The Unconventional Polyglot: A Unique Approach to Learning Languages

This is a podcast about languages and language-learning from a unique perspective. Since 2018, I have spent thousands of hours studying (to varying degrees) 16 languages (!), and I have learned a lot about what works and what doesn't, from apps to websites to books to YouTube channels, podcasts and more. Join me as we explore the process of language learning, as well as the languages themselves (the true stars of the show!).

Language-learning app review -- Busuu

In this episode I cover which languages Busuu offers, how their language courses are structured, what makes Busuu different from other apps (particularly Duolingo), and my personal likes and dislikes related to the app.

06-11
17:21

Is your language study diverse enough? (Mine wasn't)

In this episode, based on recent personal experience, I advocate maintaining a language study routine that encompasses all four major aspects of language: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

05-09
16:17

Duolingo courses ranked WORST to BEST

In this episode, I rank the 18 Duolingo courses that I have personally worked through.

03-16
25:42

My method for maximizing vocabulary retention while reading

In this episode, I lay out the method I use to best ensure that I retain as much vocabulary as possible while I read materials in one of my target languages.

02-22
13:59

How can you most effectively retain vocabulary in your target language?

In this episode, I outline a method I use to organize and retain vocabulary into my long-term memory. I am confident that if you follow the steps in this method, you will be able to add many, many new words into your target-language vocabulary.

01-30
12:38

A review of 2022 and preview of my 2023 language study!

In this episode, I look back at my goals for language-learning in 2022 and how well I met those goals. Then I discuss what my language-learning goals are for 2023.

01-11
19:45

How can you tell if you're REALLY fluent in a language?

In this episode, I take a look at a question that any language-learner is likely to ask themself numerous times along the language-learning process, along with tips on how to measure progress toward fluency.

12-07
22:16

Is it REALLY a good idea to study several languages at the same time?

In this episode, I discuss, largely based on my own (extensive) personal experience, why it may or may not be a good idea to study several languages at once, depending on the language learner.

11-13
18:14

Overcoming the dreaded 'intermediate plateau'

In this episode, I discuss the so-called 'intermediate plateau' in language-learning, its cause, and several ways to overcome it.

10-20
15:00

Is it okay to study closely related languages at the same time?

In this episode, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of learning multiple closely-related languages at the same time.

09-22
16:31

My recommendations of reading materials for learning French

In this episode, I recommend French Short Stories For Intermediate Level, a 3-volume series by Frederic Bibard, Intermediate French Short Stories by LingoMastery, Short Stories in French and 101 Conversations in Simple/Intermediate French by Olly Richards, Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, L'etranger by Albert Camus, and Harry Potter à L'École des Sorciers (French version) by J.K. Rowling.

08-29
16:54

My recommendations of YouTube channels and podcasts for learning French

In this episode, I cover five Youtube Channels (Easy French, Français Authentique, Parapluie French, French with Pascal, and C'est pas Sorcier) and four podcasts (Inner French, Français avec Yasmine, Français Authentique, and Français avec Fluidite).

07-16
12:57

My recommendations of apps for learning French

In this episode, I discuss most of the apps that I have used to learn French.

06-05
23:42

Can you become fluent in a language using only apps?

In this episode, I discuss how feasible it is to achieve fluency in a target language using only apps.

05-17
14:52

The Danger of Frustration

In this episode, I discuss the inevitable frustration that occurs in language learning, and how that frustration can either be turned into motivation or it can lead to giving up.

05-03
12:43

The Danger of Tunnel-vision

In this episode, I discuss why I highly recommend using a variety of different resources to learn a language, rather than relying on one or two resources alone.

04-19
14:00

The Danger of Overconfidence

In this episode, I discuss some of the ways that overconfidence, particularly influenced by some apps and level-assessment tests, can arise. This overconfidence can then easily turn into self-doubt once the reality of how much time and effort remains to reach fluency sinks in.

04-03
11:17

The Danger of Self-doubt

In this episode, I discuss the self-doubt that commonly accompanies the frustrations that arise during language-learning, and I offer a couple of ways to minimize that doubt.

03-18
10:46

The Power of Talking to Yourself

In this episode, I give suggestions for speaking activities that you can do with nobody else around to help strengthen your ability to think more quickly and naturally in your target language, leading to better speaking.

03-03
12:42

The Power of Patience

In this episode, I talk about the importance of being patient as a language learner, and how a lack of patience can result in a lot of unnecessary frustration and self-doubt.

02-17
12:14

Nori Cardoso

This is a very simple, yet different language learning podcast. I'm not a polyglot, just a humble bilingual. Yet, I definitely want to learn Mandarin soon! Anyways, this podcast caught my attention :)

01-29 Reply

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