Learning a language can cast a spell on you.
But while it’s fun and exciting to learn any language, not all languages are equally useful for every learner.
So if you’re asking yourself, “what language should I learn?” …
If you’re interested in language learning, you’ve likely seen Duolingo’s little green owl.
Duolingo is an incredibly popular app. But does it live up to the hype?
In the Duolingo review below, I weigh the pros and cons of the …
You can calibrate the exact right amount of swing in your hips to look cool while salsa dancing.
You can carry so many beer mugs they’re tried to recruit you as a server for Oktoberfest.
You can whip up instant …
It’s one of your best friends.
It’s always there when you need it.
But can it really help you learn a language?
Well, if your TV is your best friend, it might as well also become your best learning buddy.…
They give you a break from reality.
They take you on exciting adventures.
They show that true love can overcome any barriers.
But can they really help you learn a language?
Learning a language with movies is undoubtedly one of …
Listening to music is so much more than just a fun way to pass the time.
Music is an integral part of your life, so why not add some learner-friendly tracks to your study routine and learn a new language …
Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “Boy, I learned a lot from that?”
Unless you watch a lot of documentaries, you probably haven’t.
And that’s okay.
I mean, who really needs to know how to survive a day …
Italki may be the talk of the town among anyone looking for an online language tutor or a conversation exchange partner.
But in spite of its many benefits, it isn’t the only choice on the market.
In fact, …
Just because they’re totally beguiling doesn’t mean they’re your soulmate.
No, we’re not talking about that person you just swiped right on.
We’re talking about language learning tools.
And while popular options are undoubtedly attractive, there are plenty of fish …
If you’re a high school student looking for rapid language improvement and a life-changing adventure, there’s nothing quite like a language program.
High school language programs offer focused education that aims to improve your language skills rapidly.
You may even …
One of the most exciting things you can do in college is learning a foreign language.
Aside from the tons of benefits to being bilingual, knowing a second language can actually help you land a job after you graduate.…
You can’t get something for nothing.
That saying is simply not true! You can use some terrific language iPhone apps and Android apps for free.
Sure, a lot of these apps can’t take you all the way to fluency, but …
“This is impossible for me…maybe I’ll just give up.”
A short, impactful statement that’s a hallmark symptom of the nasty bug known as self-doubt.
And if you catch it while you’re trying to learn a new language, it can …
Some things are irreplaceable.
You can’t exchange your mostly-eaten box of cereal for a brand new box.
You can’t trade in your beat-up Ford Pinto for a brand new BMW.
But sometimes, the right substitution can be great. If you’re …
Being cool ain’t easy.
You have to buy all the latest fashions even if it means there’s only room in your budget for a closet-sized apartment.
You have no choice but to eat all the latest Instagrammable foods, even if …
Every now and then, it’s time for a change.
This is especially true in language education. Sometimes, you need a change. Whether you’re using online courses, apps or conventional courses, even if you love what you’ve been using, you …
Expecto Learnonum!
Okay, maybe that’s not a real spell, but it should be.
After all, “Harry Potter” can help you learn languages, and we’re not just talking about Parseltongue.
Of all the language learning books on the market, it’s possible …
When your language teachers and tutors advise you to get more writing practice, it can be hard to follow their guidance.
If your daily life isn’t action-packed, keeping a diary in your target language can get boring and repetitive, …
If you’re living in the 21st century (as most of us are) and reading this, your phone is likely your most trusted companion.
Between your favorite apps and all of its other terrific features, your phone is a tour de …
The language of love is deep, complex and beautiful.
…But so is actually learning a language!
And there might be nothing better than infusing your learning with an extra dose of love and romance (and no, we don’t just …
Shopping for anything can be tough.
And shopping for an online language learning course can be especially complicated. There is a nearly infinite number of options.
Choosing which foreign language to learn was hard enough. How can you ever …
Sometimes, emergencies happen.
You just can’t avoid them.
While fires, medical issues and catastrophic events like Starbucks discontinuing your favorite drink might seem life-threatening, one emergency is more awkward and embarrassing than all the rest.
Yes. Bathroom emergencies.
And when …
Everyone has a dream.
Or maybe a sueño.
Or perhaps yours is a мечта.
Or a rêve.
But if you really enjoy toggling between all these options, there’s a strong chance that your dream is being a translator.
In …
Learning a language for free isn’t for everyone.
You might want the credits and/or the experience of a more formal education.
However, studying a language in college can be pricey and not everyone can afford it. In addition to …
Xenoglossophobia: The fear of foreign languages.
When it comes to using a foreign language, even many well-educated speakers get sweaty palms, an upset stomach and the urge to find the nearest hiding place.
