizing digital tools for efficient learning, and promoting group discussions as a way of boosting interaction. As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resource mentioned in the episode: Email Dr. Devina Instagram LinkedIn Papers by Dr. Devina: Importance of Language Laboratory in Developing Language Skills Syllable Structure and Word Stress in Dogri The Place and Significance of English in Business Communication in India Decoding C's in Effective Communication Related Resources: "How to Save a Dying Language" on the What in the World podcast Dr. Devina's talk on a Linguist Investigation of Lexical Tones in Dogri

Welcome back! In today's episode, we introduce you to Urmi Hossain, a polyglot mentor with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant professional paths, and a deep-seated passion for language learning. Urmi opens up about her unique life experiences and how she evolved into an adept language mentor, tuning her teaching strategies to suit her students' individual needs and goals. Sharing her perspective on the digital evolution of the language learning industry, Urmi emphasizes an inclusive teaching approach focussed on conversation practice, comfort, and encouragement for every learner. Despite being an extrovert, she innovatively connects with her introverted students and shares her key strategies for dealing with various personality types. Urmi showcases the importance of personalized learning, creating engaging and interactive lessons curated around students' interests. Listen to this episode and get inspired by Urmi's innovative teaching methods and devotion to her students. As the episode unfolds, you'll glean valuable advice on maintaining language skills and preserving cultural identity. This episode proves to be an essential listen for language learners, educators, and enthusiasts by providing a nuanced approach to language learning and teaching. A deeper discussion ensues as Urmi unravels her unique methods to encourage quiet language learners and the fine balance between tutor-student speaking time for a more dynamic learning environment. She ends on a powerful note by sharing crucial advice on transitioning from a protected learning space to the real world of language interaction. As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resource mentioned in the episode: Urmi's books on Amazon Urmi's iTalki profile Urmi's website Urmi on Instagram Urmi on LinkedIn Urmi on the Italian Time Zone podcast - practice your Italian listening!

In this impactful episode of "I'm Learning", I dialogue with Marty Green, a renowned education maven. Our esteemed guest throws light on her inspiring endeavor of breaking language barriers, embracing diverse cultures and transforming experiences into coaching tools for global learners. Discover how a positive mindset, resilience, and self-assuredness are quintessential in learning a new language. Unravel Marty's incredible insights into accent acquisition and the pivotal role self-drive plays in grasping languages. Power up your language learning journey with this episode. Dive deeper into the intriguing aspects of language learning, accent acquisition, and psychological hurdles encountered by learners. This episode draws attention to society's profound impact on language learners, especially those aspiring to develop a new accent. It critically addresses biases against non-native speakers, external pressure for constant improvement and unrealistic expectations. Join us as we dissect the voyage to mastering a new language, underscoring the need to revisit the basics. This episode is a thought-provoking discussion on countering the disparity between societal pressures and the real-world complexity of language learning. It stresses the significance of self-acceptance, informing others about the intricacies of language learning and validating every dialect and linguistic background. Whether you're an educator, immigrant, or someone grappling with bilingualism or multilingualism, this episode resonates with your experiences and struggles. As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resource mentioned in the episode: Marty's "Your Forever Pronunciation Course" - 20% off Marty Green podcast on YouTube My episode on Marty’s podcast Link to Marty's socials and/or to book a session with her

Welcome to season three of “I'm Learning,” a space for introverts, multilingual individuals, and language enthusiasts around the world. As a reminder, this podcast is a haven for those struggling to express their naturally socially selective selves in the languages they speak. Season three kicks off with a recap of my winter rest period and the introduction of my monthly newsletter (sign up for it here!). I emphasize the importance of rest and genuine communication with you all. There's also a person announcement and that update affects my life as an introvert and a language learner, adding another layer to the diversity of this podcast. In this introductory episode I also introduce the focus of this season: language educators who share the common belief that traditional language instruction is not always the most effective. These educators aim to humanize their students and provide resources for their individualized learning journeys. They stress the importance of expressing oneself authentically rather than striving for fluency or perfect syntax and grammar. You'll hear from educators like Marty Green, Dr. Devina Krishna, and many more, who all bring unique insights into the world of language instruction. Whether you’re a language learner or educator, this season promises enriching content and fresh perspectives on language learning from numerous experts in the field. Explore new ways of learning languages, understand the perspective of language educators, and connect with like-minded individuals! As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :) Sign up for my newsletter here! :)

