229: Does alcohol make you more fluent in a foreign language?

Andy asks: "I've found that texting really helps fluency in my target language...but does it work for everyone?" In this episode: The benefits of text chat in a foreign language Common expressions Na...

13 Nov 201510min

Shaghayegh asks: "How can I restart learning a language? I haven't studied for 3 months and I'm forgetting everything." In this episode: If you've taken time off, get right back to it! The language i...

10 Nov 20158min

Agnes asks: "I'm learning lots of languages, and it's going fine! Is it really a bad idea to learn more than one language at a time?" In this episode: Always follow your passions If you love learning...

5 Nov 20158min

Greg asks: "How can I self-assess my progress in a language?" In this episode: How to self-assess when there's no exam or course Judge your progress based on goals Topic-based competency Resources m...

3 Nov 201510min

Derek asks: "Even though I don't have much problem reading, I have a lot of problem speaking and understanding while listening. Sometimes I have to ask my colleagues to repeat or to tell me the word t...

29 Okt 201513min

Marie asks: "What software do you use to record your Skype lessons?" In this episode: What software I use to record Skype lessons Mac vs PC Should you record your lessons? What can you do with them? ...

28 Okt 20159min

Andy asks: "Is extensive listening effective?" In this episode: When listening to language too far above your level is unproductive i+1 and why it matters How the same podcast can be effective for be...

22 Okt 201516min

I answer the common question: "Do I need to travel to learn a language? In this episode: Against traveling: As a tourist, you will often find you are spoken to mostly in English Even if you are able ...

20 Okt 201512min