Category: language learning

  • What if you can’t practice with native speakers?

    What if you can’t practice with native speakers?

    If you’re learning a new language and you don’t have access to native speakers, you might feel lost on how to improve your speaking skills. However, there are still effective strategies you can use to make progress on your own. Here are some tips: Listen to Authentic Language Input Without access to native speakers, you…

  • Passive learning, active learning

    Passive learning, active learning

    What is passive learning? Is active learning better? How can you profit from each method?   Passive learning Pros: Language learners profit from ready-made solutions to achieve their learning goals in a time-efficient manner. They receive valuable feedback from teachers or apps. They study a syllabus based on textbooks, language classes, podcasts, websites, e-books, good…

  • “I’m sure I’ve learned it before but I can’t remember it!”

    “I’m sure I’ve learned it before but I can’t remember it!”

    Plan ahead Studying and practicing are good strategies, but they can only take you so far in your language learning journey. At some point, your learning materials will accumulate, information retrieval will get complicated, time and effort will be wasted, your motivation may suffer. Unless searching through your old notes is part of your learning…

  • 4 tips to keep improving during ‘slow learning’ days

    4 tips to keep improving during ‘slow learning’ days

    Learning overload is a normal and natural stage of the learning process. Don’t let it discourage you.   1. If you really can’t study today, then don’t Pressure to focus on your books or learning apps will probably lead to poor results, compared to the effort. Better focus on relaxing activities based on the target…

  • 3 tips for richer vocabulary

    3 tips for richer vocabulary

    1. Prioritize: You don’t need to memorize each and every new word, every time Beginners: First, you need to learn a set of ‘operational’ words, like pronouns, auxiliaries, standard connectors etc, to help you make sense of the language. Then, you can deal with any other vocabulary set, starting form your immediate environment (house, workplace).…

  • 6 tips for learning a language on your own

    6 tips for learning a language on your own

    1. Schedule your study times Think about your work/school schedule and your obligations. You may want to study 5 hours per day, but can you really do it? Mark your available times on your calendar and decide how many of them you can dedicate to learning a foreign language. I am one of those people…