Episode Summary Grammar sucks, right? Nope! This episode explores common myths about grammar and re-frames it as an essential, enjoyable, and achievable part of language learning. I’ll talk about what grammar is NOT and what it actually is. Prepare to finally be grammar curious! Timestamps 00:00 🎙️ Intro00:01:00 Discussing grammar myths and fear00:02:00 What grammar is not: complicated or boring00:04:00 […]
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Blog Goals & Progress Motivation
Episode Summary Failure. The thought of it being a possibility can stop us from even starting to learn a language. So what we we reframe the idea of failure? How can we do that for language learning? That’s what we’ll talk about in this episode. Timestamps 00:00 🎙️ Intro01:00 Reframing failure in language learning04:00 Why mistakes are a better benchmark06:00 […]
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Episode Summary Discover how you can use Spotify beyond music to boost language learning with audiobooks, podcasts with transcripts, and sleep-friendly content. Learn tips for accessing language courses, finding transcripts, and relaxing with foreign language podcasts. Timestamps 00:00 Intro01:00 Audiobooks and language audio courses on Spotify06:00 Podcasts with transcripts for better listening09:00 Using Spotify for sleep and relaxation in other […]
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Episode Summary Malia Yoshioka shares her unique language journey from growing up in Hawaii as a forth generation Japanese American with its complex cultural and linguistic layers to living 10 years in Turkey, where she learned Turkish through her passion for food. She discusses the history and revitalization of the Hawaiian language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi), her experiences learning Japanese, Turkish and […]
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Episode Summary I’ve studied 15 languages to a decent level. But does that mean I SPEAK 15 languages?… In this episode, I explore the reality of balancing and maintaining 15 languages. Timestamps 00:00 🎙️ Intro02:00 What it means to have studied 15 languages04:00 Why Lindsay counts studied languages, not just spoken ones07:00 Can you really maintain 15 languages?10:00 Embracing imperfection […]
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Blog Grammar & Vocabulary Listening
Episode Summary Discover essential words to learn to visit Taiwan. This video covers key phrases, cultural insights like traditional characters, measure words, and unique local terms such as QQ, kuai kuai, and the iconic ga ji dai. Learn how to order bubble tea with ease and get familiar with Taiwan’s compass-inspired place names. Perfect for travellers wanting to connect deeper […]
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Episode Summary Can you travel China with only HSK1 level? In this video, I share my month-long experience traveling China with basic Chinese skills. Discover how translation apps, digital payments, and visiting less touristy cities made the trip enjoyable and manageable. Learn why you don’t need fluency to explore and connect, and get tips on using language tools and simple […]
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Blog Goals & Progress Motivation
The Most Common Language Learning Obstacles (& How We Beat Them) Episode Summary This episode of How to Learn a Language explores the three most common language learning obstacles: picking resources, speaking practice, and plateaus. I’ll share practical strategies to overcome these challenges and what we do to move past them when we work together. Timestamps 00:00 🎙️ Intro01:00 Common […]
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Episode Summary Discover 10 essential Tagalog words for your first trip to the Philippines. From the polite “po” to local food favourites like adobo and halo-halo, plus useful terms like CR (comfort room) and barangay, these Filipino words and phrases for tourists will help you understand the world around you from Manila and Cebu to El Nido and Bohol. Timestamps […]
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Goals & Progress Habits & Balance
Episode Summary Today, I’m sharing my bare minimum language routine…it’s zero! I explain why having a zero buffer day can actually boost long-term progress. You’ll hear what my current Chinese study routine looks like, including morning writing, app practice, and audio lessons, and how I adapt it when on the move. Timestamps 00:00 🎙️ Intro00:01 Discussing three-tier goals and the […]
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