Today's interview is with Barbara Czusz of @babs.speaks. Barbara is a language lover whose biggest love is the Finnish language. She created her studygram (previously @yoffelanguages) to meet others who share her passion. Besides that, she is a language coach who helps learners create structure and a good plan for their studies. She believes that everyone can learn a language and there is no such thing as “talent for languages.” When she is not talking about languages, you can usually find her with a cup of coffee and a good book in hand. Today we talk about how sometimes inspiration for learning a language is random and that’s okay. We chat about setting boundaries and surrounding ourselves by supportive people as well as ask why we think of accents as so bad. After all, everyone has one. We go into not liking how we sound in a language – not that we have any solutions, but it’s a thing and we talk about it. And as you listen I would like you to consider, what’s your stance on accents? Which do you think is more important, accent reduction or improving pronunciation? Or do you find each equally important or unimportant? As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)

Today's interview is with Emily Harris, creator of the Mindful Multilinguals Collective and Language Travel Adoptee YouTube channel. As you'll hear today, Emily is passionate about language advice and habits that are good not just for your brain but also for your heart and your soul. Language learning isn't just about memorizing words and grammatical structures for Emily; it's about seeing yourself and taking care of yourself as a whole person. Emily is also the host of the Language Wellness and Identity podcast (and you can find her on Patreon for bonus episodes) and she sometimes blesses us with her presence on Instagram (but is much more active on YouTube, as you'll hear today).   As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)

Today's episode is a short review/summary of two books that have impacted me and my introverted language journey over the past year: Essentialism and The Introvert's Way. I find they are both full of insights to help support you on your own journey with languages. Reading is a way of interacting with and learning from people we'll probably never meet, and I am incredibly grateful for it. If you don't have the time or inclination to actually read the books (although The Introvert's Way is mighty short), I've given links to audiovisual summaries of the books below (they're no more than 12 minutes long each). Please note that I was recovering from a cold (or flu or something) when I recorded this episode, so apologies for my stuffy voice. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. As always, let me know what you thought of the show! Reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning any time with questions, comments and ideas for future episodes. And please consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resources mentioned in the episode A visual summary of Essentialism by Greg McKeown An audio summary of The Introvert's Way by Sophia Dembling (I apologize profusely for it being a robot's voice)

I cannot wait for you to hear today's episode with Lisa Lyons. Lisa came to me with the idea to chat about what it's like learning languages when you're over 50 and have more of a loose relationship with goals. This isn't a topic often discussed in language learning circles and Lisa has so much wisdom to share. We go over Lisa's language learning journey, where to find baseball games broadcast in Spanish and the importance of learning at your own pace. Additionally, we go over how your needing subtitles even when you're at an advanced level is probably not your fault. Check out the resources list below for a video about how changing technology has made it harder for you to understand movies and TV shows, even in your native language(s). As always, let me know what you thought of the show! Reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning any time with questions, comments and ideas for future episodes. And please consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resources mentioned in the episode: Vice's video "Why We All Need Subtitles Now" Accent's Way's video on why it's hard to understand tv without subtitles Lisa's nonprofit supporting Nepal

Welcome back for another episode of Shhh, I'm Learning!   Today's episode is with Heidi Lovejoy, host of the Love, Joy and Languages podcast. In this episode we chat about what it's like learning languages abroad as an introvert, how learning languages as an adult is different from when you're younger and how learning languages in context in the country is dramatically different from classroom learning. The main focus of today's episode revolves around what we're calling the introvert's dilemma: how to learn a language as an introvert in a much more reserved and introverted society? Heidi shares her experiences so far learning German in Germany, but if you have any tips and tricks to share, please reach out to her on Instagram @love.joyandlanguages. You can find links to her podcast here. As always, let me know what you thought of today's episode! Let's connect on Instagram @shhh_imlearning and please consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)

