In The News

We discussed this BBC news article about a pedantic (?) rule in French grammar...and who's trying to get rid of it. The language, ever changing, but who thought THIS untouchable rule would be questioned?

How To Refresh Your Language Learning Goals

In this episode we focused on the big topic of goals. Do you EVER get everything done that you aim to do in language learning?

Here's what we discussed

• How we think about achieving or failing to achieve our own language goals
• What the word for "failing to achieve" should be (call me maybe, Merriam-Webster)
• The hidden information you only get from a failed language goal
• The two sides of reviewing language goals on deadline day: data and motivation
• 6 Strategies for refreshing your language learning goals and dealing with disappointment
• What is a good tracking method to make sure you actually work on your goals?
• Whether to re-set or abandon a goal if you didn't achieve it

A Song For When You Wonder If Your Progress Will Disappear Because You Didn't Reach A Goal

Everything stays
Right where you left it
Everything stays
But it still changes
Ever so slightly
Daily and nightly
In little ways
When everything stays

And here's a wonderfully helpful quote from Ira Glass

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

And finally, more life advice from "Adventure Time"

Sponsored By:

• Clozemaster: Visit our sponsor Clozemaster, the free addictive language app in over 50 languages

Links:

• Consternation over suggested French grammar change - BBC News
• The Fluent Show: "Ultramarathon for the Brain" (Bilingual Podcast with Judith Meyer) — Bilingual Podcast German / English
• 7 Productivity Apps to Start Using Right Now - Lindsay Does Languages
• The Fluent Show: Living And Speaking French Just Like In France — Bilingual Podcast English / French
• Losing Motivation is Not Failing: 4 Smart Tips for Positive Language Learning by Fluent Language
• Research every teacher should know: growth mindset | Teacher Network | The Guardian
• 5 Steps for Planning a Productive and Successful Language Learning Week by Fluent Language
• How to enjoy Language Learning more by being lousy at it by Fluent Language
• clearthelist — A monthly round-up of language learners sharing and reviewing their goals
• Nailing Time Management - Lindsay Does Languages
• Insecurities of a Language Learner (+ how to overcome them) - Lindsay Does Languages
• How to Organise Language Learning At Festive Times (+ Benefits of a Forced Break If Things Don't Go to Plan) - Lindsay Does Languages
• Adventure Time – Everything Stays Lyrics | Genius Lyrics

If you're stuck somewhere in the language weeds, this show will help you untangle them and get those wheels turning again.

You'll learn

• Why you're feeling stuck
• How to start feeling like the wheels are turning again
• How to re-think your feeling of being stuck for an instant mood boost
• Why rewards make all the difference
• How to figure out the next step

Sponsored By:

• Speechling: Visit our sponsor Speechling, the outstanding speaking platform in over 6 languages, and use the promo code FLUENT for a 10% lifetime discount Promo Code: FLUENT

Links:

• Mastery and Advanced Level Language Learning (Podcast Episode 46) by Fluent Language
• 3 Reasons why you're still an intermediate level language learner - The Polyglot Dream
• The Language Habit Toolkit
• How the IELTS English Test is Scored
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - Wikipedia
• How To Learn A New Language With Smart And Useful Goals by Fluent Language
• Kerstin Cable on Instagram: “Spotlight on Language Goals! This month, I printed off my worksheet from the #languagehabittoolkit and put up my goals on the wall where I…”

“As long as you’re doing something, you’re doing it right.”

— Chris on Language Learning Methods

Article of the Week

Duolingo is Getting More Serious by Kay Alexander on Fair Languages

Tips of the Week

Chris chose Tip 1 as his favourite, because goal setting is still WAY undervalued in learning a new language.

• Tip 1: set your chosen Fluency level (travel fluent, job fluent?)

• Tip 2: Be a historical linguist

  • Word origins and vocab divergence can help with remembering words

  • Look up "etymology"

• Tip 3: Sprint with the Language Challenge

Tips and Links from this Podcast

Support the Creative Language Learning Podcast through Patreon - from just $1!

Actual Fluency Indiegogo Campaign

The italki New Year Challenge: Study 20 Lessons and Win

Actual Fluency Episode 32 with me talking about how to be an independent online teacher

Handbook of Russian Affixes

Russian in 10 Minutes a Day by Kristine Kershul

Special Guest: Kris Broholm.