Linux Language Learning Workflow (Part 3: Learning With Texts, mpv, qutebrowser) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-11-02 | Subscribe and visit my blog: mezzoguild.comThis is Part Three of my Linux workflow screencast series.I decided to do something a little unusual and different for fun by uploading a series of short screencasts of my Linux workflow for language learning. Nothing groundbreaking or new - just something for language learners who like to use Linux.I'm not an expert and this is not a detailed tutorial on how to set anything up (though I'm happy to share config files if anyone requests them).OS: Arch LinuxWM: i3Software: Modded LWT (Learning With Texts), mpv, qutebrowser, youtube-dl
Learning With Texts (LWT) and FLTR taken down over legal dispute (who threatened to sue them?) The Mezzofanti Guild 2020-09-22 | Visit my site: mezzoguild.comMy LWT setup: youtube.com/watch?v=fYV3EB868MkOne of my favorite, open source tools for language learning is/was Learning With Texts (LWT) which is basically a free alternative to LingQ (Steve Kaufmann).Overnight, both LWT and FLTR (a similar project) were erased from Sourceforge citing a mysterious legal dispute with a link back to LingQ. Steve Kaufmann has assured us that he is not involved.So the question remains: who threatened legal action and why?
Keeping your language learning motivation high when travel remains so uncertain The Mezzofanti Guild 2020-07-09 | Visit my blog: mezzoguild.com
Keeping language lessons ethical - are we paying too little? [italki, Verbling, etc.] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-06-19 | See italki here: mezzoguild.com/italkiRead my huge italki review here: mezzoguild.com/italki-reviewI wanted to raise the question of ethical pricing for language lessons.Are we paying people too little?While it's a great thing to have a service where lessons from overseas contractors are incredibly cheap and competitive, I worry about the ethical implications of excessively low pricing.What do you think?Should there be a higher minimum cap to keep lesson pricing dignified?
9 actionable steps for better language learning The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-05-21 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/better-language-learningIn this episode, I share 9 actionable steps you can take right now that will guarantee you better language learning.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Staying relevant as a language learning blogger or influencer in 2019 The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-04-26 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/language-bloggingFollow-up to my guide on blogging here: mezzoguild.com/how-to-start-a-language-blogI know this doesn't interest most people but from time to time I get emails asking about blogging or being an 'influencer' in the language learning niche.This is something I've been doing now for almost 8 years straight and I've learned a lot in that time.But each year I feel like a newbie myself as the Internet landscape is changing so rapidly - people consume information differently than they did just a few years ago.Here are some of my thoughts and observations.
Ripeti Con Me! Review - Is it comparable to Glossika Italian? The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-04-23 | Read my review here: mezzoguild.com/ripeti-con-me-reviewMy Glossika review for comparison: mezzoguild.com/glossika-reviewI was recently sent a sample of Ripeti Con Me! by Stefano Lodola which I reviewed.It aims to be a Glossika derivative or improvement so I was keen to see just how close they are (if at all) and raise a few pertinent questions.Here are my thoughts.----For affordable Italian lessons, I recommend: mezzoguild.com/italki
Yabla Review: Are language video wrappers redundant? The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-04-14 | Read my detailed review here: mezzoguild.com/yablaSee Yabla here: mezzoguild.com/goto/yablaSee Lingopie (great alternative): mezzoguild.com/goto/lingopie FluentU: mezzoguild.com/goto/fluentuI recently put together a Yabla review as I've been exploring 'video wrapper' platforms lately.How do they remain viable with the millions of freely available videos on YouTube?Also, how do they manage to get a license to source other people's YouTube content and sell it?What makes platforms like Yabla useful? (quantity of videos or lesson depth?)Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.
Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations is now available [Paperback] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-03-22 | Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations available here: amzn.to/2TjQgAkPage sample images here: talkinarabic.com/egyptian-arabic-short-storiesThe 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.
Memrise is moving to Decks [How to save your language courses to Anki] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-02-21 | Visit my blog and subscribe at: mezzoguild.comMemrise just announced that they're rebranding to a free community site called Decks.It's unclear if this will change any of the current functionality of Memrise courses (they seem to insist it won't). Either way, it's actually really easy to download your existing courses to your computer as Anki decks.Go to nodejs.org and download your OS' version of npm (Node Package Manager). If you're using Linux or BSD, you can install npm through your system's ports or packages.Run: npm install memanki-cli -gThen run: memanki --id ####### (course ID number taken from url in your browser)You can also run: memanki --merge --id ####### (this will merge all course decks into one big deck.
