Settling in, first impressions of American Sign Language & video tour of my house
Benny shares his first days learning American Sign Language in Austin, including an early house-tour video and lessons about non-manual markers.
Category: Language Hacks
Learn Tagalog: Filipino, Taglish, Pronunciation and Grammar
Learn Tagalog with a clear guide to Filipino, Taglish, pronunciation, aspect, voice and practical speaking, backed by current Philippine sources.
Why I Thought I’d Never Speak Spanish, and How I Did It Anyway
I spent years believing I’d never speak Spanish. Here’s what changed after setbacks at school, university and six months in Spain.
The Most Important Thing to Think About Before Doing Something Nerve-Wracking
Use one simple perspective shift to quiet self-doubt before a difficult conversation, important message or other nerve-racking moment.
The importance of experimentation over blind faith
Test language-learning advice through small experiments, measure real progress and keep only the methods that move you towards your own goals.
Music and TV for homework? Really? Yes. Sí. Oui. Да. نعم
Susanna Zaraysky shares ways to use music, television, radio and film as active language practice alongside classes or self-study.
Brazilian Portuguese After Spanish: What Transfers and What Doesn’t
Already speak Spanish? Learn what transfers to Brazilian Portuguese, where pronunciation and grammar differ, and how to keep the languages separate.
Why I don’t use a silent period when learning languages
Benny explains why he starts speaking early, while recognising that a quiet listening period can still have a clear purpose and end point.
Looking for signs: understanding foreign body language
Gestures can change meaning across regions and communities. Benny shares travel examples and explains why context matters.
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