And beyond just making you feel uncomfortable, …
If you’re looking for a language learning app for your Android phone, I’ll bet you’re staring down a whole lot of choices.
With so many apps, how can you tell which are going to maximize your learning?
Android apps …
Any language learner can tell you that they forget some information over time.
You might remember common vocabulary words but forget some of your more advanced expressions, or you could eventually even forget your target language altogether.
So why not …
When it comes to these three amazing free online translators, everyone is a winner.
They’re chock-full of features, they offer great translations and they’re difficult to match in quality.
They even have their own translation apps so …
Among language students, Duolingo certainly has a reputation as being one of the cool kids.
Using spaced repetition, Duolingo presents students with material in an organized manner designed to maximize learning while minimizing time and effort.
But …
Movies can teach you a lot.
They can show you how to fight for what you want.
They can help you learn magical spells to fix your glasses and/or make your nemesis suffer.
They can even teach you how to …
Family can be the greatest gift you ever receive.
It can also be the reason you have to ask what the puddle in the corner of the living room is (please say apple juice, please say apple juice) and who …
Life is full of social situations.
From social media to getting to know co-workers to hanging out with friends, chances are that being social has infiltrated all areas of your life.
Whether or not you want it to.
And …
It’s the stuff of nightmares.
You don’t feel well, and you know you need to see a doctor.
But when you get there, everyone is speaking a strange language you don’t understand.
To make matters worse, no one seems to …
App envy: The sudden onset of covetousness upon seeing someone has a cool app that you don’t have.
Symptoms: Secretly playing with said app when that someone leaves their device unattended. Intense desire to download app for oneself.
Treatment: Only …
It’s a question that has plagued mankind since the beginning of time.
Okay, maybe the beginning of time is a bit of an exaggeration.
But it’s a question that’s probably plagued mankind for the last 50,000 to two million years…
Sometimes you have to play with the cards you’ve been dealt.
All you can do is go with the flow and hope to make the best of the situation.
This is true for learning a language and many other things …
The human hand is an amazing thing.
It has 27 bones and can do a wide array of important tasks, including performing surgery, typing and making lewd gestures at bad drivers.
But there’s one problem with hands: the vast majority …
Adventure.
Intrigue.
Romance (maybe).
No, we’re not talking about the latest big screen hit.
We’re talking about studying a language abroad.
While it might not have the star power or the dramatic background music of your favorite film, learning …
Have you decided you want to learn a language?
Maybe more than one?
Maybe you even want to learn… all kinds of different languages?
Well, that’s great news! Give yourself a pat on the back!
But now what?
Now, …
Life can be confusing.
Sometimes you can’t guess what’ll happen next.
Sometimes you can’t understand what you just saw.
Sometimes you don’t even know what’s happening at all.
Wouldn’t it be nice if some explanation would just pop up in …
High school.
It’s when you realize who you are, chart the course for your future and finally give up on your dream of becoming the world’s first kid astronaut.
Plus, you study… a lot.
And there aren’t many courses that …
It’s one of the biggest obstacles for language learners.
I’ve got all the right books… tons of vocabulary flashcards… I’m signed up for an awesome online course…
But I can’t find anyone to actually speak with!
If you’re learning …
Everyone wants the picture-perfect movie ending.
You know the one—the music swells, the main character smiles, the credits roll as you pick the razor-sharp popcorn hulls from your gums.
But to get to that picture-perfect ending, the main character had …
Do you think learning a language should be fun?
That’s music to our ears.
Music and language go together like peanut butter and jelly but without the risk of anaphylactic shock (unless you’re allergic to fun ways of learning).
Yes, …
Unce unce unce…
It’s time to hit the clubs.
But rather than leaving you with ringing ears and a spinning head, these clubs will leave you with something even better: language skills.
That’s right—we’re talking about language learning clubs. …
No one ever said “I need to have less fun.”
There’s a good reason for that.
Who can resist a good time?
And when it comes to language learning, having fun while learning does as much for your education as …
Looking for a novel way to learn a language?
Need an approach that’s bound to improve your reading skills?
Well, then, you’ll want to book it to your favorite website to order foreign language books.
Reading foreign books is …
Your Pinterest board doesn’t need to be on point.
A glue gun may seem like an instrument of torture to you.
You can even have a pathological aversion to glitter. It’s only natural.
But whether or not you’re crafty by …
You are getting sleepy.
You are getting very, very sleepy.
You will only respond to innovative language learning techniques.
When you read “you are getting sleepy,” did you immediately picture a swinging watch or hypnotic swirl? We did.
But hypnosis…
They interact like humans, but they’re not human.
They’re built of the latest technology, tweaked and reworked to perfection.
But don’t call them “hosts” or expect them to let you shoot them over and over again—this isn’t “Westworld.”
