How Diplomats Learn Languages
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…
The Best Way to Learn a New Language
Good language learners notice what is happening in a language. They notice the sounds of the language, and the structure and the vocabulary. They notice as they listen and read. They notice when they use the language. How can we train ourselves in the ability to notice, in order to become good language learners?
Learning Styles vs. Learning Preferences
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…
Pimsleur Review: The Good and the Bad
TL;DR Summary Pimsleur offers clean audio, repeated dialogues, and convenience (you can listen while doing chores). But its vocabulary range is limited, and it can feel too constrained for long-term growth. Use…
My Top 10 Language Learning Mistakes
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…
Learn a Language in 3 Months? Here’s the Truth
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…
How to Become Fluent in a Language: Chunking
When we think about language learning, many of us immediately focus on vocabulary lists and grammar rules. In theory, with the right set of memorized words and structures, we should be able…
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…
Duolingo Review: Is Duolingo Effective & Does It Really Work?
TL;DR Summary Duolingo is fun, accessible, and a reasonable entry point — especially for beginners — but it has limits. It’s good for daily contact and review, but its sentence-by-sentence style lacks…
Improve Your Comprehension with These 5 Tips
If you’re learning a language, which skill is more important: speaking or comprehension? For me, the answer is obvious. Comprehension is the foundation of language learning. You can effectively communicate despite the…
How to Learn English Fast
If you really want to learn English fast, here is what you should do. This advice not only applies to English, but to other languages as well. However, a common difference between…
How to Learn a Language for Travel: The Dos and Don’ts
Picture this: You’re in a bustling café in Istanbul, ordering a cup of Turkish tea. The waiter asks you a question, but instead of panicking or reaching for Google Translate, you actually…
