#38 Chuck Smith on Why You Should Learn Esperanto

#38 Chuck Smith on Why You Should Learn Esperanto

Author: Fluent in 3 Months February 22, 2021 Duration: 43:28

Benny and Shannon talk to Chuck Smith, a notable figure in the language learning and Esperanto communities about Esperanto and its culture, and why Esperanto should be your next language.

Featured Resources

Mentioned in this Episode

Episode Overview

Some of the topics brought up during the interview are:

  • What Esperanto is and its history
  • Why learn Esperanto?
  • Does Esperanto really help you learn other languages?
  • The lack of irregular verbs in Esperanto
  • The lack of taboos and exclusivity in Esperanto
  • The empowering nature of Esperanto conversations
  • The unique aspects of Esperanto culture
  • Going to Esperanto events in Europe
  • Founding Amikumu
  • Why grammar books may not be the best way to reach your language learning goals

Podcast theme: “A New Beginning” by Shannon Kennedy

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There’s a certain magic that happens when you step off a plane and try to order a meal in a language you’re still fumbling through, or when a simple conversation with a stranger on a train opens up an entirely new perspective. Language & Travel Hacking, from the team behind Fluent in 3 Months, lives in those messy, authentic, and profoundly rewarding moments. Host Benny Lewis, a nomadic polyglot and best-selling author, doesn’t just theorize from a studio; he records from the road, sharing raw, real-time experiences and the practical strategies that actually work when you’re navigating a foreign market or building confidence in a new tongue. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a well-traveled friend who’s made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. You’ll hear the sounds of street markets and train stations in the background as Benny breaks down the psychology of language learning, offers actionable tips for picking up phrases quickly, and discusses how travel itself can be the ultimate classroom. This podcast is built on the idea that fluency and cultural connection aren’t distant goals reserved for the gifted, but accessible skills you can hack through smart, intentional practice. It’s for anyone who believes that the deepest way to explore a place is through its language, and that every journey is an opportunity to reshape how you see the world-and yourself. Tune in for honest stories and tangible advice that will change how you approach your next adventure, whether it’s across the globe or right in your own neighborhood.
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