We’re talking …
Mickey and Minnie.
Tom and Jerry.
Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Some couples go together naturally—kind of like cartoons and language learning.
Okay, so they might not sound as cutesy together as your favorite cartoon couple, but cartoons and language …
Oh no… what do I say now?!
Avoiding awkward silences can be tough enough in your own language, let alone a language exchange.
Sometimes, you’re scrambling for a polite response.
Sometimes, you’re not sure you actually understood what your conversation …
You make many choices every day.
What will you do today?
What toppings will you put on your frozen yogurt?
What size coffee will you order?
But one decision might have even more impact than how much caffeine you want …
Language learners have the best kind of problem.
There are just so many wonderful languages out there, all beautiful and challening in their own way.
You may be asking yourself, “what language should I learn?” but how …
The future is now.
You can watch a 3D TV from the comfort of your couch.
You can morph your face from the comfort of your phone.
Hands-free devices allow you to focus more fully on your taco consumption.…
Watching stuff on Roku is entertaining… but not always productive.
Studying a language is productive… but not always entertaining.
But what if you want it both ways?
Can’t we have our fun and get fluent, too?
Luckily, learning a …
You never see them coming.
They get you LOLing and even ROFLing.
Let’s face facts: sometimes messing up is the highlight of your day.
While some language mistakes are funny, if your goal is fluency, you’ll have to work …
All your hard work in kindergarten really paid off.
You were just a little kid. Yet you spent hours dedicated to learning the English alphabet.
Mastering those ABCs like a tiny boss.
Now you’re all grown up and looking to …
Sometimes a foreign language makes you do a double take.
There’s something familiar about it you just can’t place.
You haven’t studied it, but you’re able to understand a little.
What’s going on?
Well, so-called “foreign” languages aren’t always as …
Sometimes, you just need a jump start on your language studies, and an app can help spark like into your learner battery.
Popular apps for language learners provide a wide array of learning options covering virtually any language you …
Countries across Central and Eastern Europe have a lot in common.
And we’re not just talking about an overwhelming fondness for pickled and fermented foods.
In fact, the Slavic language unites countries across the region under a banner of …
You’re up-to-date on all the trends.
You watch trending hashtags obsessively.
You know all the latest fashions.
You’ve even single-handedly kept avocado farmers in business with your affinity for avocado toast.
But there’s one trend you may have overlooked: slang.…
Ever thought of embracing your inner child to help improve your language skills?
There are tons of great learning resources intended for children.
A lot of language students are learning a language by reading books, and children’s books …
College.
It’s a time for parties, required courses and decisions you’ll regret.
But there’s one thing you should never regret: learning a second language.
A lot of colleges and universities require language education before you graduate.
Even if your …
Some language learners are leading double lives.
They switch between languages willy-nilly, sometimes with only a quick sideways glance to confirm.
Yeah, they play it so cool.
And they’re admired and envied by many.
That’s because a double life isn’t …
What if there were a way to expand your business massively?
What if employees had an easier time making the deals your business needs to thrive?
What if company retreats could suddenly get a whole lot cooler and more international?…
When you hear “the notebook,” what do you think of?
Romance?
Drama?
A shirtless Ryan Gosling?
Well, we’re here to forever change the meaning of “the notebook.” That’s because it’s time to start your own that’s specifically for language learning.…
In the world of language apps, Duolingo seems to have it all.
It’s fun.
It’s fast paced.
It’s flashy (well, flashcardy).
And if you love Duolingo, chances are you can’t get enough of it. It’s one of the more popular …
When you look closely at it, English is practically a foreign language in and of itself.
Try squinting.
You’ll notice that an awful lot of English words that come from other languages!
But that’s just friendly sharing! We all do …
YouTube. It’s everyone’s favorite video sharing site.
But YouTube is for so much more than uploading videos of ill-advised stunts.
It’s also a language student’s dream come true.
An endless supply of free learning material? Yes, please!
With YouTube, you …
“There’s no place like home.”
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
“Winter is coming.”
Whether you mean for them to or not, chances are your favorite quotes work their way into your daily life.
But quotes …
Language courses can be daunting.
Whether it’s the price, the convenience or even just the uncomfortable plastic chairs, taking a language course can have its drawbacks.
But when you’re learning a language as an adult, sometimes you need a …
On the surface, they seem elegantly simple.
But underneath, a complex network of parts must work in perfect harmony.
That’s how a system works.
Take, for example, the solar system. If you stare at the moon, it seems so peaceful. …
Sleep.
It’s a time to relax.
It’s a time to recharge.
It’s a time to dream about showing up in your high school math class wearing nothing but an octopus and a smile.
