First week settling into Amsterdam
Benny recounts his first week settling into Amsterdam, from finding a flat and organising daily life to beginning Dutch practice.
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Which language learning materials?
Learn how to compare language courses and materials without assuming one programme will suit every learner, language or stage of study.
Fluent in Two Months: The Dutch Mission
A preserved 2011 mission diary setting out Benny’s eight-week Dutch goal, speaking-from-day-one method and reasons for learning Dutch.
American Sign Language: It’s not all in the hands
An introduction to ASL as a complete language, including grammar, fingerspelling, and respectful ways to begin learning with the Deaf community.
Cool sign language videos
Watch a selection of sign-language videos, including music, storytelling and visual performance from several signing communities.
Communicating without words – my fun non-spoken train ride in India
A train ride in India shows how gestures, attention and a willingness to look silly can help people communicate without shared words.
Perfectionist paralysis
See how perfectionism can block progress, and replace impossible standards with useful feedback, iteration and work you can actually finish.
Unleash your confidence
Benny and guest writer Dan share two perspectives on confidence, discomfort and taking action when speaking a language feels intimidating.
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.
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