My Method for Learning Languages from Scratch
TL;DR Summary When you start a new language, it always feels out of reach at first. I’ve felt that every time. The best thing you can do is just listen and read,…
French for Beginners: What You Need to Know
French was my first love when it comes to languages. In fact, there’s an expression in French: “On revient toujours a son premier amour.” It means you always go back to your first love. I love French; I love all the languages that I learn, but I have a special affection for French.
I highly recommend learning French for beginners. There’s a whole world that you can access so much better if you speak French. The language is spoken in other countries like Canada.
How to Really Learn a Language: Six Key Principles
TL;DR Summary To really learn a language, follow these six guiding principles: Language learning can seem daunting. However, with the right approach, learning a language can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience….
What Makes Languages Easier to Learn?
TL;DR Summary Some languages “feel” easier because of overlap in vocabulary, structure, or phonetics. But the biggest advantage is your habits, mindset, and exposure. Your familiarity with patterns, strategies, and metalinguistic thinking…
How to Learn a Language On Your Own: Tips From a Polyglot
TL;DR Summary Learning solo is totally possible if you embrace exposure, consistency, and trust in the process. Don’t obsess over rules early. Let comprehension and pattern recognition lead you. Use tools and…
Italki Review: How Does italki Work for Language Learners?
TL;DR Summary italki connects you with real humans — a resource you shouldn’t overlook. It’s not magic: your gains depend heavily on how well you prepare and follow up. Use it to…
How to Learn Vocabulary: A Polyglot’s Guide to Making Words Stick
TL;DR Summary Don’t force your brain to store lists; your brain learns by patterns and exposure. Mix passive intake (read / listen) with occasional active work (review, check usage) — but don’t…
How To Learn Portuguese
Many of us are watching the Olympics in Brazil. Despite all of the bad reports that we always get in the lead up to any Olympic Games – some British newspaper called the 2010 Vancouver Winter games the worst Olympics in the world ever, then there were all the problems with toilets in Sochi and now pollution in Rio – it looks like actually things are proceeding swimmingly, so to speak.
People ask, if I go to Brazil, can I communicate? What language do they speak? First of all, some may not know that Brazilians speak Portuguese. There’s no Brazilian language, there is Portuguese.
How Long Should it Take to Learn a Language?
Language learning depends mostly on three factors, the attitude of the learner, the time available, and learner’s attentiveness to the language. If we assume a positive attitude on the part of the learner, and a reasonable and growing attentivenes…
How To Improve Your Speaking Skills
You are unlikely to learn to speak a new language perfectly, but perfection should not be your goal. Your main goal should be effective communication. I am not perfect in any of the languages that I speak, but I can communicate. And whenever I communicate in another language I’m satisfied. I also know from experience that my ability to speak and to pronounce well will only improve with time, as long as I remain alert to what I hear and read, and how I use the language.