Today's guest is Oriana Domínguez, lover of books and languages. She shares her journey from Venezuela to Spain to Ireland and her passion for the languages she has picked up along the way, including English, Irish and Japanese (in no particular order). Oriana is also the founder of a book club for introverted women, The Book Club Chronicles. You can find her on her website and also on Instagram @thebookclubchronicles. Let's connect on Instagram @shhh_imlearning and please consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :) List of Resources Mentioned: Slowly app    

Hey y'all! In this episode I let you in on what I've been doing over the break as well as what you can expect from Season 2. Let's connect on Instagram @shhh_imlearning and please consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   List of Resources Mentioned: Cat on my lap video Gladly Global IG and website (Quite the introvert haven! They also have a Discord community.) Jacqueline Sadberry (She teaches English, Spanish and Japanese and has very introvert-friendly class packages of 10, 20 or 30 minutes. She's been helping me with Japanese.) Irish with Mollie self-paced Irish courses (includes access to a 24/7 Zoom room where you are more than welcome to just listen while you work up the courage to turn on your camera and speak) and IG Languages with Renee IG and website Bad Language Pod on IG Inbetweenish podcast on IG and Spotify

Welcome back! Today’s interview is with Robin Kube from NC State University (Go Wolfpack!). Robin has been teaching ESL/ESOL for forty years and so she has a wealth of information on teaching students from all over the world. She’s also introverted and shy, which translates into loads of compassion for more socially selective students. Enjoy the episode and let me know what you think! Find me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to connect. Resources mentioned on the episode: -TedTalk on the danger of a single story -Robwords channel on YouTube -Times article Robin mentions -YogaTimidez, with link in bio to the “support group” for shy people in Spanish (the group has changed some since my interview with Robin and now focuses more on yoga) -The two studies I mention are one from 1964 on Japanese/English and a more recent one on Spanish/English

Today’s episode is an interview with the phenomenal Katrina Madrilejo. Katrina is a qualified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher, Life Coach, Ayurveda Massage Therapist, a former professional dancer and Founder of Why Knot Escapes – a company that prioritizes self care, self love, and acceptance. Katrina is also – you guessed it – an introvert, and while she’s not in the language space, she is very much language space-adjacent. She works with introverts to help them find their voice and their confidence through her 1:1 and group coaching programs. I worked with Katrina for one of her group masterminds and, to be honest, this podcast is a direct result of my working with her. Enjoy the episode and afterwards you can find Katrina on Instagram @katrinamadrilejo!

Welcome back! In today's episode, we'll take a stab at answering the question, "Should you speak?" Speaking isn't everyone's goal, but even if it's yours there are many ways to practice your speaking skills. Get ready and let's discover new ways of being in the talky-talky part of language learning. Resources mentioned on the show (and a couple bonuses): 30 Day Speaking Challenge (voice recording-based) Italiano con Amore: Eleonora is a true gem of an Italian teacher and her love of literature, culture and cucina shines through in everything she does. She has 3 separate level of courses, all of which are very introvert- and shy people friendly. You can also find her on IG here. The Italian Effect: Agata is another gem. She works with women only and has a very introverted style. I've worked with her for months and can't recommend her highly enough. To connect on IG, click here. If Hebrew's your focus, The Hebrew Hub has a ton of amazing self-study and chat only courses, as well as courses that meet on Zoom. They also have a weekly free class on Zoom that you can find more details about here. The replays are on YouTube if you can't catch the classes live. Piece of Hebrew has a podcast (with transcripts!) and YouTube channel (with subtitles in Hebrew, French and English) for intermediate learners. They also have a club, which is self-study and meets once a month on Zoom for an hour to practice speaking. Low-pressure, chill and you can easily learn vocabulary relevant for your daily life and interests. For students of Portuguese, Dani from Brazilianing has a few small group and self-study courses. She knows a ton about teaching as well as working with different personality types.

