Kaixo Londresetik! This is my second post in my "One month Basque boost" mini project. I've been asked to take part in a Basque television programme at the end of August. That provides a great incentive for me to focus in again on levelling up my Basque speaking abilities. My aim this month is to do five one-to-one Skype lessons a week (I'm mainly using italki.com) plus thirty … [Read more...]
One Month Basque Boost: kick off
Kaixo denei Londresetik! I've just had some exciting news: I'm going to be in a Basque TV programme. The crew is coming to shoot at the end of August. That's great motivation for me as an intermediate level Basque learner to put my foot on the gas during the next four weeks. In this post I'm launching my "One month Basque Boost" mini project (scroll right down for launch … [Read more...]
Language momentos (1): finding a room with basic German
This is the first occasional post in which I'll be sharing personal stories from my language learning life. Highs or lows, big or small, they're some of the things I have in mind when I say that languages have enriched my life so much. I hope they'll help inspire you to get started or to keep going on your own language journey. It's often those small practical triumphs when … [Read more...]
How to remember the gender of Welsh nouns and when it matters
This is the first in a new series: "Gender Mender" in which I'll be helping you master using gender in different languages and showing you tricks to remember the gender of nouns. We're starting with a look at how Welsh noun gender works and how to remember the genders of Welsh nouns. Learning the system can be a real headache for two reasons. First, you just have to clamp the … [Read more...]
Which German language certificate is best?
You want to know what's the best German language exam for you in 2024? Read on! This post lifts the lid on the range of German as a foreign language proficiency certification options. You'll find essential info on each to help you choose the right exam. You may need a German language certificate as a prerequisite to matriculation at a German university. Maybe you want to live … [Read more...]
Stuggling to read in your foreign language? These three tips will help smooth the way
Reading in your foreign language can bring real benefits, even if your main goal is to speak. That was my argument in article that kicked off this series on reading and...my view hasn't changed :) What, though, if you're struggling to read in a foreign language? Here are three tips that will help smooth the way. Keep it short You started learning French because you wanted to … [Read more...]
Do these key causes explain YOUR foreign accent?
Worried about your foreign accent or just want to tune it up a bit? You're in the right place! This is the first of a series on sounding good in you your target language. I'm calling it Pronunciation Plus! We all want to make sure that a thick foreign accent does not get in the way of good communication. It's really important to win the confidence of your … [Read more...]
Insights from the Polyglot Gathering 2018
This was the second Polyglot Gathering in Bratislava and the biggest ever. If you don't know about the Polyglot Gathering, you must be new to the site. I've attended (and reviewed) all five (the first three were in Berlin). In short: it's a five-day event of talks, socialising and evening events run by enthusiastic volunteers for anybody who's into learning one language or … [Read more...]
Why they won’t stop speaking English and how to keep the conversation “foreign”
You’re visiting the country at last. Your long-awaited chance to practise “in the field” has arrived. You start to speak….stumbling utterances and then….. You are answered in English. It’s happened to me often enough and it’s left me feeling a failure, humiliated or just disappointed. What’s this all about and how can I get people to stop speaking English? I’m … [Read more...]
Polyglot Gathering 2018: the daily vlogs
Ahoj from the Polyglot Gathering 2018 in Bratislava. The Gathering has recently finished and I've been daily vlogging. All five vlogs are now out, beginning with the Polyglot Gathering opening evening on Wednesday right up to the closing ceremony and beyond on Sunday, the last day. Needless to say, I've had a great time. It's the people who make it and thanks to all of … [Read more...]