One of the biggest differences between successful language learners and those who give up before they get fluent is attitude. We all need to check our fluency mindset now and again, just to make sure we're not turning into our own worst enemies. Here are seven mindset shifts for language learning success. 1. From "learning a language" to "mastering the next stage". … [Read more...]
Minority language dialects: a challenge for learners?
If you've heard that your minority language has a variety of dialects, which one should you learn? How should you respond if you hear that there are lots of dialects and that "some native speakers can't even understand each other"? What does the "standardisation" of a language even mean? In this, the fourth post in the series on learning minority languages, let's … [Read more...]
How to find minority language native speakers
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...]
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 for foreigners, 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 … [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...]