Poder Conjugation: All Tenses, Explained Simply (with Examples)
Learn every tense of the Spanish verb poder with clear conjugation tables, example sentences, and an explanation of when to use poder versus saber.
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Language Learning for Introverts
Guest writer Adam shares practical ways for introverts to meet speakers, practise a language and work with their own social energy.
Benny’s Japanese: Skype conversation over the half-way point [+ new language discussion channel]
This week, I can finally do what I had wanted to do last week and give you a full example of how my conversations tend to be going, right now a little after my half-way point in the Japanese project!
At this stage, I can handle straightforward question-and-answer exchanges pretty well, but my grammar and vocab still need serious improvement and will continue to be my focus over the next few weeks. I’m also not so confident about explaining a concept for a few minutes, and I did a really poor job of describing what “Couchsurfing” was, especially when my lack of important vocab held me back.
As well as this, my accent and pronunciation need lots of improvement. I’m aware of such issues, but they will definitely take the back seat to higher priorities for now.
Very quick look at Benny’s current Japanese level. Suggestions (with whom, about what) for longer upcoming video updates?
Watch a brief snapshot of Benny’s Japanese level during his mission, then see what he planned to practise in longer video updates.
First month learning Japanese: How things are going so far, initial impressions of Japanese, and Burning Questions for Benny
From the mission archive, Benny reviews his first month learning Japanese, the setbacks he met and the changes planned for month two.
English words in Japanese: Music video with Japanese learners
Watch a Japanese music video built around English loanwords, then learn how Benny used writing, correction and rehearsal during his challenge.
Formal Japanese for Beginners: Polite and Plain Speech
Learn when to use polite or plain Japanese, how dictionary forms differ from casual speech, and why context matters more than one fixed rule.
Perfect Learning Conditions? An Unrealistic Standard That Holds You Back
Setbacks are part of any language project. Build some flexibility into your plan, handle interruptions and choose one manageable action that helps you return.
Tour of my home in Japanese after learning it for 2 weeks!
Watch Benny give a tour of his Valencia home in Japanese after two weeks of learning, with an honest snapshot of his early speaking progress.
National Geographic Traveler of the Year – a win for language learning tourism
Read Benny’s announcement about being named a National Geographic Traveler of the Year and why he saw it as a win for language-learning travel.
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