Hey Reader. It’s been a busy week for me, so just a few things to share. I did want to tell you about the time I nearly got thrown in prison in Russia, and how my language abilities came (a little bit) in use, but that will have to wait for next time! 🤷
This week:
The input hypothesis, how to use it and why it matters
A great chrome extension for video subtitles
Some wild etymology
Simon
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🔦Spotlight : The input hypothesis
This week’s spotlight looks at an old classic: the input hypothesis. Watch Krashen explain how and why the input hypothesis works here. Languages are far too complex to be adequately described by any book or course. Following all the grammatical rules would leave you a very unnatural communicator, not to mention a very slow one! Learning a language without input would be like learning the guitar without ever having heard someone play.
The best way for you to learn a language is by engaging with it meaningfully, achieving comprehension of real information. To do this, you need comprehensible input: input that is understandable but just slightly above your level.
🛠️Resource spotlight: Language Reactor
Get far greater control over YouTube subtitles with this Chrome extension. Their catalogue of channels and shows is fantastic, too.
🌐Language learning:
Luca Lampariello on how he learns vocabulary.
From around the web 🌐
How to read hieroglyphs.
Some wild etymology:
The linguistics of brain rot.
Insights from Learning How to Learn.
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