But can it also be a time …
To complete any project, you need the right tool for the job.
You wouldn’t try to pound in a nail with a wrench, would you?
When it comes to language learning, there’s so much more in your toolbox than just …
You remember when you were young and dreamed big.
Now those elusive dream jobs loom haughtily in the distance and seem further away than they’ve ever been.
They taunt you as you stock shelves, file paperwork or repeat for the …
Classifications may seem kind of stuffy.
Nerdy, even.
But they’re super important.
They’re used to distinguish between different animal species.
They’re used to organize libraries so you can find your favorite book easily.
Heck, they’re even used to declare …
Asking questions is essential in daily life.
You ask questions in school to learn more about a subject.
You ask questions at restaurants to decide what you want to order.
You ask questions at parties to distract people as you …
As an intermediate learner, there are certain challenges you’ll face.
Whether you’re an intermediate Spanish learner or an intermediate German learner, the road ahead probably looks quite similar…and sometimes quite daunting.
But it’s okay since you can totally …
They’re as thick as thieves.
They’re so similar that sometimes even their friends mistake them for one another.
Yes, there are some languages that have an awful lot in common.
While it’s totally awkward when they get called by each …
“Okay, class. Today, we have a test.”
Those classic words probably send shivers down your spine as you flashback to bad high school memories and torturous study sessions.
But get the visions of acne, frenemies and lifelong trauma out of …
When you think of a lab, what do you picture?
Do you think of white lab coats and safety goggles?
Do you think of beakers and test tubes full of dangerous or potentially life-saving liquids?
Do you think of a …
Delivery!
Here’s that large slice of listening practice you ordered.
“I don’t need any more listening practice. My listening skills are perfect.”
Said no language student ever.
And there’s a good reason for that.
Listening skills are incredibly important, …
The world is full of pod people.
No, not aliens—podcast fans.
And if you’re looking to learn a language, at some point, you’re bound to become a pod person.
That’s because these audio resources are tremendously useful for language acquisition…
Social networks are supposed to show us the freshest updates on our friend groups and in the world, right?
So why is it that each day’s newsfeed seems so much like the last?
Pictures of babies…
News posts and comment …
Being around friends is the best.
They support you when you’re down.
They laugh at your jokes even if they aren’t funny.
They’ll even tell you you’re totally justified in being angry that unicorn-themed food just isn’t magical enough.
But …
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Do you jump out of bed bright and alert, or do you get moving after the sun is way up and all the coffee has kicked in?
Everyone works, thinks and …
A dash of study scheduling.
Mix in some authentic target language media.
And don’t forget a heaping cup of learning motivation.
The recipe for language learning perfection is easier to follow than you think!
Now, it’s true that you don’t …
At its best, language learning is like a really fun road trip.
You’re absorbing new sights and sounds while feeling intrepid and free.
And while you’re probably not thinking about it too hard, helpful road signs are there to …
Learning a new language can feel like you’re walking in a minefield and trying to avoid errors at all costs.
They’re everywhere, and if you stumble on one, you’re sure that everything you know about a language could blow …
Across the world, they’re dying out at a rapid rate.
Many that remain are on the brink of extinction.
No, we aren’t talking about the world’s diverse and threatened flora and fauna. We’re talking about languages.
And while you might …
You’ve heard the big names: Chinese, Spanish, English.
But have you heard of Lahnda? What about Telugu?
This may come as a surprise, but Lahnda (or Western Punjabi) and Telugu are, respectively, the 11th and 12th most commonly spoken …
Let’s have a talk.
In your native language, that’s probably not too intimidating.
But if we asked you to have a talk in your target language, your heart might start to race a little.
That’s because communicating in your target …
You’ve already come so far with your language learning.
In theory, having learned even some of a language is pretty great.
The view from the intermediate level should be beautiful.
But it’s hard to enjoy the view when you’ve hit …
Sometimes you just don’t have the right word.
You can stammer and gesticulate, but without the right word, you’ll be like a fish out of whatever-it-is-that-fish-live-in.
And the unfortunate thing is that sometimes the word you’re looking for simply doesn’t …
If you’ve ever struggled in your language studies, then you’ve got something in common with Thomas Jefferson.
The third president of the U.S. managed to learn four languages, but he kept books in several more—and ultimately had trouble achieving …
Want to create your own world using nothing but 3D blocks? There’s a game for that.
Want to help a plumber rescue a princess? There’s a game for that.
Want to smash cute candies into smithereens? Yeah, there’s a really …
Childhood.
It’s a time of wonderment, fun and inexplicably sticky hands.
Once you’re an adult, you may find yourself reminiscing about childhood, but you can never go back. Or can you?
No, we’re not proposing you use a time machine …