Woah y'all, this episode is a gem. Today I'm interviewing Bront'e Singleton, a language coach and mentor who helps language learners find their Guiding Principle, aka their reason for learning a language, as well as who they want to be in the language(s) they're learning. Bront'e is giving listeners of this podcast access to her quiz that gives personalized strategies for creating a study plan. Be sure to check it out here. You can find Bront'e on TikTok or IG as @thepolyglotfox or at her website www.thepolyglotfox.com. Here are links to other resources Bront'e mentions: Gladly Global on YouTube and IG Polyglot Progress on YouTube Rowena Tsai on YouTube Lindsay Does Languages Thanks for listening! Please DM me on IG @shhh_imlearning for feedback, questions, or requests to be on the show. I can't wait to hear from you!

Have you ever struggled to "talk enough" in a group discussion and/or language classroom? If so, this episode is for you. Today we'll be going over the book Quiet by Susan Cain and using it as a jumping off point for discussing what words like "introvert," "extrovert," and "shy" really mean as well as how you can use your introverted superpowers in language learning. If you'd like, please follow on Instagram at @shhh_imlearning and please say hi! Resources to learn more about introversion: A brief video here explains 4 common classifications of introverts Susan Cain's TEDTalk can be found here Here is a BBC video on the quiet power of introverts Frank James is one of my favorite introverted content creators - he has a great video here of 10 signs you're a true introvert

Hello introverted language learners! In this introductory episode I'll be introducing myself (I'm Martha, by the way) as the host of this podcast. I'll be talking about how I got the name for the podcast as well as who I am, how this podcast came about and why I believe introverted language learners need to have their voices heard.  If you'd like, please follow on Instagram at @shhh_imlearning and please say hi!

Welcome back (finally)! Today's episode is with Diego Ojeda, a passionate Spanish teacher, a comprehensible poetry author, a blogger and an accomplished world language teacher trainer and presenter. He has been recognized and awarded for his outstanding teaching style that he brings to the class and enjoys sharing this style and what he's learned from it with his colleagues. A native of Bogotá, Colombia, he has many years of experience teaching in both his native country and in the United States. Diego brings a refreshing, cultural awareness and innovative perspective to the teaching of the Spanish language. His instructional strategies can be easily adapted to any Spanish language proficiency level. Diego is co-founder of #langchat, an X/Twitter chat that has supported many world language educators in the US since 2011. Having lived and taught in Wisconsin, he now teaches Spanish language at Louisville Collegiate School in Louisville, KY. In today’s episode we chat about who Sr. Ojeda is, where he comes from, his experiences living and teaching in the United States, and the problems with world language education in the US.  As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)   Resource mentioned in the episode: Transcripción en español Transcript in English Sr. Ojeda's website #langchat on X Sr. Ojeda's presentation (in English) at the World Language Teacher Summit World Language Teacher Summit website

Hello and welcome back! Today’s episode is with Jacqueline Sadberry. Jacqueline is a Texas native and author with a passion for languages, faith, K-Pop, and turtles. She currently works to provide a space for those looking for consistent speaking practice in English, Spanish, and Japanese, or who have a desire to become conversational. You can find her on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest as Jacqueline Simone Media. If you would like to book some sessions with her, you can email her at langhelp22@gmail.com. I found Jacqueline after completing a language challenge on Instagram – part of the prize for my time was 5 sessions with Jacqueline to learn how to introduce myself in Japanese. And, to be honest, I went into this thinking, I’m curious about Japanese, but I’ll just do these 5 sessions and then stop. Nope. Yes, it’s something about the magic of Japanese, but it’s also Jacqueline’s style – how much energy she pours into helping her clients succeed and her passion for languages. Jacqueline has a natural talent for providing that safe space I just mentioned and for helping her clients’ confidence grow. I highly suggest seeking her out even if you’re interested in just dabbling with one of the languages she helps with. In today’s conversation we chat about Jacqueline’s language journey, how she got started with her current work, finding language partners with positive energy, and why culture matters in learning and teaching languages. I’m so excited for you to hear today’s interview, and so without further ado, let’s get into it! As always, reach out to me on Instagram @shhh_imlearning to let me know what you thought about the show, and consider buying me a coffee if you want to see me continuously improve my content and better serve YOU. A little goes a long way. :)