How to get fluent, with Dr Popkins

How to learn a foreign language. Methods, matrials and stories to help you maximise your effectiveness on the road to fluency

  • About
  • Coaching
  • Russian course
  • German course
  • Top resources

In-depth explorations, actionable tips and inspiring conversations for language learners who REALLY want to get fluent…..plus a little but of fun along the way.

Japanese update: August to October

By Gareth 6 Comments

Here's an autumn update on my Basic Japanese Project (update vid at the end of the post). I started learning the Japanese twenty months ago in preparation for my first visit to Japan (last October). I had a great time there both exploring as a tourist in Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo and attending the Polyglot Conference. Since then, I've continued with this … [Read more...]

Learning Japanese: Month 19 update

By Gareth Leave a Comment

July was a big month in my Japanese journey: I started speaking Japanese with a teacher. During the month I had with six one-to-one conversational sessions online. In this latest monthly update on my Project Japanese, I'll tell you all about that in the context of my wider efforts to learn the language (also as a vid at the bottom of this post). I started learning the … [Read more...]

Learning Japanese: Month 18 update

By Gareth Leave a Comment

It's time for my monthly update on my slow but steady "Learn Basic Japanense" project (with video at the bottom of this post). I began with the language a full eighteen months ago now. In the last eight months or so, my aim has been to set aside thirty minutes a day, five days a week for a focussed study slot. I tend to do this just after getting up but sometimes it's in the … [Read more...]

Learning Japanese: Month 17 update

By Gareth Leave a Comment

Learning Japanese with Pimsleur

It's time for my monthly Japanese learning update (with vid at the bottom of this post). I started my "Learn Japanese" project at the beginning of 2019. Though I've previously learned a little Indonesian, this is my first serious attempt at an Asian language. I'm a firm believer in the power of habit in language learning and the core of my Japanese learning has been a … [Read more...]

Basque/Japanese diary: Week Two

By Gareth 5 Comments

I'm now two weeks into my summer “language sprint”. What's it all about? First, I’ve increased the work I’m aiming to do as part of my nine-month Basic Japanese Project. My weekly commitment is up from thirty minutes a day, seven days a week, to one hour a day, five days a week. Second, I'm aiming to clock an hour each day on my intermediate Basque. I started the diary-style … [Read more...]

Learning Japanese: Month Four update

By Gareth Leave a Comment

I'm now just over four months into my current language project: learning Japanese. Here's my April update. There's a video update at the bottom of the post, too. My target minimum focussed study time is half an hour of Japanese daily, seven days a week or, over nine months. A "full house" total of 30 mins x 30 April days would be fifteen hours. My actual total was … [Read more...]

Learning Japanese: Month Three update

By Gareth Leave a Comment

I'm now just over three months into my new language project: learning basic Japanese in nine months. Here's an update of how it went in March (with the update vid down at the bottom). My target minimum focussed study time is half an hour a Japanese daily, seven days a week or, over nine months. The month in figures: my Japanese study log Thirty minutes a day for … [Read more...]

New Project: Learning Japanese

By Gareth 4 Comments

I’m starting a new language project.  I’m learning Japanese.  This post sets out how I’ve gone about two of the important first steps that you should be taking to set yourself up for success when you begin any new language. You need to work out your “why” and your ultimate destination. Then you need to plan the first concrete, initial short-to-medium term goals that … [Read more...]

Grab my top language learning tips!


Get Dr. P's free "How to learn any language like a pro" video course and then let's keep in touch by email.

I'm learning...
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • English
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • Welsh
  • Basque
  • Other

 Unsubscribe any time

TOP POSTS

  • How long does it take to learn a language? The truth!
  • Intermediate B1 German vocabulary and grammar: what and how?
  • From beginner's (A2) to intermediate (B1) German: What's the difference?
  • Which German exam is best?
  • The Goethe-Institut German B1 exam explained
  • The Goldlist Method explained (how to remember vocabulary)
  • Ten reasons why you should learn Portuguese....and why Spanish can wait
  • How to remember German noun gender: the ultimate guide
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2021 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in;

Privacy/cookie policies