How to Learn a Language

Lindsay Dow
  • 5.0 (4)
  • LANGUAGE LEARNING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

How to Learn a Language is the podcast with the very self-explanatory name! We’ll cover all aspects of language learning, especially focusing on learning how to learn languages better. From time to time guests might pop by to share how they learn languages, but mostly it’ll be me and you hanging out so hey, get comfy and let's learn how to learn a language. Follow for more at https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podcast Got a question? A topic you'd like covered or a guest you'd like to hear from? Email me at lindsay[at]doeslanguages[dot]com.

  1. Why Some Languages are Harder to Learn (and How to Make it Easier)

    2D AGO

    Why Some Languages are Harder to Learn (and How to Make it Easier)

    The US Foreign Service Institute ranks languages by difficulty for English speakers, but what really makes a language hard to learn? I’m Lindsay, a language learning expert, and in this video, I explore why some languages take longer to master. We’ll look beyond the FSI categories and break down language difficulty into three key factors: how a language looks, sounds, and feels. From opaque writing systems and tricky pronunciations to cultural nuances and resource availability, I share insights to help you understand and overcome these challenges. Remember though, no matter how difficult we may perceive a language to be to learn, no language is impossible to learn!---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 0:00 — What makes a language “difficult”?0:18 — Free training mention0:55 — FSI categories explained1:58 — Category 4 languages2:27 — Three factors of difficulty2:46 — How a language looks4:41 — How a language sounds6:19 — How a language feels8:10 — Bringing it all together8:47 — Free training + outro---**ABOUT ME**🌍 Hi! I’m Lindsay - MA in Applied Linguistics, lifelong language learner & global citizen. I help ambitious people around the world learn languages their way - so they can move abroad, connect with family, or simply spark a new hobby. My mission? Make language learning fun, flexible, and functional for your life.---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podc...👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📌 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---#languagelearning #learnalanguage

    9 min
  2. The Quickest and Easiest Language to Learn (for English Speakers)

    DEC 10

    The Quickest and Easiest Language to Learn (for English Speakers)

    Wondering what the easiest and quickest languages for English speakers to learn are? In this video, I break down three groups: linguistically easy languages like Frisian, French, Dutch, and Scandinavian; constructed languages such as Esperanto, Toki Pona, and Interlingua; and English-influenced languages like Scots and Tok Pisin. I share why ease on paper doesn’t always mean the best choice, the importance of motivation, and practical considerations for your language journey. Plus, I offer my Ultimate Language Resource List to help you get started with any language, no matter the difficulty.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 0:00 – Intro0:12 – Free Language Resource List0:25 – What makes a language “easy”?0:32 – Languages closest to English1:41 – The big “but” with easy languages3:32 – Conlangs (Esperanto, Toki Pona, etc.)5:35 – English-influenced languages (Scots, Creoles, Pidgins)6:55 – So… what is the easiest language?7:24 – Questions to ask before starting a new language9:27 – What’s coming next in the series9:39 – Resource List reminder9:57 – Outro---**ABOUT ME**🌍 Hi! I’m Lindsay - MA in Applied Linguistics, lifelong language learner & global citizen. I help ambitious people around the world learn languages their way - so they can move abroad, connect with family, or simply spark a new hobby. My mission? Make language learning fun, flexible, and functional for your life.---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podc...👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📌 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---#languagelearning #learnalanguage

    11 min

  3. NOV 28

    Get $50 Credit to spend on anything (Your Promptly Black Friday Bonus!)

    Discover how Promptly makes language practice easy and engaging with weekly writing and speaking prompts tailored for all levels. Plus, grab the Black Friday deal with $20 off your first year and $50 Lindsay Does Languages credit to spend on other products. If you want more interesting practice without the usual boredom, this Black Friday deal is for you: lindsaydoeslanguages.com/blackfriday --- **GET STARTED FOR FREE** 🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list --- **WORK WITH LINDSAY** 💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak 🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/promptly 📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watch 📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/learnerplanner 🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music 🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab 🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100creativeideas 🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss --- **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** 💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages 👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ --- **LET’S CONNECT** 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/ 📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/ --- 🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent

    4 min

  4. NOV 27

    Fancy unlimited 1:1 support in December? (Your Speak 28x28 Challenge Black Friday Bonus!)

    Today I’m sharing all about the Speak 28x28 Challenge, a 28-day language challenge perfect for December. With daily videos and prompts plus unlimited 1:1 async support from me throughout the month, you can treat it like a language advent calendar and build your speaking confidence before 2026. This challenge helps you develop a Solo Speaking Habit so you can practice speaking without pressure and stop freezing up when talking to others. The Black Friday bonus of unlimited support is only available for a limited time right here: lindsaydoeslanguages.com/blackfriday --- **GET STARTED FOR FREE** 🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list --- **WORK WITH LINDSAY** 💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak 🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom... 📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc... 📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear... 🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music 🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab 🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c... 🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss --- **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** 💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages 👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ --- **LET’S CONNECT** 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/ 📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/ --- 🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent

    6 min

  5. NOV 26

    Get your 1:1 New Year Planning Session! (Your Language Life Black Friday Bonus!)

    Black Friday Bonus time! In this episode, I share how Language Life helps you build fearless speaking confidence, trust your language instincts, and master your own language learning process without extra stuff or rigid plans. Join now for a Black Friday bonus 3-hour 1:1 New Year Planning Session to kickstart 2026 with clarity and motivation: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/blackfriday --- **GET STARTED FOR FREE** 🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list --- **WORK WITH LINDSAY** 💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak 🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom... 📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc... 📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear... 🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music 🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab 🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c... 🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss --- **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** 💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages 👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ --- **LET’S CONNECT** 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/ 📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/ --- 🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent

    7 min

  6. NOV 25

    Your Black Friday Bonus Deals!