How to use Audacity track labels for language learning [+ convert them to subtitles] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-02-14 | Visit my blog for more: mezzoguild.comContent used from: talkinarabic.com**Correction: .SRT subtitles need a comma after the seconds, not a full stop. e.g. 00:00:00,000 - not: 00:00:00.000. Won't work otherwise.**I've talked about Audacity briefly before.I use it religiously in my own language learning and it's got a lot of uses. One of which is track labeling and converting those track labels to subtitles.Like this style of video? Let me know in the comment section and I'll do more just like it.
Korean Stories For Language Learners (Review) [Traditional Folktales] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-02-06 | More info about the book here: mezzoguild.com/review-korean-stories-for-language-learnersOther Korean resources here: mezzoguild.com/korean-resourcesI 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 I'd 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 (there's not much of it so it's 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] The Mezzofanti Guild 2019-02-03 | This is in reference to: mezzoguild.com/michel-thomas-reviewI 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, I've received a lot of pushback on my comments re: Michel Thomas. People seem religiously devoted to this method. It may just be because I'm wrong and the method's amazing but I think there's another reason:Learning a lot *about* a language can leave you feeling as if you've *learned* the language.There's a big difference.What are your thoughts?
Arabic white language demystified [Response to Prof. Arguelles Arabic Unity video] The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-12-22 | Alexander Arguelles' original video here: youtube.com/watch?v=Pcc-eE7OrXUFollow me here: mezzoguild.comThis is in response to a recent email question I received asking about Arabic "white language" and whether or not it's useful for communication by learners.
Globalism has ruined adventure and is making the world boring The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-12-21 | Visit my blog on language learning here: mezzoguild.comJust 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?
Detailed review of Grammar Hero (I Will Teach You A Language) The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-12-05 | Grammar Hero can be found here: mezzoguild.com/goto/iwtyal/ghMore info: mezzoguild.com/grammar-heroSee my other preferred language resources here: mezzoguild.com/tools
Can you learn languages the way children do? The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-10-27 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/learn-language-like-a-childIn this episode, I talk about my son and his language development, and how as adults we can learn in much the same way.We have advantages as adults in many ways but the idea that we can never learn the way children do is false.---For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---
Short Stories In Russian - Olly Richards [Teach Yourself] The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-09-14 | You can find Short Stories in Russian for Beginners here: amzn.to/3SGaOVP (Paperback and Kindle)All other language editions here: amzn.to/3u52i9gIn 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 we're 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:teachyourself.co.uk/festival-of-reading
Forget maintaining multiple languages - What about maintaining multiple cultural identities? The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-08-14 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/cultural-identityIn this episode, I reflect on the personal challenge and pain I've experienced assimilating into various cultures and then having to leave.Language maintenance is easy - cultural identity maintenance is the real challenge.Why are assimilators the best language learners?How do we perpetuate our assimilation into foreign cultures long after we've left and is it even possible?****For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)****
How to learn Arabic [Modern Standard] through traditional songs (Musiqa al-Kalimat review) The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-08-10 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/musiqa-al-kalimat-reviewSee my other Arabic resources here: mezzoguild.com/best-arabic-resourcesIf you're looking for the best books to learn Arabic, this is high on my list (for Modern Standard Arabic learners).Want to learn to speak Arabic fluently? Check out Talk In Arabic: talkinarabic.comFor inexpensive Arabic lessons, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/goto/italki
The simple difference between language fluency and proficiency The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-08-05 | Read more here: mezzoguild.com/fluency-proficiencyIn this episode, I reflect on the simple difference between language fluency and proficiency.---For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).
