Language On Purpose

In this final podcast episode Mary Lynn signs off and sends you off with words of hope, encouragement, and challenge for your continuing language learning journey--all strangely inspired. Host: Mary Lynn Kindberg, M.A. Linguistics

What potholes might you encounter if you transition to a new location after language school? A growth mindset and safe, supportive relationships can help you smooth out the road ahead. Guest: Amy G., ESL Certified

Do you think your age negatively influences your language learning? Maybe there are challenges, but age can work to your advantage if you do what is important for all language learners.

If you work with a language coach you can exponentially increase your chances for language learning success. Guest: Andrea W., language acquisition coach, Acquire co-founder and developer

Instead of just always plowing ahead, take time to look backwards and evaluate your language learning journey so far. Then you can confidently move forward with heightened vision, better goals and clear direction.

Holiday celebrations can mean unsettling surprises. Predict the unpredictable and gain cultural perspective by asking beforehand relevant wh-questions.

Since laughter is good medicine indeed, here’s your chance to catch some of the funny super-duper bloopers you may have missed in previous episodes. The takeaways will remind you of lessons to be learned from an honest language learning mistake.

Eavesdrop on this rather unusual conversation with a man learning a Bantu language amid semi-nomadic herders in Southern Africa. How does his profile reflect what a good language learner is and does? Guest: Caleb Fetterhoff, B.A. Music, AIM International  

28 A Balancing Act Too much time studying or analyzing a language at your desk can easily distract you from learning through real-time communication out in the community. Is this your struggle? Hear how a linguist and Scripture translator intentionally tried to achieve a balance while learning a minority language in Ethiopia. Guest: Dr. Travis Williamson, Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics, Moody Bible Institute

Gain sociolinguistic competence by speaking not only accurately but also appropriately in any given context. Examples and tips for observation and investigation will help you avoid painful mistakes. Guest: Dr. David Broersma, Professor of Linguistics and TESOL, Lee University