

Language Learning Made Simple - The MezzoGuild Podcast
The Mezzofanti Guild
Are you learning a foreign language (or want to)? Get the best and most unique advice and tips from Donovan Nagel, author of the well-known blog 'The Mezzofanti Guild - Language Learning Made Simple'. Also check out Talk In Arabic, a sister project.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 21, 2019 • 13min
9 Actionable Steps For Better Language Learning
Read more here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/better-language-learning/ In 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: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson) --- Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/language-learning-made-simple-the-mezzoguild-podcast/id1156281647?mt=2 And Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mezzofanti-guild/language-learning-made-simple

Apr 14, 2019 • 25min
How To Stay Relevant As A Language Learning Blogger In 2019
Read more: https://www.mezzoguild.com/language-blogging/ In this episode, I talk about language learning blogging, how it's all changing and how to stay relevant in 2019. This is a follow-up to my guide: https://www.mezzoguild.com/how-to-start-a-language-blog/ --- For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: http://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson)

Mar 22, 2019 • 6min
Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations Now Available
Order it here: https://amzn.to/2FnjwkE Read more: https://www.mezzoguild.com/egyptian-arabic-easy-stories/ The 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.

Oct 27, 2018 • 10min
How To Learn Languages Like A Child
Read more here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/learn-language-like-a-child/ In 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)

Aug 14, 2018 • 7min
How Do (Can) We Maintain Multiple Cultural Identities?
Read more here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/cultural-identity In 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)

Aug 5, 2018 • 5min
The Simple Difference Between Language Fluency And Proficiency
Read my update here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/fluency-proficiency/ In this episode, I reflect on the difference between language fluency and proficiency. --- For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).

Apr 6, 2018 • 9min
How My 1 Year Old Son's Language Learning Is Reaffirming My Own Approach
Read my update here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/one-year-old-language-learning/ In this episode, I talk about my 1 year old son's language development and how the observations I've made can apply to natural adult language acquisition. --- For inexpensive tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).

Jan 26, 2018 • 12min
Koine (NT) Greek Is Only Difficult Because Of The Way It's Taught (+ How To Fix It)
Read my update here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-isnt-hard/ In 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 tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).

Jan 10, 2018 • 10min
Does Learning Koine Greek Benefit Modern Greek (Or Vice-Versa)?
Read my update here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/koine-greek-modern-greek/ In 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 tutors, teachers and conversation partners, I use italki: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).

Oct 22, 2017 • 9min
Learning Arabic With Iraqi And Syrian Refugees In Jordan
Read my update here: https://www.mezzoguild.com/syrian-iraqi-refugees-jordan/ See the project we're working on here: https://www.talkinarabic.com/ In 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: https://www.mezzoguild.com/italki (sign up here and get a free lesson).


