Join our free teacherpreneur community.  Katarina Mentzelopoulos is an ESRC-funded Ph.D. student at the University of Nottingham, UK. Her research interests include language learning motivation, exceptional language learning, multilingualism and learner identity. She recently co-authored two books with the late Zoltán Dörnyei: Stories from Exceptional Language Learners Who Have Achieved Nativelike Proficiency (50% discount code STORIES50 until 30/11) Lessons from Exceptional Language Learners Who Have Achieved Nativelike Proficiency (50% discount code LESSONS50 until 31/10) The books tell the stories of people who achieved native-like proficiency against all odds. In this episode, Katarina discusses: what exceptionalism in language learning means the critical period hypothesis polyglots vs mastering a language how they selected participants for the books & their stories why native-like isn’t necessarily the standard and what is instead markedness versus proficiency why forming a bond with the language is integral working with Zoltán Dörnyei and his legacy Read more about this episode on the LYE blog.  More on Katarina Mentzelopoulos: Follow her on Twitter Book 1: Stories Book 2: Lessons As always, thank you for listening. Your support has been overwhelming and we couldn't do what we do without you. We hope this podcast serves as an effective CPD tool for you. If you have a comment or question about today's show, we'd love to hear from you: [email protected]  Ways we at LYE can help you right now: 1. Get your own clients on social media right now 2. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel 3. See our free guides for teachers  4. Book a complimentary consultation with us to look at your goals