Hello again, fellow language learners and teachers! It’s been a wild few months. I’ve missed reading, writing, and connecting with the language learning community here, and I’m so glad to be back.
If my posting schedule has fallen by the wayside, you can bet I haven’t been as active with my own language routine as I’d like. The obvious thing to say would be, “I didn’t have time,” but that’s not true. I hate that excuse and I don’t let my students use it, either.
Staying Accountable
The truth is, I had other priorities. I chose to dedicate my time, effort, and energy to other matters: work projects, fixing up our new house, and spending time with old friends and new neighbors. I also spent time disconnecting and exploring while traveling.
I find it empowering to reframe all this as a matter of priorities. It means I have some control over how I use my time and what goals I value. Sure, this approach sometimes leads to a bit of internal negotiation (e.g., “Is learning Italian really something I want to dedicate time to?”), but overall, I like feeling that I have autonomy in how I spend my time and energy.
I haven’t given up, though. Because language learning is part of my daily life, (read here for the two essentials in a language learning lifestyle) I’ve managed to maintain consistent exposure to comprehensible input without much effort. For example:
I read in French in bed
I watch Italian cooking shows on YouTube while making lunch
I listen to podcasts in French, Spanish (and now Italian!) while doing chores or making coffee in the morning
Now that I’m working on rebuilding a bit of a routine, I’m restarting my 15-minute journaling practice in French and Italian. I posted new prompts last Thursday, and I hope to get back to sharing them weekly on Thursdays.
What’s next for Love to Lingo?
Here’s what I’m hoping to share in the coming months:
A mini Fresh Foundations reset: A one-week challenge in August to help you get your language learning back on track before September routines kick in
A guide to using ChatGPT as a language practice partner for beginners
Cross-posts with some amazing language learners and teachers on Substack
Outlining new podcast episodes
What do you need most in your language learning right now? Routine reset? AI tips? Journal inspiration? Let me know in the comments. I always enjoy hearing from you.
As always, happy language learning! 🤍
Thank you so much for reading Love to Lingo.🤍 If you find this newsletter to be a useful tool in your language learning kit, please consider buying me a coffee or restacking this post. I sincerely appreciate your support!
If you haven’t already, I also encourage you to check out the ready-made language learning notebooks I’m selling through Amazon (for now). They’re a simple way to keep your learning organized and motivating.
Welcome back Christina !