How I Learn Languages From Scratch

In this video, I talk with Jon Hamilton, a former Green Beret, about language learning and how physical training relates to mastering new languages. 

In this video, I explain why language learning is often made harder than it needs to be and how to stop overcomplicating it. 

In this video I discuss the importance of noticing in language learning and whether it's something we can deliberately train. 

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