Why Lindsay Does Languages? Why learn how to learn a language with us? Here’s 3 things that Lindsay Does Languages does differently.

Before we get started, you can enjoy this episode in the way you prefer. We’ve got a video version and the podcast below. So pick your place and let’s go!

The Video

The Podcast

There’s a lot of choice when it comes to what info to take in to help you learn a language. And it can be tricky trying to whittle that down to the core stuff that works for you.

And, hey, Lindsay Does Languages and the way we work isn’t going to work for every language learner. That’s good! Because there’s something out there for you! If you know that’s you, no problem. You’re still welcome here, but don’t feel obliged. Take only what you need.

But if you’re wondering how and why to learn with Lindsay Does Languages, and you want to know more about what I’m all about and what I stand for, read on.

Since 2012 (over a whole decade ago now! What even is time?!), I’ve been working for myself doing work that involves languages.

In the beginning, I taught them – English, French and Spanish to be precise. But as things grew online, I soon realised that everyone who was finding me wasn’t necessarily learning English, French or Spanish.

And the thought of only writing blogs or making videos or sharing anything online ONLY about three of the 7000 plus languages in the world wasn’t going to make me happy. I’d feel trapped, like a butterfly stuck in a goopy chrysalis with its wings pinned down. Wasted potential.

It also didn’t take me long to realise that what was needed in the world of language learning wasn’t (and isn’t) more materials. Yeah, there’s less books, courses, classes, immersion programs and podcasts out there to learn Guaraní than there is German.

But I soon learnt that the resources you use to learn a language actually matter very little.

Whether your teacher is qualified or brand new to the job matters very little.

Whether you have a perfect four figure streak on Duolingo matters very little.

None of those things matter when you know the secret. The knowledge that will unlock a lifetime of ease (yes, actual ease and not the word “easy” that shames you from the front cover of that Japanese book gathering dust) and speed (if you want speed) and joy (which you definitely want, ammarite?).

And that secret isn’t so secret anymore. Because I’ve been talking about it a lot for the past 2 years now. And teaching it too. All I need now is a rooftop to shout it from.

The best way to learn a language is to learn how to learn them.

To know what to do with any resource, to know how to kindly guide any teacher to what you want to learn, to know that apps can be fun but you can take them even further for more fun, fun, fun.

I don’t teach you languages.

I teach you how to learn languages.

This matters.

Because no amount of semi-good Korean online course or Portuguese ebook or Chinese audio lessons I could make will actually get you to where you want to be in a language.

What will is knowing what to do with them.

Knowing how to make these resources work for you. For your unique situation. For your unique needs. And for your unique learning style and personality.

Because there’s something at the core of everyone who’s ever successfully learnt a language.

They know how to learn a language.

And, by the way, I’m not talking success as in C2 level in 90 days or A1 conversational in 2 weeks. I’m talking about success defined by you – the learner – your unique success.

So.

It’s been years of agitation over whether “it’s time” for me to start making language specific resources.

Of feeling the moral dilemma of paying someone once for their work to then go on to earn more money for me from what they did.

Of internal debates over which languages to make stuff for – the oversaturated “popular” ones or the lesser studied ones that emphasise that moral dilemma even more.

And today, I want to clarify for you what I do, what makes working with Lindsay Does Languages different from any other language learning company:

1. I don’t teach languages. I teach you how to learn a language.

So you’re empowered and equipped to use any resources to learn any language. For life.

There’s so many great resources out there already to help you learn a language. And it’s easy to fall into “Magpie Mode” and gather, gather, gather…but never really get to using them. Don’t you hate it when that happens?

Often it comes from feeling overwhelmed with knowing where to begin, what to prioritise, and how to actually use the resources you have at hand.

Oh, and by the way – you’re here reading this? You have the internet. And that’s one of the greatest and most disruptive language learning resources, if not THE most.

So you have everything you need. You just need to know how to use it. That’s where I come in.

2. I promise you actual quick and easy language learning.

Because unlike all the catchy book titles that never deliver, we have a plan.

Upon learning this process with me, your language learning will flow quicker and easier than ever before. On scales that you, the person in charge of your language learning, define.

I get why we want quick and easy. We live in a world filled with instant gratification. We don’t want to work hard at something, we want it now.

But the truth is that successful language learning does take time, and will likely not always be easy.

However, when you learn how to learn a language with me, you begin to unlock new paths to quicker and easier ways to learn. All because you understand you and put you at the centre of your process.

3. My services will never be discounted and thus devalued.

Products, maybe occasionally.

But services that involve me and my brain and my time, no. No Black Friday 99% off sales over here. So you don’t need to wait for that mega discount. It won’t come.

If you decide to work with me today, you’ll be getting the best price possible.

Because there’s nothing more frustrating than when you buy a thing and a week later see it’s half price.

And from my side, there’s nothing more frustrating that knowing you’re undervaluing your work.