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.

Intermediate Basque: learner update

By Dr Popkins 5 Comments

Basque flag, red beret and Basque textbook

Beginner's Japanese has been my main personal language learning focus since early 2019 but I'm also a serious intermediate Basque learner. Here's an update on my Basque language journey and some tips, questions and conclusions that just might help you, whatever your language, whatever your level :) While I love rapid progress and an (effective) quick fix as much as the next … [Read more...]

Basque/Japanese diary: Week Three

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

I'm already at the end of week three of my summer “language sprint”. The "sprint" is a boost to the work on Japanese that I was already aiming to do as part of my nine-month Basic Japanese Project, plus, more time than usual on my on-going Basque learning (I'm an intermediate level learner). For a month, I'm aiming to do an hour a day on each language, five days a … [Read more...]

Learning Basque as life gets in the way

By Dr Popkins 3 Comments

How do you sustain language learning when the demands of "life" start to get seriously in the way? It's work and travel that have taken their toll on my Basque for the last couple of months. You may be (and probably are) learning a completely different language. I bet you'll still experience the same struggle to keep going when you're very busy or on the road. Here's how it's … [Read more...]

Basque Intensive! 3: half way diary

By Dr Popkins 2 Comments

I’m two weeks into my month’s sabbatical from work, at the language school at Lazkao in the middle of the beautiful Basque countryside of Gipuzkoa province in northern Spain.  I've made a video of the journey here already and now here's my diary of impressions of the trip at the half-way point.  It's an insight into life at an intensive summer language school and an account of … [Read more...]

Back in an on-line language learning group or “Carry on Basque” as Add1Challenge 5 kicks off

By Dr Popkins Leave a Comment

The Add1Challenge on-line language learning club is back and I'm in. The commitment to regular study in round 4 of Brian Kwong's initiative was a great way to give structure to my Basque studies during last summer's break in my night classes at the London Basque Society.  Reporting back daily, weekly and monthly to my study group helped with motivation.  It was also … [Read more...]

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