I’ve been learning languages on and off for more years than I’d like to count. Different books and websites and ways to figure out languages come and go, but only one always remains: Anki (available for iPhone, Android, and desktop). Anki cards are basically digital flashcards that you can use on both your computer and […]
MORETalking About the Weather in Spanish: 77 Spanish Weather Words (and Phrases) that are Good to Know
Would you like to learn how to talk about the weather in Spanish? That makes sense, since talking about the weather is something everyone does. “Nice day today, huh?” “I’m enjoying this sunny weather.” “I wish the rain would stop.” (And yes, it does rain a lot on the Atlantic coast of Spain, especially in […]
MOREAdd1 Stories: How Heather Learned Italian in 90 Days
As the Head Coach for Add1, I have the opportunity to watch thousands of language learners do incredible things as they push themselves to learn a new language in just 90 days.. Every time I lead an Add1, it gives me a thrill of excitement to see our students achieve a 15-minute conversation at the […]
MOREChinese Characters: They’re Not as Hard as You Think
Working for a Chinese language school for foreigners, I hear it over and over again: “I’m not going to learn the characters. I’ll just learn spoken Chinese. That’s enough for me.” To put it squarely, trying to learn Chinese without learning the characters is generally not a good idea. The good news is, you have […]
MOREThe 10 Best Russian Movies for Learning Russian
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 […]
MOREThe “Dr. Dolittle Method”: How Pet Sitting Abroad Helps you Speak Languages like a Local
Is your aim to speak a foreign language like a local? To do this you need plenty of practice, preferably while having fun and without fear of making mistakes. Enter, the dog! There’s no better ice-breaker than walking a dog. That’s why pet sitting abroad makes sense as a great, low-cost way to exercise your […]
MOREMondly Review: My Experience Using Mondly to Learn 3 Languages [In-Depth Review]
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Recently, I’ve spent more and more of my language learning time on my phone. It’s convenient. I almost always have it with me and there are loads of apps that are available. Even with just five minutes to spare, I can squeeze language learning into my day. And because I’m doing so much language learning […]
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 […]
MOREClozemaster Review: Retro Language Learning for 50+ Languages
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Most people take an approach to learning new words in another language that, frankly, I find weird. It doesn’t work well for me, anyway. I should say I’ve learned 10+ languages to a conversational level. Not to boast, but to show I know what I’m talking about. And this weird way of learning new words? […]
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 […]
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