How my 1 year old son’s language learning is reaffirming my own approach The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-04-06 | Read more about this here: mezzoguild.com/one-year-old-language-learningIn this episode, I talk a bit about my 1 year old son's language development and a few observations I've made about its correlation to adult second language acquisition.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
UPDATE: A lot can happen in 2 years The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-02-09 | Follow me here: mezzoguild.com-----I use italki for inexpensive language lessons: mezzoguild.com/italki-----Does Learning Koine Greek Benefit Modern Greek? mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-modern-greekKoine Greek Is Difficult Because Of The Way It's Taught:mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-isnt-hard-----Subscribe to my podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Koine (NT) Greek Is Only Difficult Because Of The Way Its Taught (+ How To Fix It) The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-01-26 | Read more about this here: mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-isnt-hardIn this episode, I share more about my current approach to learning Koine (New Testament) Greek. I offer suggestions for how seminaries and colleges can improve on teaching it.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Does Learning Koine (Κοινὴ) Greek Benefit Modern Greek? The Mezzofanti Guild 2018-01-11 | Read the details here: mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-modern-greekIn this episode, I share a bit about my own personal goal for 2018 to learn Koine and Modern Greek simultaneously. To what extent do they benefit each other? We'll see.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Linux Language Learning Workflow (Part 2: youtube-dl, mpv, qutebrowser + ranger bindings) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-11-02 | Subscribe and visit my blog: mezzoguild.comThis is Part Two of my Linux workflow screencast series.I decided to do something a little unusual and different for fun by uploading a series of short screencasts of my Linux workflow for language learning. Nothing groundbreaking or new - just something for language learners who like to use Linux.I'm not an expert and this is not a detailed tutorial on how to set anything up (though I'm happy to share config files if anyone requests them).OS: Arch LinuxWM: i3Software: youtube-dl, mpv, qutebrowser
Linux Language Learning Workflow (Part 1: mpd, ncmpcpp + trans with Assimil) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-11-02 | Details on this setup here: mezzoguild.com/linux-language-learning-part-1Read my Assimil review here: mezzoguild.com/assimil-reviewI decided to do something a little unusual and different today for fun by uploading a series of short screencasts of my Linux workflow for language learning. Nothing groundbreaking or new - just something for language learners who like to use Linux.I'm not an expert and this is not a detailed tutorial on how to set anything up (though I'm happy to share config files if anyone requests them).OS: Arch LinuxWM: i3Software: mpd + ncmpcpp + transAlso: Assimil #Russian
Learning Arabic with Iraqi and Syrian refugees in Jordan The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-10-22 | Read my update here: mezzoguild.com/syrian-iraqi-refugees-jordanSee the project we're working on here: talkinarabic.comIn this episode, I share more specifics on our time in Jordan and our time working with the Iraqi and Syrian refugees there.---For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).
How Traveling With A Family Has Improved My Language Immersion (Jordan) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-10-13 | Read my update here: mezzoguild.com/language-immersion-with-childrenSee the project we're working on here: talkinarabic.comIn this episode, I share an update from our time in Jordan and some observations doing our first language immersion trip as a family with a child.---For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).
7 Excellent Foreign Language Career Ideas The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-07-06 | Read my full article here: mezzoguild.com/foreign-language-careersRead my guide for language learning blogging here: mezzoguild.com/how-to-start-a-language-blogIn this episode, I share some of the best foreign language career ideas and my experience with each of them.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
8 Important Things To Do On A Language Immersion Trip The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-07-02 | Read my full article here: mezzoguild.com/8-important-things-to-do-language-immersion-tripIn this episode, I share some important advice for anyone wanting or planning to go on a language immersion trip abroad in order to get the most out of the trip.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How Aussie English came to be (and why I love it) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-06-16 | Read my full article here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/aussie-australian-english-the-best-englishResource referred to: http://amzn.to/2rES4pEIn this episode, I talk about the different types of Australian English, how they came about and why it's the best variety of English on earth (clear bias!).---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Why I dont recommend the Michel Thomas Method for language learning The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-05-06 | Read my full article here: mezzoguild.com/michel-thomas-reviewSee my list of preferred language resources here: mezzoguild.com/toolsIn this episode, I share the results of my detailed review and analysis of the Michel Thomas Method (Total and Perfect Arabic specifically).Overall I don't recommend it and here are the reasons why I reached this conclusion.---For inexpensive language tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/13nA8XYVYhJRd6gJK6jaPx
How to improve a foreign language when youre at an advanced level The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-05-02 | Read my full article here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/improve-when-youre-already-fluentIn this episode I walk you through how I improve at languages when I'm already at a high or advanced level (most people struggle with this).I use examples from my own journey with Arabic.---For inexpensive Arabic tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to learn foreign languages through chunking (no grammar study) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-04-23 | Read my full article here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/chunking-and-language-learningI discuss the grammar topic further here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/you-dont-need-to-study-grammar-to-learn-a-foreign-languageOther resource page mentioned: http://www.mezzoguild.com/toolsIn this episode I talk a bit more about my 'chunking' technique which I argue is a far more natural way to learn to speak a foreign language than traditional grammar study.I share a simple example from my time in Egypt as a new learner of Arabic.