Uploaded December 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Visit my blog on language learning here: mezzoguild.com
Just been reflecting lately on the fact that the world is, for the first time ever, completely and utterly discovered. We have every last inch of the planet (except for the ocean floor) mapped out and accessible with a swipe of the finger.
What does this mean for the future?
What does it mean for language learning and foreign cultures?
Visit my blog on language learning here: mezzoguild.com
Just been reflecting lately on the fact that the world is, for the first time ever, completely and utterly discovered. We have every last inch of the planet (except for the ocean floor) mapped out and accessible with a swipe of the finger.
What does this mean for the future?
What does it mean for language learning and foreign cultures?
![Short Stories In Russian - Olly Richards [Teach Yourself]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w8vB7Pa90Qo/mqdefault.jpg "Short Stories In Russian - Olly Richards [Teach Yourself]
You can find Short Stories in Russian for Beginners here: https://amzn.to/3SGaOVP (Paperback and Kindle)
All other language editions here: https://amzn.to/3u52i9g
In this video, I give a short reading from the book: “Short Stories In Russian for Beginners” by Olly Richards.
This is part of a month-long event in collaboration with Olly and Teach Yourself, where were promoting reading as one of the most effective ways to learn a new language.
There are other people giving readings this month, in lots of different languages, all across YouTube.
See the complete schedule here:
https://www.teachyourself.co.uk/festival-of-reading/")
![Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations is now available [Paperback]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/whs9-is6Pjc/mqdefault.jpg "Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations is now available [Paperback]
Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations available here: https://amzn.to/2TjQgAk
Page sample images here: https://www.talkinarabic.com/egyptian-arabic-short-stories/
The first paperback edition of our new series called Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations is up now on Amazon. It consists of 12 mini stories in colloquial Egyptian that incrementally rise in length and difficulty.
Here’s what you’ll find in the book:
* 12 mini stories on various focus topics, full of high-frequency vocabulary and expressions pertaining to those topics.
* Stories that incrementally rise in length and difficulty.
* Each story has a comprehension exercise section at the end of the chapter.
* Key vocabulary lists for each story (most of the main vocab used throughout the story).
* Full English translations in the back of the book (away from the Arabic so you’re not tempted by it).
* Large, clear font and moderate use of tashkeel (vowel markings) to improve readability for lower-level learners.
* All dialogues are bolded so they’re easy to distinguish.
* Lined, note-taking sections.
I really need to emphasize that this book is NOT for absolute beginners. If you’ve never studied Arabic before then I’d advise coming back to this later on.
Since it’s a first edition and a totally new venture for us, I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the book.")
![Korean Stories For Language Learners (Review) [Traditional Folktales]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xoY6mH7Y4TM/mqdefault.jpg "Korean Stories For Language Learners (Review) [Traditional Folktales]
More info about the book here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/review-korean-stories-for-language-learners/
Other Korean resources here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/korean-resources/
I recently received a copy of Korean Stories For Language Learners by Julie Damron and EunSun You (Tuttle Publishing).
The book covers 42 total short stories in Korean with English translations, comprehension exercises, vocab lists and full audio listening material.
Since the short story niche of learning material seems to be trending at the moment, I thought Id take time to check this one out. Rather than covering typical dialogue material, it focuses on traditional Korean folktales. The audio is a pleasure to listen to.
A few minor things to point out: absolute beginner material is inappropriate for this book (theres not much of it so its not a major issue) and some exercises are borderline bizarre (but still funny).
Something a dedicated Korean student who loves Korean history and culture would definitely enjoy reading.")
![Learning *about* a language does not mean youve *learned* a language [Re: MT method devotees]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yY8_TAOfok4/mqdefault.jpg "Learning *about* a language does not mean youve *learned* a language [Re: MT method devotees]
This is in reference to: https://www.mezzoguild.com/michel-thomas-review/
I get that we all have our favorite methods, products, courses, etc. for learning a foreign language. I have mine.
Over the last year in particular, Ive received a lot of pushback on my comments re: Michel Thomas. People seem religiously devoted to this method. It may just be because Im wrong and the methods amazing but I think theres another reason:
Learning a lot *about* a language can leave you feeling as if youve *learned* the language.
Theres a big difference.
What are your thoughts?")
