Listen Up With Mike
Episode 2 - Money is not an issue
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Listen Up With Mike!
I’m Mike, and I’ll be your guide through this journey of growth and learning
I’m thrilled to have you here for our second episode.
If you’re here, it means you’re serious about improving your English skills, and I want to congratulate you for taking that step.
Today, we’re going to talk about a phrase that might surprise you:
“Money is not an issue.”
When it comes to learning English, this couldn’t be more true.
In the past, learning a new language often required a significant investment
paying for classes, buying textbooks, or even traveling abroad.
But today, things have changed.
Thanks to technology and the internet, there are so many free resources available that money doesn’t have to be a barrier anymore.
In this episode, I’ll share some practical tips and strategies for learning English without breaking the bank, and how to make the most of free tools like apps and language exchange partners.
We’ll also discuss when it’s worth spending a little money, there are still times when it might make sense to invest a little, whether it’s for a tutor, an occasional class, or even just better tools.
I’ll also talk about some potential risks and challenges when relying on free resources, and how you can overcome them.
So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let’s dive in!
Let’s start by talking about the abundance of free resources available today.
Back in the 80s and 90s, when I started learning English, things were very different.
We didn’t have YouTube, apps, or free websites.
I relied on music, movies, and, as I mentioned in the first episode, being pen pals with someone in the U.S.
These were great tools, but they had their limits.
Today the situation is completely different.
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there’s something out there for everyone… and a lot of it is free!
For example, let’s talk about apps like Duolingo or Memrise.
These are great tools for practicing vocabulary, grammar, and even pronunciation.
They’re easy to use, fun, and, most importantly, free.
They might not replace a full course, but they’re fantastic for daily practice.
Then there’s YouTube.
Honestly, YouTube is a goldmine for English learners.
You can find channels that teach grammar, pronunciation, and even conversational skills.
There are English teachers from all over the world creating free content, and chances are, you’ll find someone whose teaching style matches what you need.
And if you like podcasts, well, you’re already in the right place!
There are podcasts, audiobooks, and videos all aimed at helping you learn English at no cost.
One of the biggest game-changers in language learning today are apps.
These little tools can be incredibly powerful, but it’s important to know what they’re good for and what their limitations are.
Most apps are designed to focus on specific aspects of learning.
For example, if you want to improve your vocabulary, apps like Anki or Quizlet are fantastic.
They use flashcards and spaced repetition, which is a proven method for memorizing new words and phrases.
On the other hand, if you’re working on grammar, apps like Duolingo or Grammarly can be very helpful.
They break grammar down into small, digestible lessons, and many of them include exercises to help you practice.
And then there are apps for pronunciation, like Elsa Speak, which can help you sound more like a native speaker by giving you feedback on how you say words and phrases.
The key is to mix and match these apps based on your needs.
Don’t rely on just one app to do everything, because that’s not what they’re designed for.
Think of them as tools in a toolbox.
Use the right one for the right job, and you’ll see better results.
But here’s the thing: while these free resources are amazing, they can’t always give you one important thing: feedback.
When you’re learning a language, it’s easy to make mistakes that you don’t even realize you’re making.
That’s where having a teacher or tutor can make a big difference.
Now, I’m not saying you need to spend a fortune on classes.
Many teachers and tutors offer affordable lessons online through platforms like italki, Preply (prepli), or Cambly (cambli).
Even taking just one or two lessons a month can help you identify your weaknesses and get personalized advice on how to improve.
Maybe you need to work on your pronunciation, or perhaps there’s a specific grammar rule you’ve been struggling with.
A teacher can help you with that.
Think of it this way: free resources are like a gym membership, you can work out on your own and see progress.
But a teacher or tutor is like having a personal trainer who guides you, corrects your form, and makes sure you’re doing things the right way.
Speaking of online tools as resources for learning, there's something that’s really exciting: ChatGPT and similar AI tools.
If you’re listening to this, chances are you have access to this kind of technology, and it can be a game-changer for your learning process.
You can use ChatGPT for a variety of things:
practicing conversations, asking for explanations about grammar, generating sample sentences, or even creating quizzes to test yourself.
