Welcome to my latest language learning update through #clearthelist, which is a language learning round-up sharing monthly language learning goals, support, and accountability.
This month: Travel, Polyglot Conference, some missed goals, and new energy for November
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Episode 35 of the Creative Language Learning Podcast is brought to you with support from HelloTalk. Go visit them NOW!
Do you remember when you first heard the word "polyglot"?
And what does this word mean to you?
In this episode, Lindsay and I went deeper into what's changed in the emerging community of internet polyglots. A few years ago, the YouTube landscape in particular was a nasty place. But things are looking up!
What does the word mean, and is being polyglot desirable?
Far from being entirely opposed to polyglots as a barrage of braggards and internet trolls, we are able to bring you many positive thoughts and perspectives.
In this episode, we have a special guest who is a famous fancy polyglot and known for winning the prestigious Harper-Collins award of being [Britain's Most Multilingual Student]. It's Alex Rawlings, co-founder of the [Polyglot Conference] and "full-time language guru dude".
Polyglots have existed a lot longer than YouTube.
Alex did an amazing job of describing how the polyglot community has changed and also why it wasn't a great place to start out in. It's fascinating how much YouTube comes up in this discussion. He shares the story of bringing a bit of offline magic into the online world, and we agree that the internet is now a nicer place for language learners, and thank God for that.
"It is what you make it."
There is still a personal challenge to readers, but also a real sense of permission to make the word mean what it means to you. Polyglots might be online, offline, nice, nasty, multilingual or just really curious.
For me, the biggest update to the polyglot label was the idea of it being all about the intention of learning languages, and the interest, and the passion. I love that!
Are you going to claim the polyglot title this year? Or still not convinced?
In this episode, Lindsay and Kerstin discuss a good bunch of topics around the topic of language learning in person.
This episode is brought to you with support from Other Cats to Whip, a cute French book that you can buy for 10% off using the code FLUENT.
Our podcast also featured a short interview with Dan McIntyre from the University of Huddersfield and our discussion around what fluency involved.
Lindsay chose Tip 2 as the winning tip for this episode and added more great ideas on how you can present to people, even when they are not learning your language.
1) Draw a trilingual vocab chart to practice vocab divergence
2) Prepare a presentation for your tutor or buddy
3) Swipe in two languages using the Swiftkey Keyboard app
Episode 18 is packed full of language learning news and chat with Lindsay from Lindsay does Languages, my trusty and lovely co-host. I hope you'll join us for all the debate and learning!
We discussed
In Episode 16, I'm introducing our new co-host: Lindsay Dow from Lindsay Does Languages I’m bringing Lindsay in for more Creative Language Learning Podcast because she's just been so much fun for you to listen to.
"How the Language you Speak Changes your View of the World" in the Independent
closely related Does your Language Shape how you Think? in the NY Times
Lindsay's tip of the week was tip number 1, of course because she is completely involved in the awesome Script Challenge this year. Unplug your computer, get a book from the library and write down those words.
1) Go Old Skool with handwriting
2) Use your internal thesaurus when you get stuck
3) Play video games in another language (here's a relevant article from Learn out Live)
This episode is brought to you by FlashSticks, the printed language learning post-its. Use code KERSTIN10 for 10% off.
Polyglot Berlin and here is their Youtube channel
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