Unlocking Worlds

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Good day, language learners! Uncomfortable truth: language learning takes time and effort. There are good times to be found, too, for sure, but plenty of beasts to slay either way. How about crushing a few of those obstacles today?

Happy reading!

—The Unlocking Worlds team

Tip of the Week

Why Silence is Not Always Golden in Language Learning

Conversing in your new language as a beginner learner is mostly a waste of time.

However, during your language learning activities…

You should always say everything out loud.

Even if the activity doesn’t support it!

Not doing so is a waste of opportunity.

Here’s why:

By saying words out loud (or even silently), you activate different neural pathways compared to only perceiving them. This leads to better memory, retrieval, and, thus, Fluency. (So & Best, 2010)

Take the Shadowing technique, for example. This method involves repeating audio recordings immediately after listening. Several studies suggest it is effective in improving pronunciation, vocabulary retention, and overall language learning. (Shiota, 2012)

And if that’s not enough to convince you:

Even just reading aloud in your target language helps you connect spelling with pronunciation, understand stress and intonations, and improve your overall speaking skills. (Huang, 2010)

I guess that means no more silent Duolingo sessions for ya! 😉

Headlines That Bite

I don’t know… You look different!

Speaking of Duolingo, users have reported that the famous owl, Duo, is sporting a new look. At first, Duolingo was just another app, but with Duo wearing a tuxedo now, we’re pretty sure he’s running a secret society. 😉 

Don’t Break the Chain!

A streak is an unbroken series of completed activities. Keeping a streak boosts motivation. Jerry Seinfeld allegedly called it “Don’t break the chain.” But whether or not Seinfeld really even used the method, you can use it to increase motivation…and learn another language! 

Don’t Bet on Google Translate for True Connection

Intercultural relationships are both challenging and rewarding. Communication is key to avoiding misunderstandings and fostering empathy. An amazing way to boost communication is by learning each other’s language. 

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• 3,000+ hand-picked sentences across several levels: The more sentence reps you do, the closer you get to fluency.
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• Active listening and shadowing: Silently repeat or speak along.

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This offer is only valid through January 8th (today). 

Language Fax

Perfect Comebacks, One Step Too Late!

L’esprit de l’escalier is a French phrase that translates to “staircase wit.” You know, that frustrating moment when you come up with the perfect response or comeback, but only after leaving the conversation or situation? We’ve all been there, and l’esprit de l’escalier is the perfect phrase for it!

Travel

When Travel Selfies Turn Ugly

While they sure come in handy when traveling, the age of the smartphone has also made the travel experience uglier.

For many travelers, going viral has become more important than respecting the local culture or even basic human decency.

From pushing others and causing accidents to refusing to sit down on a gondola in Venice and almost capsizing the boat while taking pictures…

And from dressing inappropriately and posing disrespectfully at cultural and religious sites to prioritizing photos over fully experiencing the travel destinations.

Ah… humans. We’re quite the species, aren’t we?

But there’s hope:

New Zealand launched a campaign urging travelers to share unique experiences rather than influencer-inspired photos.

Tour operators and travel influencers promote responsible behavior and educate tourists about respecting local cultures and attractions. 

And…

Some tour operators also offer device-free trips to allow travelers to be fully present instead of distracted by smartphones.

It’s all a step in the right direction.

Signs You’re Not Serious About Learning a Language!

#1 You Just Want to Have Fun!

Language learning can be fun…sometimes. But it’s NOT leisure or entertainment.

Learning a new language is mostly work. And that’s great!

Modern life has become so convenient that we’re finding it hard to put some work in.

Learning something valuable requires effort. And if you’re not willing to exert yourself, you will not learn that foreign language.

If you come to language learning with the (unconscious) demand to be entertained, you’ve already weakened your mindset. You will not stand the boredom and frustration that will inevitably come.

Instead, accept the boredom and keep all unnecessary frustration at bay.

Negative emotions are part of the journey, but we can just let them be—no need to blow them out of proportion and create more inner resistance. 

Remember: going through the uncomfortable moments is the price we must pay for fluency. 

Start paying it today!

Signs You’re Not Serious About Learning a Language is a collaborative effort between the Unlocking Worlds crew and our community. Know of other signs that indicate a lack of language learning seriousness? Share your insights by replying to this email!