Kerstin Cable 12/03/2018 Kerstin Cable 12/03/2018

In Language Learning, Are Apps All Amazing? Are All Apps Amazing?

In this episode, we caught up, talked about a new directive on language use in a very special setting: Childbirth!

We also discussed language learning apps and how to make the most out of them, so if you're enjoying Duolingo but you're STILL not fluent, this is the episode for you.

Welcome to Fluent Show episode 79, where co-host Lindsay joins me to catch up, talk about language, and discuss the hot topic of language learning apps.

If you've ever downloaded and used a language learning app, and then wondered "Am I doing this well? Could I learn more from this?", then our discussion will help you swipe and tap your way to fluency.

The Language You Use When She's Giving Birth

The British Medical Journal recently published a blog article sharing guidelines on how to speak respectfully to women during childbirth. Is this "political correctness gone mad", or does it matter how we refer to people in these settings? Would you expect that less dramatic and violent language can help mothers stay calm in labour?

Also, as ever: The important theme of "use her name", and how we'd expected to be addressed in different language environments.

If I got to the stage where I'm having a baby, I would expect to be called signora..not the equivalent of 'girl'

Tune in to our discussion to find out, and leave a comment below to share your own views.

How To Make Good Use of Language Apps

In this episode, we talked about language learning apps and how to use them.

Practical Tips

Use different apps on different devices if you have them, for example you could make your iPad your reading resource while you use the phone to text language exchange partners
Take most of the promises that come from language learning apps with a grain of salt - using an app without effort does not mean learning a language without effort
Customize your experience: Apps are not all you need to learn a language, but it can help you create a language learning environment that is unique to you. We find that when an app is not the only way you're learning a language, your experience and results gets be better.
Don't ever feel ashamed or embarrassed about your app choices and what works for you!

The Essential Language Apps To Try On Your Device

Apps can be roughly sorted into a few categories, and it's worth trying a few to find your personal preference

A good dictionary app like WordReference, LEO, or even Google Translate
A flashcard system like Memrise, Anki, or Smartcards+
A language course app (often gamified) like Speechling or Duolingo 4. Our sponsors Clozemaster of course!
A non-language related app that can help you stay productive like 30/30, Timeglass, Pomodoro, or Streaks

Which language learning apps do you use regularly? Can you manage without them?

Leave us a comment below or tweet @thefluentshow.

EPISODE SPONSORS

CLOZEMASTER
Visit our sponsor Clozemaster, the free addictive language app in over 50 languages

EPISODE LINKS

Code-switching - Wikipedia
italki - where people can find online language tutors
Humanising birth: Does the language we use matter? – The BMJ
12 Ideas For Making the Perfect Language Learning App by Fluent Language
After Duolingo? : Esperanto
The Welsh-Dictionary App: Language Technologies Unit, Canolfan Bedwyr
The Fluent Show: Gabriel Wyner is NOT a Robot (with Fluent Forever author Gabriel Wyner) — Interview with Gabe Wyner, the creator of the Fluent Forever app
Gboard - the Google Keyboard - Android Apps on Google Play
STREAKS. The to-do list that helps you form good habits. For iPhone.
30/30 | You have never experienced a task manager like this!
Gretchen Rubin: The Four Tendencies — Cool personality quiz that can tell you more about your habits. See also Fluent Show 32
clear the list Archives - Eurolinguiste
Language Learning Goals: Clear The List - March 2018 - Lindsay Does Languages

Kerstin Cable 19/02/2018 Kerstin Cable 19/02/2018

How To Get Off The Intermediate Plateau in Language Learning

Welcome to Fluent Show episode 76, where I tackle the question:

**"How Can I Get Off The Intermediate Plateau?"**

If you're stuck somewhere in the language weeds, this show will help you untangle them and get those wheels turning again.

Welcome to Fluent Show episode 76, where I tackle the question:

"How Can I Get Off The Intermediate Plateau?"

If you're stuck somewhere in the language weeds, this podcast episode will help you untangle them and get those wheels turning again.

Just like any big goal that leads us to a happier life, language learning for the long haul works best as a habit. It’s possible to reach miraculous short-term results, but if we’re looking for mastery and SUSTAINABLE mastery then there’s no point putting your 6 week boot camp crash challenge attack plan into place.

Note On Progress and Your Sense Of Progress

You’re in this for the long haul. After reaching a level that shows you’ve been studying this language for a long time, your motivation is likely more than fast progress. It doesn’t help to count the time you have spent learning.
It doesn’t help to assume that going to A2 from zero is the same as going to C2 from B1 — it really isn’t like that.

Rewards

The problem with the plateau is how frustrating it feels. You don’t feel the rewards anymore. So let’s talk about rewards and how you can bring back the feeling that your work is paying off.

Strategy 1: Get Fresher Rewards

6 months ago, you got a real kick out of being able to watch the news in your target language without subtitles. 3 months ago, you were still watching the news but it started feeling like a chore. Today, you still understand everything but you’re frustrated in a new arena. Rewards are most rewarding when they come after some really hard work towards a desire, and right now your frustration is rooted in your shortfall.

Ask yourself honestly where you are most frustrated right now. What is missing? What do you feel scared to attempt? Whatever it is, it’s likely not something you can do on your current plateau.

(Example of reading a book in Welsh)

Strategy 2: Intrinsic Rewards

This is about your identity, who you are as a language learner, and what you love the most.

Strategy 3: Extrinsic Rewards

These incluce

Validation from friends
Passing exams
Career advancement

Strategy 4: Change the conversation

Reward yourself for effort, not result. No point in burning yourself out.

So now I’ve convinced you to keep going, there is one question remaining. How do you actually get better? How do you study the right topics?

Do Difficult Things

Yes, I mean working hard. Your learning curve is slowing because you are not doing the difficult things anymore, so this is a good problem to have.

Getting to the C levels without the four core skills, without grammar, is not possible.You will not automatically get to the highest language learning levels by just keeping going. Things do need to develop, and if there’s a corner of grammar or a core skill that you have been neglecting, now is when it catches up with you.

Put That Yardstick In Place

If you feel like you’re not making progress, it’s likely because you have lost something that helps you measure your progress. It's time to get the yardstick back. Yardstick options:

Set consistent path goals and share them with people, then check in every week. Join a learning club or mastermind.
Write down your goals and be accountable to yourself — keep them in front of you
Sign up for a language exam and get yourself tested
Use a guiding resource, something you can really measure
Work with rewards and treats - there is nothing wrong with celebrating where you are right now. You’ve come a long way

Become REALLY Clear On Your Aims

People often remark on the high quality of my English, and this level of English is impossible to reach without an incredible amount of exposure. But this level is NOT C2 - it is in fact higher.

Find a person who will mentor you.

This doesn’t have to be a paid tutor, but could be a patient and dedicated friend or group of friends. They might not even know they're your mentor. This is why people often report success when they travel - they put themselves in a world where language mentors are easily accessible. But just because something is not quite as straightforward, doesn’t mean it’s impossible.