We can all agree that learning another language is a challenge. Now imagine doing it with no textbooks, no recordings, and no Duolingo. In the Season 1 finale, travel back in time with Jeremiah and Marina to examine how people learned languages in the past, along with what modern-day language learners can learn from them.

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

The accent reduction industry promises big things: reducing your accent and making you sound more like a native speaker. But as Marina and Jeremiah will discuss, it may be far more insidious than you might think.

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

This week, we're going back to basics and talking about the four language skills. We’ll talk about the key differences between them, how to improve each of those skills in isolation, and why you shouldn’t practice those skills in isolation. 

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

Learning a new writing system can be intimidating, especially if it’s completely different from the ones you’re used to. But is it impossible? Of course not! Join Marina and Jeremiah to learn about the history of writing systems, different types and their characteristics, and how to approach the task of (re)learning how to read and write in your target language.

Sources:
 
Rastle, K. et al. (2021). The Dramatic Impact of Explicit Instruction on Learning to Read in a New Writing System. Link 
Wang, M. et al. (2009). The Implicit and Explicit Learning of Orthographic Structure and Function of a New Writing System. Link 

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

Textbooks, Animal Crossing, language exchanges, Stardew Valley, flashcards, and Ace Attorney. What do all these things have in common? They can help you learn a language! Join Marina and Jeremiah for practical tips on how to use your favorite video games to get rich, immersive, contextual input in your target language.

We'll be taking a break for the holiday season, so this is our last episode of the year, but we'll be back to our normal schedule in January.

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

When you read, hear, or say a word, do you see colors? If you do, you might have synesthesia. Luckily for us, Marina happens to have synesthesia. Join us to hear about how Marina uses this strange phenomenon to help her learn languages, and how you can apply those ideas to your own learning, even if you don't have synesthesia.

Sources:
Hung, Wan-Yu. (2013). "Synesthesia in Non-Alphabetic Languages." Link
Watson, M. et al. (2014). "Synesthesia and learning: a critical review and novel theory." Link

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

“I took four years of (language) in high school and I learned nothing!” Well, there might be a reason for that. Like any method, taking a language class is an active process. Luckily, Marina and Jeremiah are here to help with evidence-based strategies to optimize your time both in and out of class.

Sources:
Lai, C., Zhu, W. and Gong, G. (2015), Understanding the Quality of Out-of-Class English Learning. Link

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang

You unlock this episode with the key of curiosity. Beyond the door is a journey into the realm of self-directed language learning. "Can you learn a language by yourself?" is not just a question, but a portal, where sociocultural theory and Vygotsky's insights await. Brace yourself, for you are entering—the Zone of Proximal Development! 

Bonus: if drinking games are your thing, take a drink every time we say the word “zone.” 

New episodes every other Wednesday! Transcripts available at howtolanguagepod.com. To stay in the loop, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @howtolang