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Benny and Shannon chat with Dayna Brockbank about learning languages on a budget with Duolingo, italki and Anki by building systems for motivation.Featured Resources italki Atomic Habits Anki Mentioned in this Episode italki Atomic Habits Anki Fluent in 3 Months blog Duolingo Happily Ever Travels VIP Kid Universe of Memory Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Learning Spanish while living in Chile in complete immersion What makes language immersion work How language learners waste time to try to be more effective Tips for budget traveling Building a career you can take traveling Finding motivation with systems How to choose which languages you learn Building conversation skills in a new language Learning for the sake of learning Common struggles amongst English language learners Something is better than nothing in language learning Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Benny and Shannon discuss dual identities, language learning, and strategies for reviving a language with Alex Rawlings, who was once named Britain’s most multilingual student.Featured Resources How to Speak Any Language Fluently Assimil Teach Yourself Routledge Mentioned in this Episode Third Year Abroad, now Global Graduates How to Speak Any Language Fluently Assimil Teach Yourself Routledge Alex Rawlings Alex’s Twitter Alex’s Instagram More Than Words Podcast Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: How Alex became Britain’s most Multilingual Student How a polyglot keeps their languages active and prioritizes what to work on Dealing with dual identities as someone who’s bicultural Taking language learning from hobby to career Living in South Africa and learning Afrikaans Extensive reading as a language learning strategy Strategies for reviving a language you’ve studied in the past Using courses at the beginner stage of learning Why you should adopt the philosophy of a “non-perfectionist” Learning strategies for advanced language learners Finding your voice in another language Discovering stories in other languages Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

When it comes to learning vocabulary, is it best to learn individual words, or phrases with the words in context? Benny gives his opinion, talks about his insights and explains how he likes to use flashcards and other techniques to learn vocabulary both as standalone words and in context. To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

This episode features Sarah Gillespie, who learned conversational Hiligaynon in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.Benny and Elizabeth have a conversation with Sarah Gillespie about her experience of learning a heritage language with few resources as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge italki Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge italki Sarah’s Website Sarah’s Article on Fluent in 3 Months Toggl Audacity Paul Soderquist Illonggo Boyz Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Learning Hiligaynon in 3 months with the Challenge Learning heritage languages Enjoying the learning process with songs Using trends to learn languages Finding resources for more obscure languages Using lots of apps, software, and habit forming techniques like habit stacking How to use your target language with family and getting to know them better Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Benny and Shannon chat with Luca Lampariello, a well-known polyglot and language coach, about learning “useful” languages, breaking through limiting beliefs, and the most important thing when learning another language.Featured Resources Luca’s Coaching Communities of Practice Atomic Habits Mentioned in this Episode Luca’s Coaching Communities of Practice Atomic Habits Luca’s Twitter Luca’s Facebook Luca’s Instagram Luca’s Youtube Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: How languages can change your life Learning “useful” vs “useless” languages Going into language learning when coming from a technical background Breaking through limiting beliefs How Luca started his career in languages Common mental blocks for language learners How to speak with a native-like accent Bidirectional translation The most important thing when learning another language How the desire to be a part of a community can be powerful motivation How to juggle 14 languages Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

This week Benny gives some advice about how to watch movies and TV in your target language, especially when it comes to subtitles. Watching media is a fantastic way to improve your language skills, but you need to do it the right way if you want to get the most out of it. To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

This episode features Ashton Bitten, who learned conversational Spanish in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk to Ashton about her experience of going from intermediate (B1) to advanced (C1) Spanish in 48 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge italki Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Genki Tandem Benny’s Ted Talk Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Being a language dabbler Going on a trip to Rwanda, learning the language, and getting inspired to learn more languages How failing a language proficiency exam led Ashton to focus on speaking Discovering the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge and going from B1 to C1 in Spanish in 3 months Using materials for native speakers to learn Spanish Breaking down the CEFR language levels Learning completely new languages after learning your first second language Going from theory to speaking the language Overcoming nervousness about speaking another language On changing personalities with each language Finding the “right” time to learn a language and time management How COVID has impacted her language learning and dealing with those guilty feelingsPodcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Benny and Shannon talk to Damon Dominique, a French educator who got his start online as part of Damon and Jo, about learning languages to build connection, teaching without lecturing, and how to find confidence teaching online.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge FluentCity Damon and Jo Shut up and go Damon’s Youtube Damon’s Instagram Damon’s Twitter Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Going from traveler to travel vlogger Being excited by learning languages through travel and creating connections How reality tv inspired Damon to travel and learn languages Creating entertaining language learning content on YouTube Tips for building confidence and getting comfortable in front of the camera Humor in language learning Dating and navigating relationships in other languages Being honest when sharing content online Having different personas in different languages How languages offer you a new perspective and shape who you are Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

The answer to this week's question may surprise you. People often assume that polyglots learn multiple languages at the same time, but as Benny explains, this isn't as common as you might think. Listen to find out why learning more than one language at a time isn't necessarily the best tactic.To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

