“Polyglots aren’t born with a special language learning gene that makes them more adept to learning languages. They just work hard and their passion keeps them going.” – Michele, The Intrepid Guide. It was a pleasure to interview Michele of The Intrepid Guide for our new Add1 Insights series. Michele is an Australian language and […]
MOREAdd1 Insights #1: Lindie Botes (Globetrotting YouTuber, Speaks 10 Languages)
“The point of learning a language is communication. You’ll most likely be understood even if you have bad grammar.” – Lindie Botes I’m honored to have interviewed Lindie Botes for our new Add1 Insights series. Born in South Africa, Lindie has lived in France, Pakistan, the UAE and Japan. She speaks 10 languages (to varying […]
MOREThe Fine Art of Language Exchange: How to Find that Special Someone to Practise Your New Language
A tear rolls down my cheek as I listen to her story. My friend lost her cat to a spinal cord injury. Minou was a handsome round-faced tabby with a fluffy racoon tail. With swollen red eyes, my friend shares intimate details of her cat’s unsuccessful surgery. After a long silence, I hand her a […]
MOREStop Wasting Your Life Saying “I’ll Speak a New Language When…”
It’s so easy to give yourself reasons to “not” speak a language. Maybe you tell yourself: “I’ll start talking to others in my target language when… “My accent is perfect” “I understand the grammar” “I’ve got the money to travel the world” “I’m feeling more confident” “I’ve reached the intermediate level” “My acne has cleared […]
MOREHow I (Finally) Learned French after 10 Language Fails
How to fail at languages? Let me count the ways. At one of our summer parties this year, I said three sentences in French and the crowd broke out into a unison song of “Ohhhhh. Ahhhhh!” My monolingual friends are often amazed when they hear me speak a foreign language. It’s a reaction that I […]
MOREThe Women in Language Conference: My Experience of This Online Language Event
This time last year, I was sick in bed. Too weak to move. Yet I was happy. Why? Because bed-bound, I would going to my favorite language learning conference. The conference, Women in Language, is hosted online. So I could attend from the comfort of my bedroom. While sipping hot water, I listened to the […]
MORE“Insta” Language Secrets: My 6-Step Method to Learning French on Instagram
Instagram is an amazing place to learn a language. I’m an intermediate French learner, and I’d like to show you how I’ve used Instagram to become a French ace in just a few months. First let me tell you about my Instagram account. My stats aren’t mindblowing, but they do show what’s possible when you […]
MOREThe Rule of 80%: How to Curb Your Expectations and Reach Sustainable Success
My language learning philosophy is “always give 80%”. Wait. What? Let me explain. Yoga class helps keep me sane. Mostly, I think it’s because of my yoga teacher, Marie. She’s a very hip thirtysomething small business owner, mom, yoga teacher and part-time voice of the universe all rolled into one. I’d like to share one […]
MORE11 Steps to Learn a New Language with Meetups… Even if You Feel Terrified!
I’ll never forget the look of surprise my italki teacher had when I told her that I attended a meetup for French speakers. She asked me in French how it went and I told her honestly, Ma tête ferme après cinq mots dans chaque phrase. That translates to “My head closes after five words in […]
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