Yearly Archives: 2016

Language experts reveal their top language learning strategies in 2016 I can’t believe there are only a couple of days left of 2016! It’s been an interesting year in many different ways and I’m sure you guys have made a lot of progress in at least one area of your language learning. What’s a better way to celebrate the transition to 2017 than to gather advice from some of the most interesting language learners and bloggers out there. I’ve asked 17 people what their number one language learning strategy was in 2016 and here are their answers! 18 language experts […]

Language Learning Experts’ Favourite Strategies in 2016

most popular on 5-minute language in 2016
It’s almost the end of December and it’s time to look back over 2016! This post celebrates the five most popular articles on 5-Minute Language in 2016. The five articles most read by you guys! Thank you for supporting 5-Minute Language this year – it means a lot to me! So, let’s get started! Top 5 Most Popular Language Learning Articles on 5-Minute Language in 2016 Click To Tweet 1. 10 Things Monolingual People Will Never Understand  This one is a real gem – it’s the most popular article on 5-Minute Language in 2016, and the second most popular ever! It’s […]

Your Top 5 Favourite Posts on 5-Minute Language in 2016

learning languages
Mistakes, preconceptions and limiting beliefs – we all make them and have them, and we should share them to help other people make a better start! So, here they are – the 7 things I wish I’d known before I started learning foreign languages. I hope they can help you on your journey! 1. You use 20% of words 80% of the time When people start learning foreign languages, the temptation often is to learn as many words as possible. A lot of new words often seems like a lot of progress. I was trapped in the same kind of […]

7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started Learning Languages

Welcome to episode 3 of the 5-Minute Language Podcast! In this episode, I discuss a technique that has really helped me improve my confidence when speaking foreign languages. I call it ‘echoing’. This technique is particularly useful when you’re feeling a little bit shy and finding it hard to join in a conversation. So, what is ‘echoing’ and how can it help you improve your speaking skills? Listen to the episode to find out! Subscribe: iTunes Thanks for supporting the 5-Minute Language podcast. If you’d like to help me out, here’s what you can do: Subscribe to the podcast on […]

5ML 003: Improve Your Speaking Skills with ‘Echoing’

learn multiple languages
Use a language you already know to learn multiple languages In this article, I’m going to show you exactly how you can make the most of any language you already know to learn another language, or to learn several languages! Think you don’t know any languages already? You do – you know your native language. And yes – you can use your native language to learn many other languages. Are you with me? Let’s look into the details of what that means.   1. Look for similarities in vocabulary More often than not, your native language (or any other language you […]

4 Ways to Use a Language You Know to Learn Another Language

is motivation important when learning a language
Welcome to episode 2 of the 5-Minute Language podcast! In this episode, I discuss the question of whether motivation is really important when learning a language. I’ve got a perhaps slightly controversial view on this… Listen to the podcast to find out what it is and let me know if you agree!     Subscribe: iTunes Thanks for supporting the 5-Minute Language podcast. If you’d like to help me out, here’s what you can do: Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes Ask me a question about language learning in the comments below – I’ll try to answer it in one […]

5ML 002: Is Motivation Important When Learning a Language?

how to start learning a language
Hello dear Language Learner! I’m really excited to introduce you to the brand new 5-Minute Language Podcast! The first episode is about how to start learning a new language. I give you a tip relating to the first step you should take when learning a new language. I’m really keen for this podcast to become something that we create together. If there’s anything you’d like me to discuss in future episodes, don’t hesitate to get in touch!   Subscribe: iTunes Thanks so much for listening! If you’d like to support the podcast, here’s what you can do: Subscribe to the […]

5ML 001: How to Start Learning a New Language

Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  English articles are something that many learners struggle with, especially if their native language doesn’t have them. That’s why I thought I’d write this brief overview of how to use definite and indefinite articles in English. As I’m sure you already know, the two types of articles in English are: the definite article (the) and the indefinite article (a/an). They are used in front of nouns (such as ‘a house’, ‘the book’) and I’m about to give you some rules as to when you should use each […]

