It takes commitment to learning a language. Fluency requires immersion in an audio world where you can hear language spoken in real time. That’s what makes podcasts so valuable as an element of language learning. What’s more, podcasts can be squeezed into snippets of the day, whether it’s your commute or your workout. Make your dream to speak other languages a reality with these podcast tips.
1) The Actual Fluency Podcast with Chris Broholm
Chris Broholm discusses what it takes to become truly fluent in the Actual Fluency podcast. This podcast is packed with actionable tips for learning languages, and Broholm discusses language learning with multilingual guests every week. As well as exploring how to learn minority languages – this podcast isn’t just about your Western European romantics – Broholm takes on the nitty gritty of language learning, from grammar to goal setting.
2) Creative Language Learning Podcast with Kerstin Hammes
As a German tutor, host Kerstin Hammes has been helping people learn languages for years and it’s clear she has an intimate understanding of how people learn from this podcast. Rather than exploring how any one language can be learnt, Creative Language Learning explores cutting edge pedagogy for the learning of languages, and with inspiring guests with diverse backgrounds this podcast is sure to inspire you on your learning journey.
3) News In Slow…
Offering variations in Spanish, German, French and English, the News In Slow series offers language learners the opportunity to hear spoken language slowed down, letting you focus on comprehension and understanding. Because these podcasts offer real-world news, you’ll get used to hearing languages spoken outside of textbooks and in real-world settings.
4) 30 Minute Italian Podcast with Cher Hale
For anyone looking to introduce a slice of Italian into their life, this is the podcast for you. Host Cher Hale breaks it down into bite size chunks with 30 Minute Italian and she offers accessible grammar and vocabulary lessons that will take your Italian to the next level. Interviews with real Italian speakers offer the opportunity to engage with Italian outside of the classroom.
5) Arabic In 60 Steps
For those looking to step outside of the European bubble, Arabic in 60 Steps offers an accessible and well structured Arabic course in a series of podcasts. Although this is a challenging language, host Sam Martin Burr offers a great introduction to both Arabic language and the cultures in which Arabic is spoken. This will definitely inspire your next holiday.
6) Yes Japan
Yes Japan is your one stop shop for learning Japanese, a notoriously tricky language. By breaking Japanese down into accessible chunks, host George Trombley will accompany you on your Japanese journey, bringing grammar, vocabulary and cultural insight into your earbuds. There’s a supplementary video to accompany each podcast if you’re that kind of learner, but the audio works as a learning tool independently if you’re on the go.
7) Innovative Language Pod101
Innovative Language pod is a one stop shop for language learning tools. It hosts a vast library of language lessons that are quick and easy to jump into. With over 40 languages on offer this is a fantastic resource and the lessons can be launched into without needing to follow any preconceived structure.
If you’re looking for a step up from Duolingo, these podcasts have got you covered. From Arabic to Japanese, there are a whole range of podcasts that can complement your language courses, or even take their place completely. It’s amazing what you can do in 30 minutes – optimize your time and turn your commute into a confluence of lingual learning.
Katherine Rundell is a teacher and writer at Academized Review and Student writing services. She is fluent in French, Italian and Russian and spent six years living in Paris immersed in the French language to become fluent. She is also a proofreader at Grade On Fire.
