StoryLearning Podcast 512: The ONE language rule you should ALWAYS break
Dec 17, 2025
Can you sound like a native speaker? This podcast dives into the art of perfecting accents and whether it’s worth the effort. It discusses the concept of pronunciation versus accent and uncovers the critical period for language learning. Listeners learn how immersion, cognitive abilities, and social dynamics influence accent development. Practical tips like mimicry, music, and using trained coaches are shared to help improve speaking skills. Overall, it's a fascinating look at what it means to communicate authentically in a second language.
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Mistaken For A Native In Brazil
- Olly Richards describes being mistaken for a native speaker while living in Brazil.
- He credits immersion and strong pronunciation skills for that experience.
More Speaking Reveals Tiny Flaws
- The more you speak, the more small flaws reveal non-nativeness.
- Olly compares this to jazz: more notes produce more evidence against you.
Accents Aren't The Real Barrier
- Accent often matters far less than fluency and intelligibility in real conversations.
- Olly says he prefers accents because they signal cultural background and spark curiosity.