How to use ‘a’ and ‘the’ in English

overcome fear of speaking
Speaking – it’s tough! We’re all in the same boat, though. You’re not the only person who’s feeling that way. It takes courage to get started. It can be overwhelming. But… I’ve got good news for you – you can do it! When I moved to France in 2007, I thought I had what I needed. I’d been learning French for about four years at that point. I could easily read novels in French, including Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust, and I was also getting into graphic novels. I had a lot of vocabulary – both formal and informal – […]

Overcome the Fear of Speaking in 3 Easy Steps

You don’t have time for language learning, right? Let me tell you something – you don’t need huge amounts of time to make progress in the language you’re learning. There are plenty of things you could be doing to move your learning forward, even if they only take five or ten minutes. The philosophy behind 5-Minute Language is that you can learn languages even if you have a busy lifestyle. Too many people feel held back by their other commitments and they put off learning until they’re free. Will they ever be free? Will they have more time? Maybe the […]

10 Language Learning Activities That Take 5 Minutes or Less

4 essential strategies for english learners
Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  If you’re reading this, then you’re probably hoping to become a better English learner. That’s great! With this in mind, I’ve written this article which sets out four essential vocabulary learning strategies that will help you become a more fluent and confident English speaker. Read on to find out what they are! 1. Learn collocations Collocations are two or more words that usually go together. These combinations of words sound natural and ‘right’ to native English speakers. That’s why it’s important for you to learn them – […]

4 Essential Strategies for English Learners

10 things monolingual people will never understand
1. Wanting to learn a language for no reason whatsoever Yes, I’m learning Haitian Creole. No, I’m not going to Haiti. And I’m not married to a person from Haiti. And I’m not working with people from Haiti. I just like the sound of their language!  2. That feeling when you walk into a language bookshop And it’s like walking into a sweet shop as a child. It’s magic. 3. That feeling when you’re watching a foreign film and you spot a mistake in the subtitles They always mistranslate X – they should know better! 4. The urge to buy […]

10 Things Monolingual People Will Never Understand

how to learn a language fast
Hey you, language learner! So you want to learn a language fast?   Well, let me tell you something: I’ve got good news and bad news for you. Which one do you want to hear first?   Let’s start with a little bit of good news then.   You can learn a foreign language faster than you think. It doesn’t take years to learn a language.   You’re probably thinking:   ‘But I’ve been learning French since secondary school and I still don’t get it right.’   ‘So why does it take years to complete a university degree in a […]

How to Learn a Language Fast

5 ways to succeed as a language learner
How to Learn a Foreign Language? How to learn a foreign language? This question is a big one – I’m sure you’ll agree with me! However, in order to break it down and provide you with at least a little bit of an answer, I’ve created a video listing my top 5 ways to succeed as a language learner. Check it out and let me know what you think! And, if you’re not subscribed to the 5-Minute Language YouTube channel, here’s your chance to do so! It only takes a second 🙂 In the video, I refer to my article […]

5 Ways to Succeed As a Language Learner

Are you too strict with yourself when learning languages?
  In the last year or so, the internet has been flooded with blogs about productivity, smart thinking, smart learning, optimising your routines, increasing your effectiveness, developing good habits and so on, and so on.   This seems to be a trend that’s here to stay – it can be applied to the way we work, the way we eat, the way we organise our daily lives, and, of course, the way we study foreign languages.   Put procrastination in the closet because you won’t need it for a while (or, ideally, ever again!).   Being productive is good but… […]

Are You Too Strict With Yourself When Learning Languages?

24 euro 2016 countries' names in their main languages
The European Football Championships start in France this week and it’s a great opportunity to learn a little bit more about the participating countries and their languages. That’s why I’ve created a fun infographic that lists the 24 participating countries and their names in the main languages that are spoken in each one. So, if you’re watching any of the games with people who are from another country, you may find this infographic useful when cheering their team on! Have fun and good luck to your team! A little disclaimer – I know that each of the countries below has […]

Euro 2016: The 24 Countries’ Names in Their Main Languages [Infographic]

How to choose language learning resources You want to start learning a new language and you’re wondering where to start. Or maybe you’re already learning but would like to move up a level and need some resources which are more challenging. I’m sure we’ve all been there before. I recently started learning Japanese and I was in this exact same situation – I needed some resources! There’s a sea of resources out there – both paid and free – and it’s difficult to choose what’s best for you, especially when you don’t have any experience of learning the language you […]

