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…
Using ChatGPT to Learn a Language
Have you used ChatGPT for language learning? It’s an interesting idea, and I’ve found some different examples of how to use artificial intelligence to fuel your studies. I recently stumbled across a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
No Necesitas Dominar lo Básico para Aprender un Idioma
Muchos profesores insisten en la necesidad de dominar lo básico cuando estás aprendiendo un idioma. Sin embargo, yo propongo que esta lĂłgica no es correcta ni productiva. SĂ, puede parecer sorprendente o…
