The "Walking Method" for learning language
Okay so you’re already watching, reading, listening, and repeating in your target language. This is excellent.
But did you know that adding physical movement to the mix will significantly amplify your ability to absorb the vocabulary?
(As shown in studies such as this one and this one and this one.)
Moving our bodies helps cognitive retention through a number of mechanisms:
Muscle memory creates retrieval cues
Physical movement reduces cognitive load by redirecting some attention to the body
Movement adds novelty to the process, since we usually study sitting down. Novelty creates more emotional engagement, which enhances a memory’s stickiness.
This is why some polyglots swear by walking + listening as a mechanism for language acquisition.
I recommend listening to an adapted language podcast of comprehensible input while going on a walk, following these three steps:
Walk somewhere without distractions or dangers, like around a calm park or walking track, so you can give primary focus to the language.
Listen and repeat phrases aloud. (You might want to select big over-ear headphones so people know you’re listening to something and not just a cracked pot, but that’s up to you.)
Use hand gestures to reinforce ideas, wherever it makes sense. For example, if they are talking about throwing a ball, pantomime throwing a ball. Talking about cooking, pretend to have a pan and spatula in your hands.
To get you started, here are some beginner-level podcasts to try.
The podcast Chill Spanish has slow, spaced out speaking in a soothing tone .
Each episode is 5-7 minutes on a specific language topic.
ItalianPod101 has great episodes of easy conversations between two Italian speakers. The episodes include English explanations and a beginner pace.
The Coffee Break French show is a podcast of short French lessons, starting from absolute beginner level. Each episode is less than 15 minutes, designed for a coffee break.
What are some of your favourite sources for comprehensible input? Leave us a comment.
Feeling the new year call to self-improvement? Well, first of all you’re perfect exactly as you are in this moment.
Second, I’d be quite happy to sell you a copy of one of my bilingual books for adult language learners.
Bilingual Bridge: Classic Science Fiction Stories for Beginners
Bilingual Bridge: Classic Fairy Tales for Intermediate Readers
Listening when walking/running/cycling is my go-to. The most important thing is not to do it 100% of the time, as a silent walk in nature should be something to cherish too.
Ahh I see now! I used to listen to a Japanese learning podcast app that teaches you and tests you, and I found the format so helpful but I'm sure I'd use it while doing dishes and walking around the house. Now I'll have to give it a go during my walks! Can't wait to try this!