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...]
What’s the best language course for you?
If you're studying a popular foreign language you'll be faced with a wide choice of potential self-study textbooks (or their electronic equivalent). This post is for you if you've found yourself wondering what's the best language course for you. It's also for you if you haven't! The thing is, there are wide differences in approach out there that you need to be aware of before … [Read more...]
Russian language exams: a guide
In this overview guide to Russian language exams, I’ll show you the Russian language exams available for adult independent learners and give you some practical information as to how to go about taking one. You may need a Russian exam as a prerequisite to matriculation at a Russian university. Maybe you want to live and work in the Russian Federation or another country … [Read more...]
How soon should you speak your foreign language?
How soon should you start speaking your foreign language? In this post, two contrasting approaches square up in the ring. In the one corner, "speak from day one" (or pretty soon after that). In the other corner: delay speaking in favour of front-loading input (listening, reading) or study (or a combination of the two). Speaking from day one: how? The "extreme" … [Read more...]
A talent for languages? Yes, no and what to do
Do you wish you had more of a talent for languages? Or is talent overrated in language learning? What do we even mean when we say that somebody has the aptitude to learn a language. What if you suspect that you "don't have the language gene"? Can you become more talented? Is success more dependent on other variables like motivation, good methods and consistent application and … [Read more...]
Reading in a foreign language. Enough of stories? Time for the facts?
When we're looking for things to read in our language, we'll often think in terms of stories. After all, stories can draw us in and keep us turning the page. They stimulate our imagination and provide context to help us remember. If we're still beginners or at the lower intermediate level, we might go for children's books or grab a "graded reader" (a text written - or adapted … [Read more...]
Language textbooks: good or bad?
If you're thinking of beginning a new language, or an intermediate-advanced learner wanting to take it further, should you kit yourself out with one or more language textbooks (either a physical book or structured course available in electronic form)? Here on the site, I often mention the books I'm using with my languages. Yet other successful language learners give such … [Read more...]
Does learning foreign languages get easier with experience?
Does learning foreign languages get easier with experience? In today's post, I'll draw on my own experience learning Welsh, Russian, German and French to a fairly advanced level, Basque to intermediate and several other languages to lower levels, particularly (most recently) Japanese. It's a nuanced picture, of course. let's look together at different aspects of the language … [Read more...]
The Polyglot Gathering: learner “takeaways” review
This year the Polyglot Gathering took place in Bratislava for the third (and final time). If you saw the daily vlogs I made from the event (or my reviews and vids from previous years), you'll need no introduction to this language lovers' conference-cum-celebration. In the vlogs there are many brief shots from inside different talks but my main concern was to convey the … [Read more...]
Two simple methods to “embrace effort” in reading and listening practice
Today's post looks at two simple methods you can use to get more active when practising the "passive" skills of listening and reading…. Look on it as a bit of resistance training. I first explored some ideals to help us "embrace effort", as I put it, over on the YouTube channel a few months ago. In short, what it's all about is putting a bit of grit in the oyster. Now, … [Read more...]