Podcasts: how do you learn a new language with them?

Twenty years ago, podcasts didn’t exist. Nowadays, they can be a valuable tool to learn any languages. New to podcasts? Here are a few tips to make the most out of them.

Podcasts?

What’s a podcast? It’s like a programme or a show on the radio. But it has one major difference: you can listen to it whenever you like. As a language learner, podcasts can be incredibly useful.

Advantages for language learners
  • There are only few non-natives starting a podcast. So chances are high you’ll be listening to a native speaker, inviting native speakers. They’ll make few language mistakes.

    microphone pop filter
    Podcasts is like radio on demand ©
  • Most podcasts come in series. So you’ll get used to the tone of the voices, you’ll get used to the host’s expressions and to the topics discussed.
  • Looking for a dialect or learning a pronunciation from a specific region? Search for a podcast meeting your needs.
  • You can listen whenever you like. While running. While waiting. While taking a bath.
Tips for the intelligent language learner

But, how does one learn while learning a foreign language? Let’s see.

  • Choose a topic of your interest. Don’t follow cat shows if you’re a dog person.
  • Write down new vocabulary and look it up. Or ask your teacher. Also read the description before listening.
  • Download a few ones extra for if you have some extra time.
  • Try to follow the same podcasts to get used to the voices and the vocabulary.
  • If your device can slow down the speed, do so if you need to.
  • Want to make one yourself about the language you’re learning? Don’t hesitate!

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