My Method for Learning Languages from Scratch
Learning a language from scratch can be a daunting task. Where do you start? How do you develop a language learning routine that works for you? Here is what I would do…
How to Really Learn a Language: Six Key Principles
Language learning can seem daunting. However, with the right approach, learning a language can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I may not be the best language learner, but I’ve achieved a…
What Makes Languages Easier to Learn?
When people ask me if learning a language gets easier, I think of Zhuangzi’s Parable of the Crooked Tree. In short, a man deems a tree useless because it can’t be cut…
How to Learn a Language On Your Own: Tips From a Polyglot
Whether you’re in a classroom or entirely on your own, the truth remains: success in language learning starts with independence. No one else can do the learning for you. So, how do…
How to Speak Better in Any Language: 7 Key Tips
When it comes to language learning, everyone wants to know how to speak better. Whether you’re just getting started or several months into your journey, speaking ability is always top of mind….
How to Think in Another Language (Without Forcing It)
One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I learn to think in another language?” It’s a great question—and it touches on something deeper: our desire to achieve perfection…
Google Translate Doesn’t Work? I disagree.
I hear all the time that Google Translate doesn’t work. It’s not accurate. It’s this and that. I think Google Translate is a tremendous resource and not only for language learners. It’s not 100% and it’s better for some languages than others, but I find it extremely useful.
Learning Similar Languages: The Pros & Cons
It’s a common assumption that learning similar languages makes for an easier path to fluency. For example, a Spanish speaker learning Portuguese should have less trouble than an English speaker pursuing Japanese….
The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) & Language Learning
The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, is often cited in productivity and business circles—but it has powerful implications for how we learn languages, too. In this post, I want…
The Truth About Language Immersion
We hear the term language immersion all the time—it’s a favourite among learners and teachers alike. But what does it actually mean to be immersed in a language? After trip to Poland…
