If you’re learning a language, or teaching others, I encourage you to listen to episode 3 of the Love to Lingo podcast. I share the story of Sofía, what I’ve learned, and practical steps to help learners like her succeed.
www.lovetolingo.com#podcast

What I found out probably won’t shock you.

Successful learners experience what’s known as the upward spiral—a cycle where feelings of autonomy and competence fuel motivation. This leads to consistent engagement, which, over time, creates real results.

When I studied Second Language Acquisition, I always had Sofía in mind. I wanted to find the secret ingredient to learning a language so I could give to her and students like her. I wondered if it was motivation or personality or a specific aptitude for languages.

If you’re learning a language, or teaching others, I encourage you to listen to episode 3 of the Love to Lingo podcast. I share the story of how I learned about the upward spiral and how we can approach language learning in a way that helps us achieve success.

www.lovetolingo.com#podcast

Successful systems work like an upward spiral, bringing learners closer and closer to fluency.
Knowing about this upward spiral has changed my approach to language learning and language teaching.
(2/3)

Nation, I.S.P. (2001) Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Cambridge Applied Linguistics).

3. Choose a word/phrase of the day and see how many times you can use it naturally

4. Keep a list of words/phrases you come across that you like. When you write in a journal, try to naturally fit some of them in

What else can you add?

1. Write summaries of the podcasts, shows or films you watch in your target language

2. Explain to a friend/speaking partner/yourself (I find this hard even in my first language)

Growth in language learning happens in unexpected ways. What’s one small habit or change that’s made a big impact for you? (8/8)

Language learners remember, progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about patterns. Focus on creating a consistent rhythm, and trust the process. Every small effort feeds the system. Every corrected mistake rewires it. (7/8)

Teachers, this means we need to embrace the messiness of learning. Progress isn’t always obvious but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening. Working with emergent language and providing constant opportunities for communication will eventually lead to progress. (6/8)

But here’s the best part: Complex systems are adaptive.
Those of you who have done immersion programs or lived abroad will know the first few days/weeks/months are EXHAUSTING, but then one day, it’s not so bad. Your system has adapted. (5/8)

The good news is that in complex systems, small changes can have big effects.
For example, spending 10 minutes a day shadow reading YouTube videos might help you see significant progress in your listening skills weeks later. This is called non-linearity. (4/8)

The thing about complex systems is they aren’t linear. You don’t improve step by step in a neat, predictable way.
That’s why it feels like a rollercoaster. (3/8)

A complex system is where lots of parts interact in dynamic, often unpredictable ways. Think ecosystems, weather patterns and yes, language learning.
Your progress depends on many factors working together: motivation, age, personality, beliefs, past experiences, stress levels, how you slept… (2/8)

⭐⭐Intermediate: How do you feel about health and fitness in your daily routine? Are there any healthy habits you would like to add or change?

⭐⭐⭐Advanced: Do you believe mental health is just as important as physical health? Why?

Happy Language Learning 🤍

Not sure what to write about? I share journal prompts on different topics every Thursday to help you get started.
This week the topic is Health and Fitness.
⭐Beginner: What do you do to stay healthy? Do you like any sports or exercises?

👇