Yearly Archives: 2017

  Last year, I asked 18 different language learning experts and enthusiasts for their favourite tips and techniques of 2016. I published them in a massive round-up article, which became very popular with the language learning community. I was really happy I could help so many of you by relaying those 18 people’s top advice. If you didn’t see it last December, you can read it here: Language Learning Experts’ Favourite Strategies in 2016 This year, I’ve decided to do something different. I’ve looked at loads of articles about language learning published around the web in 2017 and selected 18 […]

Language learning experts’ top tips and advice of 2017

how to not forget vocabulary in a foreign language
How to remember vocabulary in a foreign language This article is not really about memorising vocabulary in a foreign language. If you’re interested in the topic of how to learn or memorise vocabulary effectively, make sure you read my three other posts on this topic: How to learn vocabulary effectively How to learn vocabulary: top tips How to use mnemonics to learn vocabulary in any language What this article is about, though, is how to make sure that you don’t forget the vocabulary you’ve already learned. Or, in other words, how to maintain the vocabulary that you have. How to […]

How to NOT forget vocabulary in a foreign language

how to learn languages from songs
How to learn a language from songs I bet you’ve tried learning a foreign language from your favourite song. ‘Despacito’ anyone? I bet you have tried translating it into English! No? Well, have a go and see what you think… Why am I talking about this anyway? Because although the title of this post is ‘how to learn languages from songs’, I’m also going to cover the topic of ‘is it a good idea to learn languages from songs’. If you’d rather watch my video on this topic, here it is! Otherwise, keep reading. Learning a language from music Don’t […]

How to learn languages from songs

How to learn two languages at the same time Some of you may remember my blog post about how to learn several languages at the same time. It’s a topic that many, many people are interested in for some reason! The post I wrote about it a couple of years ago is actually one of the most popular posts on the 5-Minute Language blog ever. And that’s great! I’m happy to see that so many people want to learn more than one language. But… There are also people who don’t care about being polyglots. They don’t want to learn multiple […]

How to Learn Two Languages at the Same Time

Be less shy when speaking a foreign language
Feeling shy is something most of us have experienced before when trying to speak a foreign language. Some of us feel anxious, not too confident and sometimes even scared. It’s all natural and it’s all part of the journey. But there are some things you can do to overcome the shyness and feel more confident when speaking the language you’re learning. I’ve made a video about this topic so make sure you watch it and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, which is where I post videos like this one regularly. If you’d rather read my tips, then […]

How to be less shy when speaking a foreign language

the dark side of language learning
I don’t know about you but whenever I look for language learning advice online, it all seems so easy. Just do this one thing, then do this other thing, and a little bit of that, and it’ll all be good. It’s one big success story. It’s all positive, motivating and inspiring. But is that a true picture of what it’s like to learn a language? No, it’s not. And nobody seems to be talking about it. Nobody seems to be talking about the dark side of language learning. You keep learning new words and the more you think you know, […]

The Truth About Language Learning Nobody Talks About

are language courses worth your money
When you’re starting to learn a language, you’re probably wondering whether to sign up for a language course or classes. And these things cost money so it’s an important decision to make. Are language courses worth your money? I hope that this article will help you decide for yourself. If you’d rather watch my video on this topic, here it is. Otherwise, continue reading! Are language courses worth your money? Language learners often jump at the idea of joining a language course because it seems like the ultimate solution to their language learning problems. But often, they don’t ask themselves […]

Are language courses worth your money?

how to stop translating words in your head
How to stop translating in your head when speaking a foreign language Stop translating in your head because that’s not what language learning is about. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not that easy at all! Translating in your head – either from your native language or into your native language – when speaking or listening to a foreign language, is something many language learners struggle with. In fact, it’s a very natural thing to do when you first start learning a new language. It’s a habit that somehow develops early on and stays with you for a long, long […]

How to Stop Translating in Your Head

5 facts about language learning backed by science
What I tend to do on this blog is share with you some of the tips and techniques that have worked for me and helped me learn foreign languages effectively. They’re my tips and my opinions, though. And what works for me, won’t always work for everyone else. So, I thought it would be interesting to look into what science has to say about language learning. Here are five fun facts about language learning backed by science! 1. Spaced repetition really works Spaced repetition is a language learning technique that helps you keep the words you learn fresh in your […]

5 Facts about Language Learning Backed by Science

the biggest mistakes language learners make
I’ve written about language learning mistakes before. There are many standard mistakes that we all make at different points of our language learning journeys. But there is one big mistake that I think trumps them all. It’s a mistake that is most likely to stall your progress and prevent you from moving forward. Do you want to find out what it is? Check out the video! Or, if you’d rather read about it, scroll down and continue reading. The biggest language learning mistake I can think of is being comfortable. For many of us, being comfortable is what we strive […]

The Biggest Mistake Language Learners Make

how many words do you need to speak a foreign language
How many bricks do you need to build a house? How many steps do you need to take from your living room to your kitchen? How many eggs do you need to make an omelette? How easy is it to answer these questions? It’s quite straightforward. They are three tasks that require a specific number of things (bricks, steps, eggs) to get them accomplished. I’d probably use three eggs to make an omelette for myself – and maybe five if I was making one for two people. Easy question – easy answer! So, how many words do you need to […]

How Many Words Do You Need to Speak a Foreign Language?

