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…
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…
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…
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.
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….
TL;DR Summary In language learning, the 80/20 rule means that 20 % of words and structures give you 80 % of your real communication power. But don’t obsess over drilling the “top”…
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…
TL;DR Summary ChatGPT is a useful tool — a conversational sandbox, question-answer partner, and source of examples. But it’s limited: it can’t replace real listening, rich context, or immersion. Use it strategically…
When deciding how to go about learning a language, it’s logical to turn to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI). Given the institution’s ample experience in language instruction, one can’t help but…
Over the years, I’ve heard the same question over and over again: “Do we all learn languages the same way?” The quick answer? Yes. However, this is worth further explanation. In this…
Language learning is a personal journey. But over time — and across more than 20 languages — I’ve noticed certain habits that consistently waste time or drain confidence. Confidence is critical to…
Today I want to share how I approach the very beginning of learning a language. First, let’s make an important distinction. The goal should not be to learn a language in three…
