In this video, I discuss the 80/20 rule and how it applies to language learning. I'll explain why I don’t worry about high-frequency words and how balancing big-picture input with focused study has been helping me make progress in Turkish.
Apr 16
Want to speak another language? Learn from Europeans
Every time I watch interviews from places like Budapest, I'm struck by how well young Europeans speak English. It isn't because their schools suddenly got better — I don't think classroom instruction has changed much at all. What changed is access. The internet, social media, You ... Show More
8m 50s
Aug 2025
#339 How NOT To Learn a Language
Inspired by a viral video of a Chinese boy doing his English homework, I thought I'd make an episode where I list 10 common mistakes that language learners make and what you should avoid.To be clear, I'm sure that boy will master English one day, and my comments were more of a cr ... Show More
40m 47s
<p>Many people have asked: "I'm struggling to learn my partner's language, why is it so hard?"</p>
<h2>In this episode:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Why it can be so difficult to learn your partner's language</li>
<li>The danger of looking to your family or loved ones for language practice< ... Show More