5 books every language learner should read
The 23 April 2017 is World Book and Copyright Day. To mark this occasion, I’ve decided to share with you my 5 favourite books that I think you should read if you want to become a more effective language learner. I’ve also made a video in which I share some extra details about the books. Make sure you watch it as well and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel: Are you ready to look at the 5 books every language learner should read? Let’s get started! 1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People What is it? A classic in […]

5 Books Every Language Learner Should Read

most common spelling mistakes in English
Most common spelling mistakes in English Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  Here’s a list of the most common spelling mistakes in English. And it’s not only English learners that struggle with them. Even native speakers often find it difficult to remember how to spell these words! Enjoy the infographic! 30 Most Common Spelling Mistakes in English – INFORGRAPHIC Click To Tweet Are you learning English? Head over to the 5-Minute Language Youtube channel for free videos for English learners! Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  […]

30 Most Common Spelling Mistakes in English [infographic]

what is the easiest language to learn
What is the easiest language to learn? It’s a question many people ask me. Many people want to know what the easiest language to learn is before they start learning their first foreign language. Other people may be wondering what the easiest language to learn is when choosing their second or third foreign language. It’s a very important question. But it’s also a very difficult one to answer. Let’s have a go at answering it, though – shall we? Before we do that, though, I just want to let you know that if you prefer, you can watch the video below […]

What Is the Easiest Language to Learn?

how to start a blog
In February this year, my blog 5-Minute Language turned two! Time really does fly! It’s been a great couple of years of sharing my passion with you guys and interacting with you. Running the blog has also enabled me to meet a lot of interesting language learners, including other language bloggers, collaborate on projects and start new friendships. I’ve also learned a whole lot of stuff about blogging in the past two years. So, in this post I’d like to share with you everything I know about how to start a blog. Here’s your complete guide! How to Start a Blog  […]

Your Complete Guide to Starting a Blog

language learning addict
Are you worried that you or someone you know might be addicted to learning languages? Well, before you make your final diagnosis, use the guidance below to check their symptoms! And don’t worry – being a language learning addict is not a bad thing after all! 1. You delete holiday photos from your phone to make some space for language apps Because who cares about memories when you can get the latest version of Duolingo, right?   2. You’re happy to watch really bad films just because they’re foreign You have the time of your life and your friends be like:   […]

8 Signs You’re Addicted to Learning Languages

English Phrasal Verbs Every Learner Should Know Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  Do you ever feel unwell when somebody mentions English phrasal verbs? Well… I know many English learners do – you’re not the only one! I want to help you become a phrasal verb pro and that’s why I’m starting a new series on the 5-Minute Language YouTube channel, focused specifically on English phrasal verbs! Are you excited? I am! In the first video in this series, I discuss 5 English phrasal verbs you need to know if you want to speak […]

5 Phrasal Verbs You Need to Know to Speak English Like a Native

get fluent
If you’re really serious about making progress in the language or languages you’re learning, consider giving up all of these six things. 1.Stop thinking fluency is your only goal Fluency is a big word. It’s actually massive. Let’s face it – if fluency is your only goal, you’ll be massively overwhelmed. Imagine this: you’ve never been out for a run in your life and you want to get into running to improve your overall fitness. Do you enter a marathon straight away? What’s your answer to this? Well, mine would be – no way! I’d probably give up my dream […]

6 Things You Need to Stop Doing Immediately if You Want to Get Fluent

lose your accent
Many language learners believe that losing your foreign accent when speaking another language is a sign of fluency in that language. I know many of you are interested in this topic because my article on how to sound more like a native speaker is a very popular one! However, is losing your own accent when speaking a foreign language is really something you should be aiming for? Watch my video to find out! Don’t forget to subscribe to the 5-Minute Language YouTube channel as well – more similar videos coming soon! Should you lose your foreign accent when speaking another […]

Should You Try to Lose Your Foreign Accent?

how to be fluent in english
Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email.  Here’s a new video for all of you language learners who are learning English! I discuss my favourite strategies for getting to fluency in English. So, if you’re wondering how to be fluent in English, make sure you check it out! Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos about learning English! Get your free English grammar booklet and regular lessons from me by email. 

3 Things You Must Do to Be Fluent in English

language learning myths
There are so many myths when it comes to language learning that I decided to make a video to tell you guys the truth! Check it out and let me what you think in the comments below!

5 Biggest Language Learning Myths

how to learn vocabulary effectively
I started 2017 with a commitment to learn Japanese more consistently. I’m doing this with many of you as part of The Vocab Club – my free programme that aims to help you stick to your language learning resolutions. I’m really excited about this – thank you to those of you who have signed up already! If you haven’t sign up yet – you can still enter your name and email and I’ll let you know when the next round of the programme opens 🙂 For me, learning vocabulary is probably the most important (and the most enjoyable!) element of acquiring […]

How to Learn Vocabulary Effectively: Top Tips