Mycelium of knowledge

Category: Learning Strategies

  • Unlocking Specialized Vocabulary in Foreign Languages

    Unlocking Specialized Vocabulary in Foreign Languages

    Navigating Specialized Language Like an Experienced Sailor

    Learning foreign languages is like sailing on open waters: without the right equipment and technique, you quickly find yourself stuck. One of the biggest challenges is mastering specialized vocabulary, which is often missing from conventional textbooks. In this post, I demonstrate how to systematically acquire specialized terminology—using Dutch sailing terminology as an example, but with a method that can be applied to any language or field.

    earn a special vocabulary, e.g. for sailing

    Learning Goal: Automation Through Auditory Learning

    The aim of this approach is to build specialized vocabulary in a way that seamlessly integrates into daily life. By utilizing a text-to-speech system, about 90 minutes of audio material could easily be generated —perfect for listening during car rides or other routine activities. This way, terminology is absorbed naturally and effortlessly.

    Hear the result (it is in German as this is my mother tongue and my target language is Dutch, but the process can easily be transferred to any combination of languages).

    The Path to a Specialized Vocabulary

    Researching a Reliable Source

    A strong foundation starts with a high-quality source. In this case, the choice was a PDF from a Dutch sailing school, specifically designed for sailing instructors. It provides correct terminology in a well-structured format.

    Extracting the Data

    Once the source was secured, the text was extracted as a markup document. Here, ChatGPT was used to identify specialized terms and place them into short, practical sentences for contextual understanding.

    Unlocking Content: Converting PDFs to Markdown with marker-pdf

    Translation and Preparation

    Learning individual words is not very effective—embedding them into natural contexts makes all the difference. Therefore, the Dutch terms were integrated into coherent example sentences and paired with corresponding German translations. The result: sentence pairs that convey both meaning and correct usage.

    Technical Implementation

    To make the content available for auditory learning, a JSON file containing the sentence pairs was created. This file serves as the foundation for a text-to-speech system that delivers Dutch terminology in natural speech. This turns vocabulary learning into an engaging auditory experience, which can be used, for example, during car rides to reinforce specialized vocabulary.

    Your Personal Language Lab on the Go: Learning Languages While Driving

    Conclusion: Efficient Language Learning Through Targeted Methods

    This approach demonstrates that acquiring specialized vocabulary does not have to be a dry task. With the right combination of source research, data preparation, and technical implementation, an effective and everyday-friendly learning process can be designed. And who knows—mastering sailing terminology might just be the beginning of an exciting journey into other specialized language fields.

  • Your Personal Language Lab on the Go: Learning Languages While Driving

    Your Personal Language Lab on the Go: Learning Languages While Driving

    Imagine turning your long drives into a personal language lab. No more wasted time—just an opportunity to improve your language skills effectively, without needing a screen or taking your hands off the wheel. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?

    If you’ve ever tried to learn a foreign language, you’ve likely noticed how hard it can be to find methods that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. That’s where my approach comes in: interactive language exercises in MP3 format that make learning possible and flexible during long drives.

    Learning a foreign language in the car

    How Does It Work?

    Creating the Content:

    The first step is creating the exercises. This is where ChatGPT comes into play. I use this AI tool to generate specific language exercises tailored precisely to my current learning goals. The exercises are structured in JSON files and include:

    Lessons: Thematically organized content (e.g., grammar or conversation).

    Tasks: Sentences or questions that you need to answer in the target language.

    Solutions: The correct answer for comparison.

    Example of a JSON task:

    "teacher_speaks": {
    "text": "Hij zegt: 'Ik ga morgen naar Amsterdam.'",
    "language_code": "nl"
  },
  "student_response_time": 5000,
  "teacher_solution": {
    "text": "Hij zegt dat hij morgen naar Amsterdam gaat.",
    "language_code": "nl"
  }
}

    Automatic Voice Conversion:

    To create audio exercises from these texts, I developed a Python script. This script processes the JSON files and uses the text-to-speech technology from ElevenLabs to convert them into MP3 files. The voices are clear and natural—perfect for language learning.

    German voices explain the tasks and provide instructions.

    Voices in the target language present the tasks and solutions.

    Structure of the Audio Exercises:

    The finished MP3 files are logically structured:

    Introduction: A brief explanation of the task.

    Task: The sentence or question is read aloud.

    Pause: A 5-second pause to formulate your answer.

    Solution: The correct answer is read aloud.

    The pauses are deliberately designed to give you enough time to respond spontaneously without interrupting the flow of the lesson.

    On-the-Go Application:

    Once the MP3 files are created, I upload them to my smartphone. During drives or commutes, I listen to the lessons, formulate my answers mentally or aloud, and directly compare them with the provided solution. This way, I effectively train listening comprehension and language production—without having to set aside extra time.

    Why This Method Works So Well

    Hands-Free, Screen-Free: Perfect for driving and commuting.

    Flexibility: The content can be tailored to your current learning needs.

    Realistic Listening Practice: Thanks to the natural voices from ElevenLabs.

    Easy to Implement: MP3 files work on any device.

    Make Your Drives Productive

    With this method, you can turn your driving time into an opportunity to build new language skills—without added stress or effort. Give it a try and make every drive a lesson! Which language would you like to learn this way? Let me know in the comments and share your experiences!