For example, if you’re unsure how to use the past perfect tense, you can ask ChatGPT to explain it and give you examples.
Of course, there are some limitations to keep in mind.
Access to AI tools might depend on where you live or the kind of account you have.
Additionally, while these tools are great, they’re not perfect.
They can make mistakes, especially when it comes to providing nuanced or cultural explanations.
So, use them as a supplement, not a replacement for human feedback.
This takes us to another resource we can use for learning and improving our skills: language exchange partners.
This is one of the best ways to practice speaking for free.
The idea is simple:
you find someone who speaks English and wants to learn your native language.
You spend part of your conversation in English, so you can practice, and part in your language, so they can practice.
It’s a win-win! Especially for those of you who feel nervous about speaking in English.
Of course, language exchanges do require effort.
You have to be open to making mistakes and hearing corrections from your partner.
But the benefits are huge.
You’ll get real-life practice, improve your confidence, and maybe even make some friends along the way.
Something you must keep in mind when you look for a language exchange partner:
native speakers are not teachers.
This is super important to keep in mind.
When you’re talking to a native speaker, they can tell you if something sounds wrong or unnatural.
They might even suggest a better way to say it.
But don’t expect them to explain why it’s wrong.
Grammar concepts like verb tenses, prepositions, or conditionals aren’t common knowledge for most people, even if they’re fluent in the language.
Another thing to be aware of is that not all native speakers are good speakers.
This might sound surprising, but it’s true.
Just because someone is a native speaker doesn’t mean they use the language correctly.
You might run into people who use slang, make grammatical mistakes, or speak with a very thick accent that’s hard to understand.
That’s not necessarily bad… it’s just something to keep in mind.
If you do notice that your language exchange partner isn’t a great model, don’t be discouraged.
Use the opportunity to improve your listening skills, and try to complement your speaking practice with other resources, like podcasts or videos.
So far, we’ve talked about resources and tools, but I want to touch on something just as important: your mindset.
Learning English on your own requires two key ingredients: motivation and discipline.
Let’s face it: learning a language is a long journey, in fact, it is a lifelong journey .
There will be days when you feel excited and confident, and other days when you feel stuck or frustrated.
That’s normal! The key is to stay motivated and keep going, even when it feels hard.
One way to stay motivated is to remind yourself why you’re learning English.
Maybe it’s for a better job, to travel, or to connect with more people around the world.
Whatever your reason, keep it in mind and let it push you forward.
Discipline is equally important.
Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it.
Even if you can only spend 15 or 20 minutes a day, consistency is what will make the difference.
And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
Whether it’s a tutor, a friend, or an app, don’t be afraid to use the resources available to you.
So, let’s recap.
The world of language learning has never been more accessible.
Here’s the takeaway: money doesn’t have to be an issue when it comes to learning English.
With apps, AI tools like ChatGPT, and language exchange partners, you have everything you need to learn English for free or at a very low cost.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Free resources are fantastic, but they have limitations.
Apps can’t give you feedback, native speakers can’t always explain grammar, and not every resource will be perfect.
That’s where investing in occasional lessons with a teacher can really help.
It’s a chance to get personalized feedback, correct mistakes, and accelerate your learning.
And finally, don’t underestimate the power of motivation and discipline.
They’re the foundation of your learning journey.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, not a race.
Use the tools that work best for you, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Before we wrap up, I want to encourage you to take action.
If you haven’t already, try downloading a free language app or watching a YouTube video on a topic you’re struggling with.
And if you’re feeling brave, start looking for a language exchange partner.
Learning English doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does take effort.
The good news is that you’re not alone, I’m here to guide you, and there’s a whole community of learners and teachers who want to help.
Thank you so much for joining me today on Listen Up With Mike.
I hope this episode has given you some practical tips and a little inspiration to keep going.
If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend who’s learning English, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode.
You will find a link to the full transcription of this episode in the description.
Together, we can make learning fun, affordable, and effective.
Until next time, stay curious, keep practicing, and remember: you’ve got this!
