There are few shortcuts to learn Russian. But if there’s one way to ‘hack’ your path to fluency, it’s watching Russian movies. You get to practice so many important things: listening skills, real-world vocabulary, and cultural insights. But the most important thing? Time spent practicing. If you’re anything like me, sitting down with a dictionary […]
MOREHow to Learn the Korean Alphabet and Write in Korean [Step-by-Step Guide]
Are you learning Korean but still find yourself struggling with the Korean writing system? Well, here’s some good news: mastering the Korean alphabet may be easier than you think. The Korean alphabet is often said to be one of the most logical and easy-to-learn writing systems. I agree with that assessment. I’d like to show […]
MORELanguage Mentors #4: DamonAndJo — Vloggers in 5 Languages (for 2+ Million Followers)
“People will immediately respect you when you show up to their country and attempt to learn their language.” – Jo Franco As a big fan of their entertaining YouTube channel, I was elated to interview Damon Dominique and Joanna (Jo) Franco for our new Language Mentors series. Damon and Jo are international badasses who have […]
MOREHacking Grammar: How to Learn Grammar with No Exceptions
It started with the goal: explain English grammar with no exceptions. I’m a native English speaker and an English teacher in Japan. When I started teaching, I went along with what was printed in the textbooks. Grammar textbooks for ESL and EFL learners typically present a grammar point, then some examples that support this point. […]
MOREMan’s Best Amigo: How to Speak to Your Dog in Spanish
I have to admit, I have a soft spot in my heart for cute little pups. I’ve mentioned before that Lauren and I have one of our own: an adorable little Dachshund mix that we rescued. We named her Schatzi – a German nickname that means “little treasure” – but she’s a polyglot pup through […]
MORELanguage Mentors #3: TED Speaker Lýdia Machavoá Shares How She Learned 9 Languages
“People expect to reach a point in their learning when they’ll be comfortable speaking. They put off their speaking until that moment arrives. It never does.” – Lýdia Machová What a thrill to have interviewed Lýdia Machová for our Language Mentors series! Without ever living abroad or in a multilingual environment, Lýdia has learned nine […]
MORESummer Spanish! 97 Spanish Words and Phrases to Talk About the Beach in Spanish
Want to soak up the sun on beautiful beaches in Spanish-speaking countries? Whether you’re planning a trip Ibiza or Cancún – or dreaming of a Spanish beach from afar – Spanish beach vocabulary will come in handy. From building sand castles with your kids, to surfing and sunbathing, all your beach vocabulary is covered here. […]
MORE25 Typical British Slang Words that Every English Learner Should Know
Every country has its own slang, and Britain is no different. Of all the English-language slang in the world, I find British slang to be some of the most creative and interesting. But then, I’m biased because I’m British! Just a word of warning before you continue: although these slang terms are relatively mild, there […]
MORE15 Totally Addicting Korean TV Shows to Boost Your Language Skills
Can’t stop binge-watching your favorite TV shows? Turn your TV addiction into Korean language practice! Korean TV shows are a great way to learn the Korean language… plus they’re really hot right now! Can you really learn by watching Korean TV serials, shows, and dramas? Yes, with the right approach. It’s not just about passive […]
MORETired of Boring Lessons? Learn Russian with These 5 Amazing Russian Video Games
Learning Russian is tough. You’ve got the Russian case system, weird verbs of motion. And don’t get me started on Russian numerals… Luckily, not everything is difficult. There’s a lot that actually makes Russian easy to learn such as the absence of articles or the regularity of noun gender. And today, I want to share […]
MORELanguage Mentors #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 Language Mentors series. Born in South Africa, Lindie has lived in France, Pakistan, the UAE and Japan. She speaks 10 languages (to varying levels), […]
MOREJapanese Honorifics: How to Show Respect in Japanese
Japanese honorifics can be something that takes a little while to get your head around when you’re learning the language. But they’re an essential part of Japanese, so you must learn them. Here’s why Japanese honorifics are important. If there’s one thing to know about Japanese culture and language, it’s that everything is extra polite. […]
MORE10 Must-Watch Korean Movies to Fall in Love With As You Learn Korean
Movies can bring us joy, laughter, and tears. They can also help us learn. In fact, they’re a valuable language learning tool! Watching Korean movies can be a great way to learn the language and culture. When you watch Korean movies, you hear the Korean language used in many ways and in situations that you […]
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 […]
MORELearn Any Language Faster: 6 Easy Steps to Falling in Love with Your Mistakes
A big challenge for people learning a new language is failure. Who wants to be wrong? I know that I hate feeling I’ve messed up. Yet you can’t learn a language if you can’t accept failure. Falling in love with your mistakes is the key to confident conversations in a new language. Follow these easy […]
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