How to Learn a Language

Lindsay Dow
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Aug 9, 2025 • 5min

Speak 28x28 Challenge: What You'll Walk Away With

In this episode, I share what you truly gain from the Speak 28 x 28 Challenge beyond just speaking better. You’ll build contagious confidence that boosts all your language skills, develop strong language habits tailored to you, and gain valuable self-knowledge about how you learn and what motivates you. This challenge is about transforming your whole language learning journey and even your life. Ready to speak fearlessly in 28 days? Join me at lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Aug 8, 2025 • 9min

Speak 28x28 Challenge: My Speaking Confidence Journey

In this episode, I share my personal journey with speaking confidence through three key language experiences: Spanish at school and in Costa Rica, Korean in 2019, and more recently, Sinhala in Sri Lanka. I talk about the challenges and surprises that shaped my confidence and how embracing imperfection helped me grow. Plus, I introduce the Speak 28x28 Challenge designed to help you speak more confidently in any language and at any level in just 28 days. Join me and start speaking fearlessly today!---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak 🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Aug 7, 2025 • 19min

How to Learn a New Language From Scratch - Fast

Learn how to start a new language fast by fitting language learning into your daily life with planned and unplanned study times. I share the importance of creating a language loop by balancing input (reading and listening) with output (speaking and writing) to boost retention and confidence. Discover how solo speaking practice can prepare you for real conversations and why centring your learning around your personal needs and preferences is key to lasting success. Plus, get access to my ultimate language resource list to save time and jumpstart your journey.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resources List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list 🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 🎙️ Intro 00:01 Resource list overview 00:02 Fitting language learning into daily life 00:05 Personalizing study time 00:06 The language loop explained 00:09 Solo speaking habit 00:12 Centring yourself in learning 00:14 The three F’s: Fun, Flexible, Functional 00:17 Ultimate language resource list details 🚀 Outro---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/--- **LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Aug 1, 2025 • 13min

How to Learn Languages Your Way

In this episode, I share how to master your language learning process by reflecting on what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past. I talk about the importance of experimenting with different methods, considering your unique circumstances like time of day and environment, and why learning styles like VARK are more about preferences than strict categories. I also explain how building a flexible toolbox of strategies helps you adapt and succeed with any language. Plus, I introduce Language Life, my program designed to help you speak confidently and trust your language gut.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 Introduction: Do Learning Styles Exist?00:19 Reflecting on Past Learning Experiences02:36 The Importance of Experimentation04:29 Considering Circumstances in Learning08:09 Understanding Learning Styles and VARK10:01 Mastering Your Learning Process11:10 Conclusion and Language Life Program---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Jul 31, 2025 • 12min

How I Use Promptly for Indonesian Practice

Today I’m sharing how I use Promptly to write more in Indonesian almost every day. Promptly sends a new writing and speaking prompt weekly with suggestions to keep you inspired and practicing consistently. I explain my simple process using the free notes app on my phone to draft, mark unknown words in capitals, then look them up and rewrite. I also share optional steps like organizing emails, speaking aloud, and getting feedback to improve. This method helps me stay in the flow and build confidence before using Indonesian in real life.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 Introduction to Promptly00:08 What is Promptly?01:08 Using Promptly for Language Practice01:26 Organizing Your Promptly Emails02:19 My Personal Writing Routine04:00 Drafting and Translating Techniques08:45 Optional Steps for Enhanced Practice11:12 Final Thoughts and Joining Promptly---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Jul 29, 2025 • 43min

Intentional Immersion and Cosy Italian Retreats with Elfin Waters

In this episode, I chat with my friend Elfin about her amazing Italian retreats and the idea of intentional immersion. We explore why simply moving to a country isn’t always enough to become fluent and how gentle, mindful immersion can make a big difference, especially for introverts or those balancing work and life. Elfin shares practical tips on engaging with local culture, like shopping at markets and eavesdropping on conversations, and how retreats in small Italian towns offer a cosy, supportive environment to grow your language skills and confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, this episode offers inspiration to savour your language journey and embrace all the little moments that add up to meaningful progress.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 🎙️ Intro 00:45 Why moving abroad isn’t the only path to fluency 07:30 The importance of intentional immersion 15:20 Engaging with local culture through small daily interactions 22:10 How retreats in small towns support language learning 30:00 Activities on retreat: markets, art therapy, and community 38:45 Retreat options for beginners and intermediate learners 45:00 Planning your trip and making the most of your retreat 52:00 Final thoughts on savouring your language journey 🚀 Outro---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Jul 24, 2025 • 10min

This One Skill Makes Language Learning Easier Every Time

I used to rely on teachers and textbooks to guide my language learning, but I realized that trusting my own language gut is the key to real progress. In this episode, I share why trusting your instincts in language learning matters at every stage - from guessing words to choosing resources - and how it helps reduce overwhelm and build confidence. I also explain how trusting your language gut keeps you calm when you hit those tricky moments and how you can cultivate this skill to learn more effectively.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo ---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 🎙️ Intro 01:12 👀 Trusting Your Language Gut Doesn't Need Fluency02:28 🆓 Trusting Your Language Gut Gives You Free Language03:44 🥰 Trusting Your Language Gut Is Knowing Yourself05:01 💪 Trusting Your Language Gut Increases Confidence06:36 🧘 Trusting Your Language Gut Keeps You Calm08:01 🧠 Trusting Your Language Gut Reduces Mental Overload09:49 💛 Invitation to Language Life10:19 👋 Outro---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🎵 "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent
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Jul 14, 2025 • 20min

Stop Comparing & Start Thriving: How to Enjoy Your Language Learning Journey

In this episode I explore how to transform feelings of envy when comparing yourself to other language learners into inspiration and motivation I share practical strategies based on research to help you trust your own process shift your mindset and take positive action so comparison becomes a tool for growth not discouragement.🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better with expert coaching + tailored progress reviews: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll⁠ 💌 Get my Language Sparks emails for fresh ideas multiple times a week: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme⁠ 👩‍💻 Explore the blog for curated language learning advice: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/⁠Timestamps: 00:00 🎙️- Intro 00:55 🔍 - Overcoming Comparison in Language Learning05:50 💪 - Self-Reliance and Language Learning06:38 😬 - Managing Envy and Comparison09:32 🔄 - Empowerment Through Perspective11:03 🪞 - Facing Weaknesses and Self-Improvement12:31 🤔 - Questioning Beliefs and Authority13:56 🔥 - Using Anger as Motivation15:03 🎯 - Controlling Effort in Response to Emotions15:39 💚 - Managing Envy in Language Learning19:46 🚀 - Outro🗣 #languagelearning #languageprogress #languagecoach #focusandmotivation #personaldevelopment
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Jul 7, 2025 • 14min

How We Track Progress in Language Life (And Why It Matters)

What’s the best way to track your progress when learning a language? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly how we do it inside Language Life - my signature language coaching program - and why it matters more than you might think.From measuring what really counts (hint: it’s not just vocab lists and grammar drills!) to staying motivated for the long haul, you’ll discover practical tips you can use in your own language learning.If you’ve ever wondered “Am I actually improving?”, this episode is for you.🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better with expert coaching + tailored progress reviews: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll⁠ 💌 Get my Language Sparks emails for fresh ideas multiple times a week: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme⁠ 👩‍💻 Explore the blog for curated language learning advice: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/⁠Timestamps:00:00 🎙️ Intro00:55 📝 Intake Form: your starting point02:31 🌟 Weekly Wins: small steps, big motivation03:11 📅 Monthly Review: reflect + get private feedback04:21 📚 End of Chapter Check-In: pause + earn bonuses05:25 🎯 Milestones: guide your way to big goals07:35 🔍 What we track together: feelings, 3 F’s, ratings + more11:19 🔧 What I’m working on now: future improvements12:24 🚀 Outro + invitation to join Language Life🗣 #languagelearning #languageprogress #languagecoach #focusandmotivation #personaldevelopment
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Jun 30, 2025 • 13min

Eye-Opening Lessons Travelling in India Taught Me About Language Learning

What does it really look like when 23+ languages share space in daily life? During my travels in India from September 2024 to February 2025, I saw just how multilingual life can be - and how well it all works.In this episode, I’m sharing the surprising, eye-opening lessons travelling in India taught me about language learning. From real-life code-switching to the unexpected power of saying “thank you” in the local language, these stories and insights will have you heading to Sky Scanner!Here’s the best ways to stay in the loop: 💛 Join Language Life to learn languages better: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll⁠ 💌 Join my email list for my Language Sparks emails straight to your inbox multiple times a week: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme⁠ 👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: ⁠https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/⁠ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:06 🗣️ Multiple languages can co-exist and things get done04:32 🌍 Necessity to learn a language isn't always geography05:43 🙏 It never hurts to learn thank you in a local language07:12 🧠 You never fully know your own language10:39 🔁 Code-switching is life!11:38 Outro & how we can work together#languagelearning#focusandmotivation#personaldevelopment#languagecoach

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