How to Choose Language Learning Resources

How to learn vocabulary effectively webinar
Free Webinar: How to Learn Vocabulary Guys! I’m hosting a free webinar on how to learn vocabulary effectively! It’s on the 7th of June 2016 – very soon – and I’m very excited! I’m going to focus on three crucial aspects of learning vocabulary effectively: Memorisation (with tips for those of you who struggle to remember new words) Putting new words to work straight away Recalling new words from memory when you need them Want to know more (or even join me for the webinar!)? Sign up through the link below! There will be a special bonus for those of […]

How to Learn Vocabulary: Free Webinar

Polish noun genders: how to recognise and learn them Polish noun genders are something that you may be confused about but fear not – I’m about to give you an easy-to-digest introduction to what Polish noun genders are all about! If you’d like to learn Polish from scratch, make sure you check out my beginners course. What’s a noun gender? A noun gender is a quality of a noun (such as an object or a person, for example) that denotes whether it’s feminine, masculine or neutral. I know this sounds weird when you’re a native English speaker and haven’t learned […]

Polish Noun Genders: How To Learn Them

learn foreign languages effectively
Learn Foreign Languages Effectively   Over the past year, I’ve been working on a huge project which is all about you guys. I code-named it Project Dragonfly.   I’m really, really excited to finally be able to tell you what it’s about!   Do you remember when you first started learning languages?   Do you remember what difference it made to your life?   Do you remember how that felt?   I’m sure you do! It’s an amazing feeling that we, language learners, share.   And that’s why I’m here – to help you recreate this feeling over and over […]

Language Learner Pro: Launch

5 Skills that will make you successful in a language career
Want to be a language teacher, language app developer, translator, or anything else that involves using languages in your job? Take a look at the five essential skills you will need to be successful in a language career, and some tips on how you can develop them! Listening skills Good active listening skills will help you win friends and become successful in any career. Active listening is about showing you care, empathising with the person you’re listening to, and building productive relationships with people. If you’re working in languages, here’s how being a good listener can help you: If you’re […]

5 Skills That Will Make You Successful in a Language Career

The 12 Most Common Mistakes Language Learners Make This post is not about making language mistakes. It’s about mistakes relating to your learning process as you learn a foreign language. Making mistakes is fine, and it’s a necessary aspect of learning anything. I still remember the first ‘flat’ cake I baked – it was burnt on the outside and undercooked inside. I’ve gone a long way since that day and my cakes are much more fluffy now. However, if I continued to set the temperature in my oven too high, I’d be reducing my chances of baking delicious cheesecakes. Do […]

The 12 Most Common Mistakes Language Learners Make and How to Fix Them

how to choose which words to learn in a foreign language
How to choose which words to learn in a foreign language I recently started learning Japanese – a language I knew nothing about. ‘Where do I start?’, I thought to myself. What words should I be learning? I’m sure you often ask yourself a similar question whenever you pick up your vocabulary notebook or plan your vocabulary learning sessions. How to choose which words to learn in a foreign language? My experience of learning languages shows that in a lot of language learning settings, a very traditional approach to learning vocabulary is favoured. This approach involves learning sets of easy, […]

How to Choose Which Words to Learn in a Foreign Language

6 things successful language learners never believe
Do you sometimes feel that something hard to define is stopping you from making progress in the language you’re learning? Do you feel that you’re putting in the effort but things are not working out as you would want them to? Perhaps you’re bothered by limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are things that we make ourselves believe, and which constrain us in some way or stop us from achieving our true potential. Let’s take a look at some limiting beliefs that many of us may sometimes hold. By naming them, you can take your first step on the way to getting […]

6 Things Successful Language Learners Never Believe

how to learn japanese
How to Learn Japanese My latest language mission (which I started about four weeks ago so it’s not really my new year’s resolution) is to learn Japanese. I’ll be travelling to Japan in March and I’d really like to be able to get to a stage where I can: Introduce myself, say where I’m from and understand my conversation partner’s response Have a basic conversation about what I like, ask my conversation partner what they like and understand their response Ask for information (e.g. a food/drink recommendation in a restaurant or whether a tourist site is worth visiting) and ask for […]

How to Learn Japanese: New Year’s Language Mission