Do you have a plan when you sit down to study your language(s)? Do you know how long you are going to focus on one textbook, video, or CD before moving on the next topic? Do you know what comes next? If not, this post is for you. I have found that an effective study […]
Introducing the Language Zombies Today’s post is about reviving languages that you had previously learned to a decent level and have since neglected. For me, I will be using these techniques to revive my German and my Chinese (Mandarin). Now, since these two languages have completely different starting and ending points for me personally (and […]
I get a lot of questions about learning multiple languages. Should I do it? How do I manage the time? What about interference? And so on. So, I figure that today would be as good a day as any to answer as many of those questions as I can. Disclaimer: All of the opinions expressed in […]
With so much talk recently about speaking, listening and writing, my old friend reading was starting to get a complex. Well, if you are a fan of reading (like myself), this is the post for you. I’m going to talk about a few ways to use reading to boost vocabulary, grammar, and even motivation. As usual, […]
What Can I Do To Start Thinking in My Target Language? You can start using these exercises really at any time. They are probably most beneficial at the A2 level, but even an A1 should see some benefits. Keeping in mind that this is a marathon not a sprint, here are my recommendations for learning […]
How to “think” in a foreign language is one of the most asked (and therefore most blogged about) questions in language learning. So, if there’s so much out there, why do I feel the need to write about it here? Do I have anything new to add? I feel like I do. To prepare for […]
I know, I know. I used the F word. Well, for the remainder of this post, I’m defining fluency as fluidity of verbal speech. I am not defining any level of competency or functionality, just the ability to speak at a fluid, even, and unbroken pace. Therefore, the purpose of this post will be to […]