Have you ever thought about how the language you speak might actually change the way you think? It’s not just about communicating your ideas – the words you use and the grammatical structures you rely on subtly shape your perception of reality. This fascinating concept is known as Linguistic Relativity, and it raises some big…
Month: April 2024
The Power of Reading and Listening when learning a language
Learning a new language is an incredibly rewarding challenge, but it’s understandable to want to find the most effective ways to study. The secret? A dynamic combination of reading and listening! Why You Should Read AND Listen Think about how you continue to master your own native language – you expand your vocabulary through books…
The Joy of Polyglotism: Exploring Languages, Cultures, and Connections
We all know the grind of learning a “necessary” language. For many, that means English – the language of global business, education, and travel. It’s a tough slog filled with irregular verbs, tricky pronunciations, and a whole lot of dedication. But what if I told you that once you’ve reached a comfortable level with that…
How long does it really take to be good at a language?
The desire to learn a new language is universal. Whether it’s for personal enrichment, travel, or professional advancement, the allure of connecting with other cultures and expanding our understanding of the world is undeniable. But how long does the process actually take? The FSI Language Difficulty Chart: A Helpful Guide The Foreign Service Institute (FSI),…
Pronunciation Series #5: Putting It Into Practice – Speaking Confidently
You’ve trained your ears, mastered mouth movements, and overcome tricky sounds. Now, it’s time to take your improved pronunciation out into the real world! Here’s how: The Shadowing Technique This is your secret weapon. Here’s how it works: Self-Recording: Your (Slightly Uncomfortable) Friend Nobody enjoys hearing their own voice played back, but it’s incredibly useful!…
Pronunciation #4: Problem Sounds – Tackling the Usual Suspects
Every language has its tricky sounds, and for English learners, there are a few that tend to cause the most trouble. The first step to improvement is knowing what your troublemakers are! Know Your Enemy Do you find yourself struggling with any of these common problem areas? Don’t Despair, Repair! Let’s use the “th” sounds…