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 bit of fun along the way.

Foreign language reading tips: one technique, two helpful types of text

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

Reading can play an extremely helpful role in your attempts to get fluent in a foreign language…and it's hugely valuable even if your main aim is to speak well. Those were messages with which we kicked off a series of posts on reading. We've looked at the different types of reading ("intensive", "extensive", reading for "gist" and skimming for info). Today, three more foreign … [Read more...]

Reading for fluency…and pleasure in your foreign language

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

When you're reading for pleasure, you're focussed on narrative, atmosphere, character, action. The individual details (and words) may not be as important as the pervading message. This post is about how to smooth the flow of such "extensive" reading in your foreign language. In the first post in this series on reading in your foreign language, we saw how important reading is … [Read more...]

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