When you’re studying a foreign language from scratch, how long before you can expect to become fluent? The answer, of course, is tricky. I’ll give some time estimates […]
Seven Unexpected Benefits of Being Bilingual
There are some obvious benefits to bilingualism. You can make more friends, study at overseas schools, and get your foot in the door for a wider range of jobs all around […]
Can’t Speak a Foreign Language? Why Speaking is So Hard
Learning a foreign language is difficult in general. But while reading, listening, and writing have their own challenges, speaking is by the far the most difficult skill to […]
How to Transcribe: An Essential Skill in Foreign Language Learning
Transcription is simply the act of writing down what you hear. You’re not providing any analysis or interpretation, and you’re definitely not translating anything. All you’re doing is […]
Why Perfect is the Enemy of Good in Language Learning
This morning I had a much needed break from work and discovered a truth about life in general and language learning specifically. Even though I live in Germany, […]
Why Smiling is Vital When Speaking a Foreign Language
I’ve heard people say that Americans smile too much, and that it feels phony. For sure, here in Europe, I’ve discovered that people are generally more reserved. I […]
7 Ways to Get the Most Out of italki
A couple months ago I stumbled across a new website called italki, which describes itself as a “language learning social network.” On italki, you can meet strangers from […]
How Many Vocabulary Words a Day Should You Learn?
With languages, I definitely tend to use a lot of what I call “organic” learning methods. Actually using the language–reading, listening, speaking, and writing it–is vital in the […]
Three Reasons to Fail Often During Language Learning
Well, it’s probably not the best thing in the short term. But if you “fail forward”–that is, improve from the experience–then it’s one of the best things you […]
Seven Ways to Stay Motivated in Your Language Learning
Three weeks ago, I admitted I was losing steam with German. But instead of giving up and saying auf wiedersehen to German forever, I went on a 21-day […]
Languages and Their Effect On Your Personality
Everyone knows the massive benefits bilingualism has on brain function, making it easier to learn a third language and even staving off dementia. But what about a second […]
Learn Mandarin Chinese Effectively: 3 Outstanding Tips from Students
Well, we talked with some people we know who are learning Mandarin in China, and they shared some great tips: 1. Try a second tier city. Living in […]