This is the first time I've blogged about French. I tell the story of how I managed to get reasonably fluent in the language. It’s the second post in my new "Dr Popkins Method?" series of articles. If you prefer video, you can scroll straight to the bottom for the link to the companion vlog about my experiences learning French and Welsh. This post follows the same plan but … [Read more...]
Is there a “Dr Popkins Method” to get fluent?
In April I paid my first visit to Tenerife. The reason: to take part in a workshop with fellow language teachers, bloggers and vloggers. We spent four days in a beautiful villa near Los Christianos in the south of the island. We also did a day trip up to La Laguna, the original capital of the island and to the beautiful hills and coastline around. During the workshop, … [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...]
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 get people to stop speaking English? I’m coming … [Read more...]
Language learner’s update (May 2018)
I haven't done an update on my own language learning is going since my review of 2017-18 in late December. It's time to catch up. I also want to flag up what's been going on the site....and what's coming up. Back in Germany I'm writing this from Berlin at the start of a twelve day period in the German "Sprachraum". I'm here to celebrate the joint 50th birthday of three … [Read more...]
Translation as a language learning method: why and how
On my first trip to Russia, I got a lesson in translation as a language learning method. I met a young man about my age who spoke astonishingly good English, even though he'd never had the opportunity to travel. It was 1990 and Russia was only just opening up to the west. He explained, proudly, that he'd perfected his knowledge English by translating the whole of The Lord of … [Read more...]
How long does it take to learn a language? The truth!
How long does it take to learn a language? The research suggests it takes between 400 and 2200 hours of study plus a lot of practice to learn a foreign language. In this post we'll explore key variables. You'll get clear on the nature of the task so that you can pace yourself realistically if you're thinking of starting to learn a foreign language in 2023 or if you've been … [Read more...]
Ten brilliant ways to beat exam nerves
You've put a huge amount of effort into preparing for your exam. It would be so unfair if it all fell apart on the day. So, check out these ten brilliant ways to beat exam nerves. This is the final post in a series of three on foreign language exams but the tips here should help you with any kind of exam. Of course, some people suffer from anxiety which needs professional … [Read more...]
How to pass a foreign language exam
If you're looking for advice on how to pass a foreign language exam at beginner, intermediate or advanced level, you're in the right place. This is the second in a three part series on language exams. It's packed with essential tips you won't want to miss. If you're still unsure whether it makes sense for you to do an exam at all, first check out part one: "Foreign language … [Read more...]
Foreign language exams for adult learners: for and against
Should I do a Goethe Institute Exam? How about the DALF? Or the TRKI Russian exam? Should I take the HSK exam? Do I need the IELTS? If you've asked yourself questions like these and are wondering is it worth taking foreign language exams and getting a language certificate, this piece is for you. It's the first in a short series of posts on whether and how to do language … [Read more...]