Language and Memory
I am starting to believe that memory is not that important when it comes to language learning. I have recently started learning Greek. Most of the words are completely unfamiliar to me,…
A Polyglot’s Review of the Assimil Series
Assimil is a language learning series that enjoys an almost cult-like following among certain language learners. I have used Assimil for two languages, Russian and Korean, and own a copy of Assimil…
Combien de temps faut-il pour apprendre une langue?
L’apprentissage d’une langue dépend principalement de trois facteurs: l’attitude de l’étudiant, le temps disponible et le degré d’intérêt pour la langue. Si nous considérons que l’étudiant a un comportement positif et un…
Who Should Correct Our Language Errors?
When we speak in a foreign language, there is a very high probability that we will make mistakes. We make more mistakes when we first start using the language, and gradually the…
Learning a Language Means Acquiring Words
People often say to me, “Steve, you’ve obviously got a talent for languages, that’s why you’ve learned so many. Good for you, but I could never do it.”
To which I say, to myself at least, why don’t you try doing it the way I do it? Maybe, rather than a question of talent, it’s a matter of the method that I use. What is my method? It’s really quite simple. It’s the relentless pursuit of words – words that I glean through content that is of interest to me. That’s basically what it boils down to.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Language Learners
In Stephen Covey’s famous book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People he gives advice for people in many aspects of their lives: advice for managers, for business people and for people generally. His advice can also be applied to language learners, and here’s how.
Input, Output, and Language Hacking Techniques
In my view, there are three divergent approaches, in terms of their emphasis or principal focus, to language learning. This is true whether we learn in the classroom, online or on the street. One approach focuses on input, another on output, and a third on what I would call shortcuts and some people call language hacking techniques. These language hacking techniques include grammar study, studying vocabulary lists and phrase books, heavy use of Flash Cards, ”deconstructing the language”, memory techniques and so forth.
Understanding Russia to help you learn Russian
Russian is fascinating. It’s a beautiful language. If you plan to learn Russian, in my experience it helps to understand Russia and Russian culture.
Want to Achieve a Language Learning Breakthrough?
What constitutes the essence of achieving a breakthrough in language learning? I think that the key lies in the word “linking”.
First of all learners must form emotional links with the language they are learning. They must be interested in the language, in the people and in some aspects of the culture.
The last 40 days, and I have found some great Korean resources
Kim Youngha’s podcast on books and literature is a great Korean resource, and I am arranging to have the episodes transcribed. Once you are past the beginner stage in a language, interesting…
