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

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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.

The visibility of Scottish Gaelic: a signage safari

28/01/2019 By Gareth Leave a Comment

In this post I want to share some photos I took of bilingual Scottish Gaelic - English signage from a recent trip I made to the Highlands of Scotland.  It was my first visit to areas where Gaelic still hangs on, in pockets, as a minority language.  I vlogged the trip in a series of five videos (from Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Culloden, the Cairngorms National Park … [Read more...]

Polyglot Gathering 2018: the daily vlogs

02/06/2018 By Gareth Leave a Comment

Ahoj from the Polyglot Gathering 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 them … [Read more...]

Russian Easter in London – the blessing of the food ceremony (with vlog)

08/04/2018 By Gareth Leave a Comment

Христос Воскрес! Christ is risen! Khristos Voskress! That's the salutation used at Russian Easter. Last Sunday I was up in Yorkshire celebrating the Western Easter with a slice of traditional English simnel cake. Today, I got to celebrate all over again.  The flavours this time were Russian...and I've captured them all in a short, impromptu vlog (link at the bottom of … [Read more...]

Trying to decipher Slovak and exploring the sights of Bratislava (with vlog)

22/01/2018 By Gareth 1 Comment

After...ahem....something of a delay, I've finally edited a vlog on the Slovak language and exploring the sights of Bratislava. Besides seeing the sights, I'm busy trying to decipher Slovak.  The vlog is the latest in my "smash & grab" travel and language videos.  Most of the main attractions appear and city's multi-cultural heritage comes out. Look out for beautiful … [Read more...]

Exploring Beijing when you don’t speak Chinese: things to see and travel tips (video)

02/11/2017 By Gareth 2 Comments

What's it like exploring Beijing when you don't speak Chinese? This is the question I answer the latest of my fun, tip-packed "Smash and Grab" travel and language videos,  shot on my recent trip to China's ancient capital. The link's right at the bottom of this post. In September I was in the lucky position of having some free time on my hands after a work trip to … [Read more...]

Singapore’s languages: “smash and grab” (video)

04/03/2017 By Gareth Leave a Comment

I've made a video to share my impressions of the languages, sights, sounds (and tastes) of Singapore with you. It's what I've called a "smash and grab": a quick raid on the linguistic landscape of this cultural melting pot. To jump straight in to the film, scroll down to the bottom of this introductory post. I just had a few days in Singapore before and after my … [Read more...]

Basque Intensive! 2: from London to Bilbao and Lazkao (a vlog)

08/09/2016 By Gareth 1 Comment

Hello from Lazkao, a small town in deepest Gipuzkao province in the Basque Country.  Below you'll find the link to the first of my vlogs from here. I'm already half way through the first week of my four week intensive Basque course and am really enjoying the experience so far.  With full board, the company of other enthusiastic learners and committed teachers and in lovely … [Read more...]

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