---For inexpensive Arabic tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)---Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to start learning Arabic The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-04-16 | Read my full article right here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/how-to-start-learning-arabicIn this episode, I talk about how I originally learned Arabic over a decade ago and how I'd do it differently if I had the chance to start all over again.This advice will benefit you if you're considering learning Arabic yourself.Join our site TalkInArabic.com here: http://www.talkinarabic.comGet more of my recommendations for Arabic resources here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/best-arabic-resourcesFor inexpensive Arabic tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)--Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to stop performance anxiety when practising foreign languages The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-04-15 | Check out this episode's article: http://www.mezzoguild.com/anxietyIn this episode, I discuss performance anxiety and how it affects me with regard to learning languages.I also offer strategies to overcome it.----Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
The difference between Moroccan Arabic and other Arabic dialects The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-03-15 | Visit Talk In Arabic here: http://www.talkinarabic.comCheck out this episode's article: http://www.mezzoguild.com/moroccan-arabicIn this episode, I discuss in detail some of the differences that Moroccan and other Maghrebi dialects have from the more popular Arabic varieties like Egyptian and Levantine.Find Moroccan Arabic teachers here (and get a free lesson): http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki----Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Results of my arduous at-home language immersion experiment The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-28 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki-experiment-resultsGet a FREE online lesson in just about any language here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italkiIn this episode, I share the results of an experiment I did to replicate overseas language immersion at home over Skype.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Detailed review of the Assimil Language series The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-24 | Full article here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/assimil-reviewIn this episode, I give an in-depth and very honest review of the Assimil Method and series for language learning.I also shot some questions at the Assimil team and shared the responses I received (see article).Assimil Products available here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lCfQDb----Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Has language learning app innovation peaked? The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/language-app-innovationIn this episode, I discuss web and mobile app innovation for language learning and the negative effect that technology is having on skill acquisition.Has language learning innovation peaked already?Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Why I will never learn Esperanto The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/esperantoIn this controversial episode, I respond to frequent questions I've received about the constructed language Esperanto:Is it worth learning?What are the benefits of being able to speak it?Will it help me learn another language?----*IMPORTANT*: The points given in the article and in this video are my own perspective and opinion. Hence why it is titled "Why I will never learn Esperanto" (not "Why you should never learn Esperanto").While it may come across as offensive to some people, you're welcome to politely rebut the points I've made and attempt to prove me wrong.I refuse to apologize for sharing my thoughts and giving my own personal reasons for not wanting to learn the language.----Recommended resource: Zamenhof | The Life, Works and Ideas of the Author of Esperanto - http://amzn.to/2l1yOjKSubscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Are there hard languages? The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/easy-and-hard-languagesIn this episode, I respond to the question "Is there such a thing as a hard language?" with an anecdote from my time in Korea going between Korean, Irish and French.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to find motivation to learn a language The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/finding-motivationYou may have heard at some point that there are two types of motivation – extrinsic and intrinsic.Extrinsic is motivation that we get from our environment.That’s extrinsic motivation.Then there’s intrinsic motivation.This is the motivation that comes from within ourselves.In this episode, I discuss this with regard to language learning and how we can better motivate ourselves to stay on target.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to learn a language with hard grammar (easily) The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/habitHow do you take a language with notoriously difficult grammar and learn it easily (Russian for example)? In this episode, I explain how I do it and how you can do it too.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
The one thing you cant BS in language learning The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/foreign-language-aspect-you-cant-bullshitIn this episode, I share the one thing that you can't BS in language learning: listening comprehension. It can't be faked and here's why.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Visual-spatial language learning The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/reflections-of-a-visual-spatial-language-learnerIn this episode, I share my experience as a visual-spatial language learner - how I discovered it and how I've adjusted my learning strategy as a result.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Intellectual Classism and Brexit The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/intellectualsIn this episode, I break my 'no-politics rule' and share my thoughts on the rampant intellectual classism that's causing so many problems around the world.Particularly in relation to #BrexitRecommended resource: Intellectuals and Society - http://amzn.to/290k7H1Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
Learning to speak a language? Reading isnt that important. Heres why... The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/readingIn today's episode, I explain why reading is (mostly) a waste of time for people wanting to learn to speak a foreign language. I also share ways in which it can indeed be beneficial once fluency is already reached.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
How to get beyond language learning plateaus The Mezzofanti Guild 2017-02-23 | Full post here: http://www.mezzoguild.com/language-learning-plateauHitting language learning plateaus can be frustrating. Really frustrating. We all experience them at some point - usually at an intermediate level. Here are some simple ways to beat them.Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple/id1156281647?mt=2Or Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple
