How I Learn Languages From Scratch

In this video, I share why I'm optimistic about the future of language learning and how we can use tools like ChatGPT or NotebookLM to create our own learning materials. 

In this video, I talk about the role of questions in language learning—when they’re helpful, and when they can actually get in the way of enjoyable, low-stress learning. 

In this video, I talk about how memory changes as we age and what that means for older adults learning languages. 

Learn about how languages get invented 

Learning French completely changed my life. It set the stage for learning 7 more foreign languages, writing dozens of language learning books, and starting a language learning company that employs dozens of people and reaches millions of people around the world. In this episode o ... Show More

A language learning expert changed the way many people (including me) study languages and in this episode I wanted to tell you about him. 

In This Episode: Olly speaks with Lamont, the host of the Days of French & Swedish YouTube channel.  Here's what you'll learn: Are you doomed to failure if you're starting learning languages late in life? What is Comprehensible Input and why does it matter? The ONE thing no-one t ... Show More

This week, I started taking Spanish classes, and as you can imagine, I have a LOT of thoughts. It’s been a while since I was a student, and being on the receiving end of a class has taught me so much about how important pronunciation, mindset, and strategy are when learning a sec ... Show More

This lesson covers asking and saying what languages you speak. 

In this episode, I respond to the common misconception that you can’t learn a language when you get older.  Mentioned today: ¿Pero Por Qué? - Beyond the headlines in Latin America. Do You Have A Question? This show exists to answer your language learning questions! Send me your q ... Show More

Almost half the people in the world speak at least two languages. And, it turns out, that includes a lot of But Why listeners! In this episode we talk about what it’s like to speak multiple languages and kids from around the world share phrases in many different languages so we c ... Show More