When you think back five years ago, did you ever think that you would be where you are now? Maybe so, maybe not. However, I most certainly didn’t. Five years ago, I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I would be living in Colombia with my wife, speaking Spanish. But here I am […]
MOREIs “Learning from Mistakes” Really a Thing? Here’s What the Science Says…
“Did I really just say that?” That’s the question I was asking myself as I was chatting to my future Italian mother-in-law over dinner. I had meant to say è palese, “it’s obvious”, but I actually said è palloso, which means “it’s effing boring”. If you’ve been learning a language for long enough, you’ve probably […]
MORECultural Immersion: How Learning 20 Basic Phrases Transformed My Travel Experience
For ages I’ve recognised, at least in theory, that learning even just a small handful sentences in a new language can take you a long way on a holiday, and give you a unique experience of cultural immersion. I really enjoyed reading about Fluent in 3 Months founder Benny Lewis’s experience getting by with limited […]
MORENew Mission: One Month Without English!
Have you ever reached a plateau in your language learning that you just couldn’t break through? I did. It didn’t matter how many German lessons I took. How many Skype calls I made. Or, how many grammar books I read. I just couldn’t get to the next stage. I kept making the same mistakes and […]
MOREHow to Use Systems (Instead of Goals) to Get Results in Language Learning
What’s your language learning goal? Perhaps you’re aiming to reach A2 level in French in the next 3 months. Maybe you’re looking to gain basic knowledge of Italian before your trip to Rome in a couple of weeks. Or perhaps you’re aiming for German mastery. Whatever your goal, setting a goal is the natural thing […]
MORE10 Ways Language Learners Mess Up on Skype
Skype language exchanges are easy, affordable and incredibly effective. What’s more, you can do a language exchange without ever leaving your hometown, or even your house. So no more excuses about how travel is too expensive, keeping you from practising your language with native speakers. Here’s how a language exchange works. You sign up with […]
MORENo More Excuses! How to Stop Whining and Start Learning a Language
What holds you back from speaking another language? Perhaps you tell yourself: I’m not good at language learning. I flunked languages in school. This language was okay when I started, but now it’s too difficult. I don’t have enough money to travel the world and properly learn this language. I’m too old to learn a […]
MOREHow Adults Learn: 6 Important Things to Know
“I’ll never learn to run with the stamina of Paula Radcliffe, so why bother training for a marathon?” “I’ll never win a Nobel Prize in maths, so what’s the point of studying it at all?” “I’ll never play cello like Yo-Yo Mah, so I shouldn’t even start.” How do these excuses sound to you? If, […]
MOREWhat is the Easiest Language to Learn?
“What is the easiest language to learn?” I’m asked this question a lot, especially by people just starting out as language learners. It’s one of the most popular questions for beginners to ask. So, what’s the answer? In a moment, I’ll share what the Fluent in 3 Months (Fi3M) community thinks, and take a look […]
MOREHow Getting Older (and Wiser) Improved My Language Learning Skills
“I’d love to learn a new language, but I’m just terrible at it. Plus, the best time to learn a language is when you’re young.” People say this to me a lot. I can relate. When I decided to quit my job and take a sabbatical year, in part to regain my fluency in Spanish, […]
MOREThe Shy-to-Confident Introvert: How I Worked With My Personality to Become a Confident Language Learner
Do you struggle with language learning because speaking with other people terrifies you? Or drains you of energy? If it does, I can relate to what you’re feeling because that used to be me. After years of trial and error (yes, I made lots of mistakes on the way) I’ve found a way through and […]
MOREHow to Overcome the Fear of Speaking a New Language
“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.” ― Steven […]
MORE10 Ways Low Confidence Holds Back Your Language Learning
“I’d love to learn a new language, but I feel really nervous about actually speaking it.” Does this sound like you? Learning a new language – especially when you’re taking the first steps – can be a big struggle. So it’s little wonder that language learners often struggle with feelings of low confidence. I’ve felt […]
MORELearn a Language Faster: 8 Simple Language Hacks
“How has this gone so badly?” I thought. I was taking the official listening exam in Chinese proficiency, and I could not understand a single word of the recording. The test was “elementary” level, and I was there, handing the paper to the teacher at the entrance to the classroom, confused. I had studied by […]
MOREHow to Create an Abundance Mindset in Your Language Learning
Are you stuck with your language learning (or in life) and can’t see a way forward? What if I told you that the solution you need is already there if only you’re brave and open enough to reach out for it? What if I told you that there’s no such thing as being stuck or […]
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