    Today I’m sharing my Black Friday offers designed to suit every stage of your language learning journey. I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right path, so I created a quiz to help you find the perfect deal at lindsaydoeslanguages.com/blackfriday. Whether you want personalized planning with Language Life, a 28-day speaking challenge with async support, or weekly prompts with Promptly plus $50 bonus credit, there’s something here to bring joy and confidence back to your language learning. --- **GET STARTED FOR FREE** 🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list --- **WORK WITH LINDSAY** 💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll 💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak 🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom... 📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc... 📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear... 🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music 🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab 🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c... 🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss --- **JOIN THE COMMUNITY** 💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme 🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages 👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ --- **LET’S CONNECT** 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/ 📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/ --- 🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent

    8 min
  7. 3 Simple Mindset Shifts for Language Learners (to Make it More Enjoyable)

    NOV 10

    3 Simple Mindset Shifts for Language Learners (to Make it More Enjoyable)

    Today I’m sharing three simple mindset shifts that can transform how you approach language learning. We don't need to wait for a blank canvas to make changes to how we learn languages. Start with a simple mindset shift instead for steady improvements that don't overwhelm you.---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 – Introduction00:36 – Mindset Shift #1: Consistency doesn’t mean perfection05:18 – Mindset Shift #2: Practice can be playful09:15 – Mindset Shift #3: You don’t have to earn speaking13:55 – Outro---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LindsayDowLanguages👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📍 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---🗣 languagelearning #learnalanguage #polyglot #personaldevelopment #moveabroad #connectwithheritage #getfluent

    14 min
  8. How to Learn Chilean Spanish: 10 Essential Words

    NOV 5

    How to Learn Chilean Spanish: 10 Essential Words

    Learn 10 essential Chilean Spanish words with Marco from Latin ELE. Discover unique local expressions like "weón," "luca," "fome," and "bacán," plus tips on Chilean pronunciation and useful phrases to help you feel confident when visiting Chile. Stay until the end for a special free gift from Marco!Get Marco's free gift: https://www.latinele.com/adventurescompanion ---**GET STARTED FOR FREE**🎁 Free Video Training - How to Finally Learn That Language: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/freevideo 🎁 Free Ultimate Language Resource List: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/list---**WORK WITH LINDSAY**💛 Language Life - Speak fearlessly, trust your language gut & master your process: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/ll💬 Speak 28x28 Challenge - 4 weeks to speaking confidence. Any language, any level: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/speak🎲 Promptly - Get fun prompts & challenges to keep practicing daily: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/prom...📺 Watch & Learn - Master language study through my bingeable video course: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/watc...📒 Learner Planner - Plan & track your language goals like a pro: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/lear...🎶 Music Maestro - Learn languages with music & lyrics: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/music🔡 Vibrant Vocab - Finally build a vocabulary that sticks: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/vocab🎨 100 Creative Ideas for Language Learners - Beat boredom & stay consistent: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/100c...🥳 Successful Self-Study - Build habits that make language learning last: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/sss---**TIMESTAMPS** 00:00 🎙️ Intro 02:00 Introduction of Marco and Chilean Spanish 03:00 Chilean pronunciation and aspiration of "s" 05:00 Use of "vos" conjugation in Chile 07:00 Word 1: "weón" – casual address 10:00 Word 2: "luca" – a thousand pesos 13:00 Word 3: "cancelar" – how to pay 16:00 Word 4: "fome" – boring or unfortunate 18:00 Word 5: "bacán" – cool 21:00 Word 6: "cachai" – do you understand? 22:00 Word 7: "po" – emphasis marker 25:00 Food-related words: "ají," "palta," "maní," "frutilla" 30:00 Closing and free gift offer ---**RELATED VIDEOS**10 Guaraní Words Every Traveller Needs for Paraguay: https://youtu.be/7GXzRomdUoM9 Must-Watch Films for Spanish Learners: https://youtu.be/GJwj2537WTQ9 Signs Your Vocab Routine Isn't Working (& How to Fix It): https://youtu.be/MzvO9Ym1ook---**ABOUT ME**🌍 Hi! I’m Lindsay - MA in Applied Linguistics, lifelong language learner & global citizen. I help ambitious people around the world learn languages their way - so they can move abroad, connect with family, or simply spark a new hobby. My mission? Make language learning fun, flexible, and functional for your life.---**JOIN THE COMMUNITY**💌 Language Sparks Emails - Get fresh tips & motivation multiple times a week: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/emailme🎧 Listen to the podcast: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podc...👩‍💻 Read the blog for curated language learning advice: https://lindsaydoeslanguages.com/---**LET’S CONNECT**💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaydoeslanguages/📌 Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/ldlanguages/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindsaydoeslanguages/---#languagelearning #learnalanguage

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

How to Learn a Language is the podcast with the very self-explanatory name! We’ll cover all aspects of language learning, especially focusing on learning how to learn languages better. From time to time guests might pop by to share how they learn languages, but mostly it’ll be me and you hanging out so hey, get comfy and let's learn how to learn a language. Follow for more at https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/podcast Got a question? A topic you'd like covered or a guest you'd like to hear from? Email me at lindsay[at]doeslanguages[dot]com.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsay Dow
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    137
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lindsay Dow
  • Show Website
    How to Learn a Language

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