Story learning through immersive methods, like the Japanese Uncovered program, can be an effective and enjoyable way to learn a new language.
Having a clear purpose or goal in language learning can provide direction and enhance the learning experience.
Setting a specific deadline or time frame can create a sense of urgency, motivating greater dedication and progress in language learning.
Deep dives
Learning through story learning method
The podcast discusses the effectiveness of the story learning method for language learning. The guest, Janna, shares her experience using the Japanese Uncovered program, which focuses on immersive learning through stories. Janna found this approach easy and enjoyable, as she listened to the stories repeatedly, gradually understanding more words and sentence structures. She also engaged in conversation exchanges and italki sessions to practice speaking. The combination of story learning and speaking practice allowed Janna to make significant progress in just six months.
The importance of a clear purpose
Janna's motivation for learning Japanese was to surprise her best friend, who is half Japanese. This clear purpose gave her a strong drive and focus throughout her learning journey. She shared that she subconsciously thought about what to say to her friend, which helped her stay motivated. Having a clear purpose or goal in language learning can provide direction and enhance the learning experience.
Dealing with nervousness and performance anxiety
Janna expressed feeling nervous before speaking Japanese to her friend. She attributed this nervousness to a desire to impress and the fear of not being able to communicate effectively. However, she overcame this anxiety and found that speaking practice gradually made her more comfortable. She also learned to embrace the potential for making mistakes and saw it as a natural part of the learning process.
The impact of time constraints
Janna's decision to surprise her friend within a specific time frame created a sense of urgency in her learning journey. The six-month time limit motivated her to dedicate more time to study and practice. This self-imposed deadline pushed her to work harder and make significant progress in a relatively short period.
Finding balance in language learning
Janna found a balance between structured learning with the Japanese Uncovered program and practical speaking practice with conversation exchanges and italki lessons. She emphasized the importance of going at her own pace and adjusting the intensity of her learning based on her goals and available time. This flexibility allowed her to progress efficiently and maintain her motivation.
If you'd like to support the show, the best way to do that is to:
Leave an honest review of the show wherever you get your podcasts. (You can normally do this within the app you're using.)
Share this episode with a friend (use the share buttons on your screen)
My Language Courses
If you're learning a new language, or improving an existing one, then check out my language courses. From complete beginner courses, to grammar and listening training, I've created unique, story-based programmes to help you reach you language goals.