Stolaroid Stories

Speaking 14 Languages: With Polyglot Lindsay Williams

Nov 27, 2023

Polyglot Lindsay Williams, who speaks 14 languages, discusses language learning techniques, writing as a tool for language learning, self-assessment for non-native English writers, using AI chatbots and free tools to improve writing skills, the potential disappearance of teachers and language schools, and the embodied nature of language in human interactions.

01:06:31

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Episode guests

Lindsay Williams

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Teaching students how to access information and learn independently is an essential responsibility for educators in a world where knowledge is easily accessible.

Writing is a valuable tool in language learning, helping to improve speaking skills, self-assess writing abilities, and bridge the gap between speaking and writing.

Language learners should prioritize developing learning autonomy and finding their own effective learning methods, rather than relying on a single 'best' method.

Deep dives

Key Point 1: Lindsay Williams is a polyglot who speaks 14 languages.

Lindsay Williams is a polyglot from the UK who speaks 14 languages. She has been self-studying languages since the age of 8 and has achieved conversational or higher levels in French, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Esperanto, Indonesian, Guarani, Korean, Bulgarian, and Russian.

Introduction

2min

The Power of Language Learning

28min

The Power of Writing in Language Learning

24min

Self-Assessing Writing for Non-Native English Writers

4min

Improving Writing Skills with AI Chatbots and Free Tools

2min

The Potential Disappearance of Teachers and Language Schools

2min

Language as a Embodied and Interactive Phenomenon and a Language Learner Goodie Bag Event

3min

A Conversation with Polyglot Lindsay Williams

2min

⁠Watch this on YouTube⁠ -- https://youtu.be/1JGccYaiI8I

On the homepage of her website, Lindsay Williams, a polyglot from the UK who speaks 14 languages, says this:

“I don't teach languages. I teach you how to learn a language.”

If you’re a teacher, that’s what you should do too if you want to keep your job.

Knowledge is not confined in the expert’s brain anymore. It’s on YouTube, ebooks and websites. So no matter what skills you teach – be they language, cooking, or management skills – training your students to access information and helping them discover how to learn independently are your two main responsibilities.

How can you charge more for what you do if you’re a mere explainer? Soon there won’t be any more room for the explainer.

Your ultimate goal is to empower the student. And that requires empathy, storytelling and human connection. These are elements no technology can replace.

“Thank you, teacher, now I know how to learn by myself. I don’t need you anymore” is the most rewarding comment the modern teacher could hear.

Teaching learning: that’s the aim. And that’s what Lindsay does.

I’ve interviewed her on my podcast. We talked about learning languages, learner autonomy, culture, writing, self-assessment, the future of teaching and more. I hope you'll be inspired by Lindsay as much as I've been.

Episode Links

Lindsay's website -- https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/

Lindsay's YouTube Channel -- https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages

Join my private email list for non-native English writers -- https://fabiocerpelloni.com/private/

**www.fabiocerpelloni.com**

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Stolaroid Stories

Speaking 14 Languages: With Polyglot Lindsay Williams

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Key Point 1: Lindsay Williams is a polyglot who speaks 14 languages.

Key Point 2: Lindsay emphasizes the importance of writing in language learning.

Key Point 3: Lindsay advocates for a personalized and independent approach to language learning.

Key Point 4: Lindsay challenges the notion of a 'best' language learning method.

Key Point 5: Lindsay discusses the value of human connections in language learning.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts