The Power of Atomic Habits in Language Learning

Dear Reader!

In today’s fast-paced world when our brains our continuously bombarded by an ever-increasing amount of digital content, one can find it incredibly cumbersome to spend time focusing on language learning in our daily lives. Dedicating any particular amount of our precious little time to said efforts can be seen as almost futile since there’s always something else demanding our attention. This is where the idea of habits and habit formation comes in handy. In today’s entry, we will focus on micro-habits that can lead us to greater success in the world of personal language education. For this journey, I’m drawing inspiration from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, to unlock the potential of language learning. By understanding the power of micro-habits and applying Clear’s framework, we can make significant progress in language acquisition, one small step at a time.

I. Understanding Habit Formation


Habits are the building blocks of our lives. They are automated behaviours that we perform without conscious effort. In the context of language learning, habits play a crucial role. When we establish language learning habits, we integrate them into our daily routines, making the process more efficient and sustainable.
Habit formation follows a loop: cue, craving, response, reward. (More on that in the context of language education in a minute.)
Our environment greatly influences habit formation. Creating an environment that supports language learning can significantly increase the likelihood of forming and maintaining habits. Surrounding ourselves with language learning resources, setting up dedicated study spaces, and seeking language learning communities can all contribute to a more conducive environment for habit formation.

In the context of language education and micro-habits, understanding the habit loop becomes even more crucial as it provides a framework for developing effective language learning routines and sustaining consistent progress. Let’s explore each component of the habit loop in the context of language education and micro-habits:

  • Cue: In language learning, cues can be deliberate reminders or environmental triggers that prompt learners to engage in language-related activities. For example, setting a specific time each day for language study or placing language learning materials in a visible location can serve as cues. These cues help create a dedicated language learning space or time, signalling to the brain that it’s time to engage in language learning micro-habits.
  • Craving: The craving in language education refers to the desire and motivation to acquire language skills and achieve language learning goals. This craving can stem from a passion for exploring new cultures, the aspiration to communicate fluently in a foreign language, or the intrinsic joy of learning. By nurturing a strong craving for language learning, learners can fuel their motivation and enthusiasm, making it easier to engage in micro-habits consistently.
  • Response: In the context of language education, micro-habits are the small, actionable steps that learners take to build language skills. These micro-habits can include activities like reviewing flashcards, listening to short podcasts, practising pronunciation, or dedicating a few minutes each day to reading in the target language. The key is to break down language learning into manageable tasks that can be accomplished in a short period. By focusing on these micro-habits, learners create a habit loop that enables continuous progress.
  • Reward: Rewards in language education are the positive outcomes or intrinsic satisfaction that learners experience as a result of engaging in micro-habits. These rewards can include the sense of accomplishment after completing a language exercise, the joy of understanding a new concept, or the improved ability to communicate in the target language. Additionally, learners can also incorporate extrinsic rewards, such as treating themselves to a small reward after a productive language learning session. Rewards provide reinforcement, reinforcing the habit loop and encouraging learners to continue practising their micro-habits.

By adopting the habit loop in the context of language education and micro-habits, learners can effectively establish and maintain positive language learning routines. By carefully selecting cues, nurturing a strong craving for language learning, engaging in targeted micro-habits, and rewarding themselves for their efforts, learners create a sustainable cycle of progress. Over time, the habit loop strengthens, making language learning a natural and integrated part of their daily lives. Micro-habits, driven by the habit loop, pave the way for consistent language acquisition and enable learners to achieve their language learning goals effectively.

II. The Power of Micro-Habits


Micro-habits are the small, easy-to-do actions that form the foundation of larger habits. In language learning, they involve breaking down the process into manageable, bite-sized tasks. By focusing on these tiny actions, we reduce the barriers to entry and build momentum for consistent practice.
The beauty of micro-habits lies in their cumulative effect. Each individual micro-habit may seem insignificant, but when performed consistently, they compound over time, leading to substantial progress in language learning. By embracing the philosophy of “small steps, big impact,” we empower ourselves to make consistent strides toward fluency.
One of the challenges in language learning is setting overwhelming goals that can hinder progress. Micro-habits allow us to break down these goals into actionable steps. Whether it’s dedicating five minutes each day to vocabulary acquisition or engaging in short language sessions, these micro-habits make the learning process more attainable and less daunting.

III. Applying James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” Framework


Habit stacking is a technique that involves piggybacking new habits onto existing ones. By linking language learning activities with established routines, such as studying during breakfast or practising pronunciation while commuting, we leverage the power of existing habits to cultivate new ones effortlessly.
Implementation intentions are pre-planned responses to anticipated situations. By creating specific “if-then” statements related to language learning, we mentally prepare ourselves to navigate potential obstacles and ensure that our desired habits are consistently executed.
Habit tracking is a powerful tool to monitor our progress and maintain accountability. Recording our language learning activities, whether through a habit tracker app or a simple journal, allows us to visualize our efforts, identify patterns, and stay motivated on our language learning journey.
Habit shaping involves designing our environment and routines to support positive language learning habits while eliminating or minimizing distractions. By proactively shaping our surroundings, we create an ecosystem that promotes language learning and reduces the likelihood of falling into counterproductive behaviours.

IV. Practical Examples of Micro-habits in Language Learning

The habit tracker of James Clear


Daily vocabulary acquisition is a common micro-habit. By dedicating a few minutes each day to learning new words, either through flashcards, language learning apps, or reading, we gradually expand our vocabulary and improve our language proficiency.
Mini-language sessions involve carving out short periods, such as 10-15 minutes, to practice specific language skills. This can include listening to podcasts, engaging in conversation exchanges, or reading short articles. These focused bursts of language learning provide valuable exposure and practice opportunities.
Language learning triggers are cues or reminders that prompt us to engage in language learning activities. For example, placing language learning materials near our bed can serve as a reminder to read a few pages of a language book before sleep. By associating specific cues with language learning, we automate the process and make it easier to develop consistent habits.

V. Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Consistency


Resistance is a common hurdle in habit formation. We may face internal resistance, such as a lack of motivation or self-doubt, as well as external obstacles like time constraints. To overcome resistance, we can employ strategies like creating a supportive accountability system, visualizing the long-term benefits of language learning, and practising self-compassion during setbacks.
Celebrating small wins is essential to maintain motivation and foster a positive mindset. By acknowledging and rewarding ourselves for each milestone achieved, whether it’s completing a language lesson or reaching a vocabulary milestone, we create a sense of accomplishment that fuels our enthusiasm and perseverance.
Language learning goals and priorities evolve over time. As we progress in our language journey, it’s important to regularly evaluate and adjust our micro-habits. By adapting our habits to align with our current goals, we ensure that our language learning practices remain relevant and effective.

VI. The Compound Effect of Micro-Habits


Micro-habits have a compounding nature. When we consistently engage in small language learning actions, their impact multiplies over time. Just as compound interest grows exponentially, so does our language proficiency. By focusing on the process and consistently implementing micro-habits, we set ourselves up for continuous improvement and long-term success.
Momentum plays a crucial role in language learning. Consistently practising micro-habits builds positive momentum, making it easier to maintain habits and overcome challenges. As we experience the benefits of regular language learning, our motivation strengthens, and our commitment to the journey solidifies.
Embracing micro-habits in language learning fosters sustainability. Rather than relying on sporadic bursts of intense study, we cultivate a lifestyle of continuous learning. By integrating language learning into our daily routines through micro-habits, we lay a strong foundation for lifelong language proficiency and a deep appreciation for other cultures.

VII. Conclusion


In this blog post, we explored the power of micro-habits in language learning, drawing inspiration from James Clear’s “Atomic Habits.”
By embracing the concept of micro-habits, we can make language learning more manageable, enjoyable, and sustainable. Remember, it’s the small, consistent actions that pave the way to fluency.
Language learning is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and deliberate practice. By incorporating micro-habits into our daily lives, we unlock the transformative potential of consistent, incremental progress. Start small, be consistent, and watch your language skills flourish.

For more information about atomic habits and their implementation, consult James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. and get your own copy using the following link: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

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Using AI tools to master English communication

Dear Reader!

Long time, no see! I recently discovered that the use of AI is getting more widespread day by day and decided to put my thoughts about using this type of technology to the digital paper. In this blog post, we’ll be focusing our attention on how to use AI tools within the language classroom for better language education.

English communication skills are essential for success in the modern world, as English is the global language of communication. The ability to speak, read, and write English is important not only for personal growth but also for professional development. However, learning a new language can be challenging, and traditional methods of teaching English may not always be effective. Fortunately, advancements in technology have led to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can help to make learning English communication skills easier and more engaging.

AI has the potential to transform the way we teach English communication skills by providing personalized learning experiences, instant feedback, and targeted practice. Just below, we’ll explore some of the benefits of using AI in the English language classroom. I’ll also suggest a number of AI apps and programs that can be used to enhance English communication skills regarding the different aspects of knowledge of the language as well as the various sets of skills that each language learner possesses.

Benefits of using AI in teaching English communication

  1. Personalized learning experiences: AI can create a personalized learning experience for each student, tailoring the pace and difficulty of the lessons to match their individual needs. This can help students stay engaged and motivated, seeing their progress and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Instant feedback: AI can provide instant feedback on a student’s pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, helping them to identify areas for improvement and make corrections immediately. This can be more effective than traditional methods of feedback, such as written comments or verbal corrections, as it allows students to see and hear their mistakes in real-time.
  3. Targeted practice: AI can provide targeted practice exercises that focus on specific language skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, or writing. This can help students to build confidence in areas where they may be struggling, and improve their overall language proficiency.

Now that we have seen a number of possible ways AI can help our language education, let’s now focus on the best part: the apps and services all language learners and teachers should definitely give serious consideration to using them on a regular basis.

Here’s a list of the many AI-based applications and services that can help you with improving your specific language skills. After reading through the list, feel free to look up any of the apps and services mentioned here and give it a spin.

Language Learning Apps:

  • Duolingo
  • Rosetta Stone
  • Babbel
  • Memrise
  • Busuu
  • Lingoda
  • Coursera
  • Udemy
  • EdX
  • Lingvist
  • Qlango
  • FluentU
  • LingQ
  • Pimsleur
  • Drops
  • FlashAcademy
  • Language Zen
  • Mosalingua

Translation Apps:

  • Google Translate
  • Microsoft Translator
  • iTranslate
  • DeepL

Writing and Grammar Assistance:

  • Grammarly
  • Hemingway Editor
  • Readable
  • Ginger

Language Exchange Apps:

  • HelloTalk
  • Tandem
  • Amikumu

Reading Comprehension Apps:

  • Lingvist Reader
  • Beelinguapp

Study Apps:

  • Quizlet
  • Anki

Speech Recognition and Pronunciation Apps:

  • Speechling
  • Speechnotes
  • ELSA Speak

AI Language Learning Assistant:

  • Larky

I hope you were able to find something of value in the above-given list. If yes, feel free to spread the word to your fellow students, friends and family members so they can join in on the fun of learning and using a language.

And until next time, keep speaking English! 🙂

My new PayPal Account is Ready!

Dear Reader!

After the launch of my very first podcast, Fluent English Now! I have finally set up a PayPal account for the financial support and development of both my blog and my podcast. Hopefully, with the support of an international community and the global brand of PayPal, as well as Transferwise, I’ll be able not only to maintain both forums for you to develop your English speaking skills but also to upgrade my gear for said process.

I’m thinking of buying a microphone for a better audio experience for you, dear reader (and listener) as a first major investment. But then again, I might consider buying a Grammarly premium account to provide you with more quality and spell-checked written content.

These were just a few of my ideas of a possible future investment to kick up the level of quality and content of my channels a notch.

If you wish to support my project of bringing the non-English speakers of the world closer to one another, as well as their English speaking counterparts, by teaching communication strategies, you can do so by using the QR code of my PayPal account.

So, do you have any recommendations for me to build both a better blog and podcast at the same time FOR YOU? Please, share your thoughts with me here in the comment section.

And until next time, keep speaking English!

The Start of Something New

Dear Reader!

I believe it’s high time I introduced my fledgeling podcast to the wider audience. The title of the podcast is Fluent English Now! and as the title suggests, my goal as an ex-teacher of English, is to give a hand to those non-native speakers of English who are strugling with fluent speech in English. The concept of the podcast is, that by introducing communication strategies along with an ever-growing vocabulary, one can achieve a greater level speech fluency in English as well as other languages.

I’ll release a new episode every two weeks, for now. In the future, I might make an episode per week, if the reception is positive and there’s an actual demand for my content. To indicate such need, please leave me a constructive remark or opinion after the questions of each episode left on Spotify. Also don’t forget to leave me a rating after each episode for me to see if the direction the show’s heading towards is acceptable or not.

I’m going to leave a few links below, where you can listen to my podcast on a number of podcast players. The podcast is currently available on the following podcast players: anchor.fm, who made it possible for my podcast to start its journey (https://anchor.fm/lesliekarpati)

spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/2nDAx76kNm2ieK873acWcM)

Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fluent-english-now/id1593030156)

Google Podcasts (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yZTUxYmNkYy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==)

Breaker (https://www.breaker.audio/fluent-english-now)

Castbox (https://castbox.fm/ch/4650200)

Pocket Casts (https://pca.st/bm62smrt)

RadioPublic (https://radiopublic.com/https%3A%2F%2Fanchor.fm%2Fs%2F2e51bcdc%2Fpodcast%2Frss)

With that being said, I announce to you, that the first episode of Fluent English Now! has been officially released as of 12th November 2021!

So, until next time, dear reader, keep speaking English! 🙂

What is verbal fluency and why should it matter?

Dear Reader!

Have you ever thought about what does the term fluency or verbal fluency mean? How does that translate to our everyday lives and YOUR LIFE as a language learner in particular? In this short blog entry I’m going to put down a few notions that we need to consider when talking about language fluency and how to teach it.

In layman’s terms, verbal fluency is most often understood as the ease and smoothness of one’s speech or verbal delivery. This means, that the more speedier your verbal reply to any sort of verbal action is delivered, the quicker you’ll be seen by outsiders and are more likely to be labeled a fluent speaker of the language. However, we also need to bear in mind that it’s not only the speed of our reply that matters, but also the number, position and length of hesitations, weather filled or unfilled.

If your speech is filled to the brim with hesitations, like uhm, ahm, hmm and so on and this occurs frequently, then your oratorship is most possibly flushed down the toilet in a matter of seconds. But hey, heads up! None of us are born to be Cicero or Churchill. It is the struggle of climbing the hill to Mount Fluent Speech that makes us great speakers!

Now, in order to become an apt speaker of any language, you need to understand that fluency is a tricky and elusive term. If your goal is to achieve a native-like rapidity at “delivering your verbal bullets”, you need to familiarise yourself with the following terms and notions: cognitive fluency, utterance fluency, perceived fluency, speed fluency, breakdown fluency and repair fluency. Sounds like a lot to take in? Don’t worry. Let me walk you through the garden maze of all fluencies.

  • Cognitive fluency: the speed and ease/smoothness of how quickly one can build up their process of thinking and the likely utterance before actually saying a single word.
  • Utterance fluency: the speed at which one delivers their message. Usually measured in syllables or words uttered per minute.
  • Perceived fluency: the subjective assessment of the orator’s speaking skills and speech fluency, determined by the estimation and opinion of the observer.
  • Speed fluency: the number of words and/or syllables one delivers within a specific time frame and the speed at which said words/syllables are uttered.
  • Breakdown fluency: the number, length and position of filled and/or unfilled pauses in one’s speech. Here I need to notice that intermediate language learners often pause in the middle of an utterance and not at the end of a sentence or a trail of thought, like advanced or native speakers of the language are more likely to do.
  • Repair fluency: the number of false starts or re-starts, partial or complete repetitions one applies during a given section of their speech.

I hope this short explanation cleared the dust for you, dear reader, regarding verbal fluency and all other fluencies. Next time, I’m going to describe a few techniques and methods you can use to improve your spoken fluency, using fluency-oriented tasks. Until then, keep speaking!

Need a free e-book? Or an article? Come, get some!

Dear Reader,

In the present days, when there’s a global pandemic raging on, one might have a certain desire. A desire to read something noteworthy. With books and articles being created and published almost daily, one has to wonder will they ever have issues finding said written goods online? Especially with a free access to said content. At a single site. In this blog post I’m going to introduce you to an awesome site where your question will be answered with a definite YES.

A Russian friend of mine – who also happens to be a teacher of English – once shared the key to a hidden virtual treasure trove with me. The site https://z-lib.org/ doesn’t promise either more, or less, than to bring plenty of articles and e-books to your screen. From a multitude of sources. In a wide variety of formats. With the possibility to convert the original content to said different formats. Or just drop them to Google Drive with a few clicks. And finally, a channel to send your next reading to your Kindle device or email address in a matter of minutes, provided you become more than just a simple reader.

Because with a mere browsing you’re only able to download a very small amount of books per day. However, after a free registration, your number of downloads increases by the double. And if that’s still not enough to satisfy your reading craving, you might want to consider throwing the team behind https://z-lib.org/ some of your virtual cash. It’s not a must, of course, but a simple donation. But if you do end up sending them some virtual dough, your generosity shall be returned a hundredfold or more, depending on the amount you can spare. With said donation, you’ll earn yourself an even greater number of downloads for a whole month and the above mentioned opportunity to send your freshly acquired reading to either your Kindle or your email.

And if you happen to send your donations during a fundraising campaign, then you my friend, hit the jackpot! For 30 days you’ll be able to download AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT of written goods. Besides helping the team to run the site smoothly and effortlessly.

So, want to read some? Then check out https://z-lib.org/.

Learning a language by watching films? Absolutely!

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wondered if it could be possible to combine a great pastime activity, such as watching your favourite films and series with successfully and effortlessly learning a language? Me too! And a new app discovered just recently might do just that for us.

The app called Skeebdo (https://skeebdo.com) offers a new way of picking up authentic English vocabulary from a number of multimedia sources. At the moment, it can offer its users an ever-growing number of films and series as hunting grounds, but it promises to boost its resources with YouTube videos in the future. As such, the app is best suited for modern language learners seeking out less boring and tedious means of getting familiar with real spoken English.

The way the app works is pretty simple: you start by picking a genre you’re interested in from a short list. This includes genres like fantasy, action, comedy or romantic. Then you choose a movie or series from another list and pick out five words you want to memorize and set the level of your expertise. Afterwards, it’s time for liftoff! The app will show you ready-made flashcard-style information with the pronunciation, meaning and the context for said word in the film/series. This way you’ll be able to get as much of your study sessions as textually possible.

The practice session works by either giving a definition of the word and listing the freshly acquired vocabulary to choose from by leaving a word behind and all the possible descriptions to match it. Later on you’ll be faced with a more challenging exercise where you get two letters of the word and the context and you need to fill in the missing letters.y available for both IOS and Android free of charge, but with the possibility of going pro after a subscription.

If you want to try out a newer way of studying English words, honing your skills in either writing and speaking by absorbing real life English (yes, slang words included!) then why not give Skeebdo (https://skeebdo.com) a shot? Maybe you’ll even find your next film or series to watch next time you sit down to broaden your vocabulary.

Skeebdo | LinkedIn
Skeebdo – Combining watching content
with learning English

Free Courses for All? Try these sites!

Dear Reader!

We all have a multitude of different potentials hidden within us. Some of us are apt at doing creative things with stationery, others are masters of the culinary arts and some are just great at number crunching or work miracles with their language skills. However, it’s always exciting to learn new things, hone your skills or master new arts and crafts. For this purpose, I’ve collected a number of websites that offer their huge collection of courses either free or at a modest price. With the insane number of things and goodies out there to master, let’s just jump into the thick of it!

Feel free to explore as many of them as you wish and browse through their online catalogue.

  1. Canvas Network: Canvas offers an insane variety of courses on a multitude of topics for FREE. The plus point: all these courses are made by well-known universities and colleges for the public. https://www.canvas.net/
  2. Udemy: https://www.udemy.com/
  3. Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/
  4. Udacity: https://eu.udacity.com/
  5. Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/
  6. Skillshare: Now this is the odd-one-out, for Skillshare is totally free…for a limited time. https://www.skillshare.com/

If you found any of these sites to your liking, your feedback is much appreciated!

🙂

Ran out of Good Reads? This site got you covered!

Dear Reader! We all love reading. Whether we’re talking about traditional printed books or quick and easy to deliver e-books, we all love to gaze upon and digest written content. In this post, I’d like to share a website with you where you can find numerous e-books free to download quickly and easily.

A recent finding of mine is a website that gives the exact answer to the question “What should I read next?” Here’ a link to the site: https://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/index.php This site offers you tons of book recommendations based on the title or author you have read. Just type the title or the author’s name into the search bar and press enter to start your journey into the realm of incredible titles.

Screenshot_2019-02-17 What Should I Read Next Book recommendations from readers like you
The Doorstep to a Whole New World of Reading Experience

However, if you are more of a traditionalist who prefers the tactile approach to books, – while also not caring about murdering another tree or ent family – then you have plenty of websites that satiate your lust, hunger or thirst for printed titles. Some of the best known names are https://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/.

But if you are still lost for what to read next, how about giving https://www.goodreads.com/ a try. The site will list all the books its ever-growing community has read and reviewed so far, thus allowing you to catch a glimpse at some of the more reputed, as well as the less appreciated jewels of the printing industry.

Screenshot_2019-02-17 Recent Updates Goodreads
A Typical Goodreads Homepage

I hope this short text could help you finding your next awesome adventure into the magical world of reading, fellow bookworm.

Good reading!

     🙂

About my Research in a Nutshell

Dear Reader,

in this short entry I wish to share some insight about my PhD dissertation, along with the topic that currently fascinates me in relation to language teaching and studying.

For a starter, I’m a teacher of English and as such, have experienced quite a few obstacles of reaching proficiency in teaching English to different levels of students. The most crucial aspect of this was – in my personal point of view – the difficulty arising from speaking a foreign language fluently – or with just a minimal level of hesitation – despite all the years spent with practising English. And to our shame, the current Hungarian scene is no better either: despite teaching English as a foreign language since the 1980’s the current level of knowledge regarding foreign languages is pretty pathetic for us Hungarians, with only 6% of students learning two or more languages at our local schools.

Share of students learning two or more languages.jpg

And only a fraction of our teenager and adult population speaking at least one language actively (besides their mother tongue, of course).

Knowledge of foreign languages in the EU.png

To make matters worse, the current Hungarian government has just officially announced that all those who wish to enter higher education in Hungary, must be ready to have at least a B2/intermediate level of knowledge of a foreign language by the time they enroll on their very first course. All this should come to pass in 2020. To be fair, they have also announced that all those, who couldn’t acquire a language certificate up to the present moment, shall not fear, for their diplomas will be released to liven up the current labour market.

With bearing all that in mind I came to the conclusion that I need to focus my English teaching on speech fluency, as well as not neglecting the other skills required. However, last year my life came to a change: I withdraw from the teaching profession for a number of reasons and found myself in the social sphere instead, working as a legal guardian. Despite this shift in my professional life, I’m still deeply concerned with the issue of speaking a foreign language properly and effectively and as such, choose an adequate topic for my PhD dissertation: the role and usage of communication strategies in teaching English. To my thinking, these techniques are a possible boon for any language learner regardless of the language they must study in school or are studying for their own purposes and have a hard time holding their own in a conversation.

But what are communication strategies? To put it simply, they are methods and techniques that enable one to become a more fluent speaker of the language by helping them avoid the phenomenon called, “communication breakdown”. A perfect example of such methods is the use of synonyms and antonyms when the proper word simply doesn’t pop up in our head.

If you are further interested in the topic of communication strategies, feel free to like this post or leave a comment pushing me for further information and I shall describe these techniques and methods in detail in future entries.

Let me hear what YOU think about the issue of speaking a language fluently. How do YOU resolve situations where the cat got your tongue and YOU have to say something but YOU can’t? Do YOU feel that YOU are prepared for such occasions? Leave YOUR feedback in the comment section below.