First weeks in the Philippines & video tour of my beach cottage
Follow Benny's first weeks in the Philippines, from Cebu and Puerto Galera to early Tagalog conversations and a tour of his beach cottage.
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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.
Do You Need Grammar to Speak a Language?
Learn when grammar helps, when it can wait, and how to use phrases, corrections and targeted study to improve without delaying conversation.
Where are all the language tourists?
Benny asks why more travellers do not make language learning part of their trips, and examines the common excuses that keep language tourism rare.
How to Choose a Language-Learning Method
Choose a language-learning method by goal fit, useful practice, feedback and sustainability, then switch when the evidence shows a mismatch.
First impressions of the Philippines
Benny shares his first impressions of Manila, including Spanish influences, Filipino, daily transport and the city’s heavy pollution.
New Language Mission: Speak Tagalog (Filipino) in 2 months
From the 2011 archive, Benny starts a two-month Tagalog mission in the Philippines and sets a speaking goal built around real conversations.
How I’m teaching my 3 year old a second language
Guest writer Marília explains how she introduced English to her three-year-old through everyday routines, play and time together.
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