Let's face it, if you're learning a minority language your main problem may not be the grammar and vocab but finding some native speakers to practise with. This post will get you clued up to maximise your chances of a great experience using your "lesser used" minority or indigenous language on the ground with some real, live native speakers. It's the second in a series on … [Read more...]
Sound more fluent: nine tricks
I favour a long, slow game in language learning, but I'm still up for a good short cut. If, that is, it's actually effective. Here are nine quick fixes to help you sound more fluent in any foreign language, however you feel inside. Let's put a spring in your step when you're speaking! Keep your toolkit to hand Learn what I call your toolkit phrases from the very … [Read more...]
Minority language resources: a guide
When you're learning a language, good resources can make all the difference. But what about resources for learning a minority language? That's the focus of this first post in a new series on learning a "minority languages”. Just how different is it? Here you'll find the low-down and actionable tips drawn from my own and what I've learned from many other learners and linguists … [Read more...]
Russian TRKI 2nd and 3rd certificate exam preparation materials reviewed
If you want to pass the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language Second (B2) or Third Certificate (C1) exams, you need to get good at Russian across all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and reading). You also have to train up for exams themselves. Russian learners at all levels will find that there are far fewer materials than for comparable widely-spoken … [Read more...]
The Goethe-Institut German B1 exam explained
If you want the Goethe-Institut German B1 exam clearly explained, you're in the right place. In this post we'll unpick the format of this important "intermediate" German language exam. We'll get clear on just what the B1 German test itself involves. That'll help you decide whether it's for you. You'll get a better sense of what you need to achieve to pass this intermediate … [Read more...]