The Top 7 Lessons I’ve Learned from 50 of the World’s Best Language Learners

by | Jul 13, 2020

I first started The Language Mastery Show in 2009 as a short-term experiment. My initial goals were:

  • To test drive the new medium of podcasting.
  • To serve and empower independent language learners.
  • To have a good excuse to meet some of my linguistic heroes.

Now eleven years later, I am happy to say that the podcast has exceeded all initial expectations. I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of people, interviewed 50 of the world’s best language learners, and befriended many in real life.

Before kicking off Season 3 of The Language Mastery Show next week (launching on Friday, July 24, 2020), I wanted to go back and highlight some of my favorite lessons from the amazing guests that have shared their time and wisdom with us over the years, including polyglots, hyperpolyglots, linguists, professors, teachers, and passionate enthusiasts.

I’ve learned countless lessons on how to make my own language learning more fun and effective along the way, and I hope you have gleaned some useful strategies, methods, and resources, too.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Master your mindset.

Lesson 2: Maximize fun and joy.

Lesson 3: Set realistic goals and create robust daily habits.

Lesson 4: Make (don’t find) the time.

Lesson 5: Practice what matters directly (in the right order).

Lesson 6: Make stickier memories through personalization and context.

Lesson 7: Question self-limiting beliefs.

Featured Voices

In order of appearance

Jan van der Aa

Olly Richards

Steve Kaufmann

Richard Simcott

Katie Harris

Lýdia Machová

Benny Lewis

Dr. Orlando Kelm

Gabriel Gelman

Lindsay Williams

Luca Lampariello

Gabriel Wyner

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