3 Stages of Language Acquisition
What does the process of language acquisition look like? Of course, there’s no single answer. Although language learning is an individual endeavor, I’ve come to think of language learning in three broad…
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.
To Improve Language Comprehension DON’T Try to Understand
Comprehension is key. Communication is possible without perfect grammar or the richest vocabulary. However, to achieve a level in which it is possible to have meaningful conversations, comprehension is non-negotiable. Communication…
The Definition of a Polyglot
As people who speak multiple languages, polyglots like to use those languages; we like to see how we do. But there is an element of performance. Are you better than me? Am I better than you? For some people that’s fine. I think a lot of us are very happy, in fact, when we hear somebody speak better than we do.
How to Read One Million Words per Year in your Target Language
Reading plays a crucial role in success, both in language learning and in general. In fact, studies have shown that individuals who read well experience greater socioeconomic success. To put it briefly,…
Which Language Should You Learn?
Which language should I study? This is one of the most common questions amongst language learners. Often, we’re torn between choices. For example, you may love the sound of French, but Chinese…
How To Become Good at Speaking a New Language
You have all heard me stress the importance of input. You have to get the language in you, meaning you have to acquire words, and you have to let your brain get…
Introverts Vs Extroverts in Language Learning
The myth is that there exists a battle in language learning: introverts vs. extroverts, and that extroverts are the better language learners. I do not believe at all that you need to be an extrovert to learn a language. Language learning comes down to the three keys: number one, attitude. You have to be interested in the language. You have to like the language. You have to believe you’re going to achieve your goal.
How Long to Get to a Conversational Level in a Language?
Conversation implies a two-way exchange of language. Therefore, reaching a conversational level implies quite a high level of comprehension of the language so that we can understand what is being said to us. That means in order to converse properly we need to prepare ourselves.
My Language Learning Motivation
I want to talk about history. Why history? Because history fascinates me. I realize that people watch my videos either because they’re working on improving their English or because they find my videos in some way motivating and encouraging and therefore encourages them to continue with learning languages, which in turn motivates me to make more videos.