In this episode, Benny and Elizabeth get the inside scoop on how to become a French cultural insider with Lizzy Rimington who has lived in France for the past 30 years.Mentioned in this EpisodeBenny’s Spanish ChallengeEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Studying French at school and not actually learning the language How living as an au pair kicked off Lizzy’s French understanding How to integrate into French culture and build friendships Why French etiquette is so important Humor and how it can help you build relationships inner languages The ways customer service is different in France than in other countries What it’s like being vegetarian in France What to do when the French insist on speaking English When to use formal speech vs informal speech in French Tips for getting French practice when you aren’t ready for a native speaker Tricks you can use when you’re a beginner in a language Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Benny and Shannon chat with Hollywood Accent Training Coach to the stars, Eliza Simpson, on finding your voice in another language through accent and pronunciation.Featured Resources Dialects Now Accent Gym Mentioned in this Episode Knight-Thompson Speechworks Dialects Now Accent Gym Eliza’s Twitter Eliza’s YouTube Eliza’s Instagram Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Techniques and mechanics you learn to pick up accents Visual aspects of learning the sounds of a language What does vocal coaching look like? Difference between dialect and accent Dealing with difficult sounds in a language How learning the accent of the language you’re learning in your native language helps you speak and other techniques you can use to learn accent Tips for improving accent and pronunciation Using comedy as a tool for language learning Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

You asked, and Benny is here to answer! In this short episode he talks about why he thinks tackling grammar shouldn't be your top priority when learning a new language - phew, what a relief!To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

This episode features Jessie, who learned conversational Catalan in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.In this episode, Benny and Shannon speak to Jessie who learned her partner Kike’s native language as a part of the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.Featured Resources Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Anki Mentioned in this Episode Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Anki Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Tackling a language like Catalan with few resources What it’s like to have your partner learn your native language Helping your partner learn your language The benefits of doing more than one Fluent in 3 Months Challenge How Jessie’s language learning progress inspired Kike to learn a language too Why it’s a myth that you need to live in a country to learn the language Learning a very specific dialect like Menorquin The power of community in language learning Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

Elizabeth interviews Benny about his experience climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and how it parallels learning a language.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and achieving a travel dream Giving up on language learning The compare and despair trap Being okay with mistakes Letting go of other people’s judgements Finding the silver lining How focusing on the end goal blinds you to the day to day progress The importance of asking questions and getting an outside perspective Why you make sure you have good people behind you Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

You wanted advice for memorising vocabulary, and Benny is happy to deliver. Benny explains that it’s not about having a particularly great memory, but instead, using specific tactics to make things stick.To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

Benny and Elizabeth talk to Kris Broholm from Actual Fluency about language learning with depression, the language community, and the power of finding support.This episode discusses depression. If you are currently experiencing depression, we recommend speaking with a professional. You can call Safe Help Line at (888) 379-6507 or any other support hotlineFeatured Resources Lost Connections Actual Fluency Podcast Mentioned in this Episode Lost Connections Polyglot Gathering Actual Fluency Podcast Actual Fluency Kris’s Email Cortisol relief in nature Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Challenges of living abroad and why it’s not the secret to language learning Learning languages with depression How language learning can counter the effects of depression The benefits of support and accountability from other people Creating wins in language learning Avoiding the comparison trap Anti-goals Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

In this episode of the Language Hacking Podcast, we talk to Julie Ferguson who has learned five languages and is getting ready to learn her sixth – Scots Gaelic. She’s severely deaf and legally blind and has come up with loads of creative strategies for learning languages which she shares in this podcast as well as accessibility for both language resources and travel.Featured ResourcesJulie’s articles on Fluent in 3 MonthsMentioned in this Episode Julie’s articles on Fluent in 3 Months Satori Reader Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Overcoming physical challenges to learn languages Being a visual learner while legally blind Getting help from a tutor and not solely relying on self-study Creative strategies for improving the accessibility of language learning resources How the accountability of the classroom helps Julie keep on top of her studies What it was like learning Swedish in Sweden Getting over the frustration of asking people for help How to keep conversations in the local language Traveling and accessibility Tips for avoiding language interference Building resilience in your language learning Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

We continue our new "Ask Benny" series with one of your most common questions. This week Benny talks about why he thinks speaking from day one is the key, and how you can do this even when travel is not an option.To ask Benny a question, please email ask@languagehacking.com

Benny and Shannon talk to Chuck Smith, a notable figure in the language learning and Esperanto communities about Esperanto and its culture, and why Esperanto should be your next language.Featured Resources Amikumu Innovative Languages Mentioned in this Episode Polyglot Gathering Amikumu Innovative Languages Chuck Smith Chuck’s Twitter Chuck’s Instagram Episode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: What Esperanto is and its history Why learn Esperanto? Does Esperanto really help you learn other languages? The lack of irregular verbs in Esperanto The lack of taboos and exclusivity in Esperanto The empowering nature of Esperanto conversations The unique aspects of Esperanto culture Going to Esperanto events in Europe Founding Amikumu Why grammar books may not be the best way to reach your language learning goals Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

This episode features Bryce, who learned conversational Portuguese in just 90 days with the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge.We actually guarantee that anyone who completes the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge will have a 15-minute conversation in their new language after 90 days of learning. You can find out more here.In this episode, Benny and Shannon talk with two Fluent in 3 Months Challenge participants, Bryce and Michele, who are husband and wife learning their native languages with help from one another.Featured ResourcesFluent in 3 Months ChallengeMentioned in this EpisodeFluent in 3 Months ChallengeEpisode OverviewSome of the topics brought up during the interview are: Connecting with your partner and their family through their native language Speaking Portuguese for an hour during the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Language learning milestones and building confidence Learning English while living in Kansas and dealing with culture shock Having patience with your partner Falling in love as a motivation Raising multilingual children and connecting with them through language How to practice a language with your partner Approaching language learning like an air infantryman Using Dream Teams in the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge Bringing Brazilian culture into the American home Advice for when you and your partner don’t speak the same language Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy