You Can Learn That Language Blog

My Trick for Not Losing Motivation When I Study a Foreign Language

I want to talk about something that's absolutely essential for me in my language learning journey, particularly with my Russian studies. For me, Russian is a nightmare language to learn due to its grueling grammar and its classification as a level three difficulty by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). It's completely different from all the level one languages I've learned up until now, such as Swedish, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Italian, French, and Dutch. Read More

2023-09-20
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Learning More Languages, Language Maintenance

How to Not "Lose" a Language You're Not Studying Actively

I'd like to share a really simple trick for those who want to keep a language in maintenance mode. For example, I've reached a certain level of proficiency in Swedish, which I would say is pretty decent. While I could spend more time studying it, I currently have a weekly language lesson every Sunday, where I engage in free-form conversation in Swedish for an hour. This helps keep the language alive in my mind and prevents me from losing it. Read More

2023-09-20
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Learning More Languages

Should You Learn More Than One Language at a Time?

I'd like to delve into the age-old question of whether it's advisable to learn more than one language simultaneously. This is a common query I receive, and I believe it's important to explore the advantages and disadvantages of tackling multiple languages at the same time. Read More

2023-09-20
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Memorization, Copying

A Ridiculously Simple Trick to Improve Assimilation

I want to share an idea I came across on another language learning website, Innovative Languages. It's a simple but effective technique that I'm excited to integrate into my own language learning journey: copying. Read More

Language Bootstrapping and the Magical Crossover

In this post, I want to discuss another amazing experience you can have when learning a language: bootstrapping. The term "bootstrapping" comes from computer science and is also used in the context of starting a company. In the realm of language learning, bootstrapping refers to the process of starting one way until you can reach the stage where you're able to continue in the desired way. Read More

Losing Your Language Virginity

In this post, I want to share a personal and unique language learning experience I've had - one that I believe many language learners might not have the chance to experience in their lifetime. I call this experience "losing your language virginity." Before I go any further, I want to clarify that this is not a sexual thing; it's a term I've chosen to describe a moment of profound connection with a language and its speakers. Read More

Using Self Study to Heal From Past Traumatic Academic Experiences

In this post, I want to discuss self-study in language learning and how it can be a healing experience, especially if you've had traumatic or negative experiences with formal education in the past. Read More

The Importance of Review

In this post, I want to talk about the importance of reviewing the material you've learned in your language learning journey. Review is a crucial aspect of learning that can sometimes be overlooked, especially if you're not used to learning new things or if you haven't studied a language in a while. Read More

2023-09-19
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Pomodoro Technique, Time Blocking

Time Blocking for Productivity

I want to talk about a productivity technique that can help boost your language learning: time blocking. Time blocking is the practice of setting aside a specific chunk of time to focus solely on the task at hand, eliminating all distractions. Read More

Leave It Where You Can See It!

I want to share a little life hack with you to make learning a new language more seamless and enjoyable. It's all about keeping your learning materials easily accessible and integrated into your daily life Read More

2023-09-19
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Online Lessons, Achieving Goals, Accountability

How Accountability Determines Success or Failure

I want to talk about the importance of accountability when it comes to achieving our goals, particularly in language learning. There are generally two types of people: self-starters who can accomplish everything on their own, and those who benefit from having someone or a group to be accountable to. For most people, having a sense of accountability can significantly help with motivation and ultimately achieving their goals. Read More

Your Goals vs. Your Time Left on This Earth

I want to discuss something that might seem a bit morbid to some, but I believe it's essential to address: the concept of life units and how long we have to live. A life unit can be thought of in terms of years, months, or even seconds. Read More

Conscious Rejuvenation for Better Productivity

I'd like to explore the importance of rejuvenation and improving the quality of your downtime. This idea was inspired by internet marketer Eben Pagan, who discussed the concept of consciously planning and engaging in relaxation and rejuvenation. Read More

2023-09-19
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Brain Training, Dementia

Better Brain Training Than Sudoku or Crossword Puzzles?

I'd like to discuss how foreign language instruction can serve as a form of brain training and as an alternative to traditional methods like Sudoku or brain teasers. Engaging in activities that keep your brain active is essential for staving off dementia as we age. Read More

Learn a Foreign Language to Improve Negotiation and Improvisational Skills

I want to discuss the valuable skills of improvisation and thinking on your feet. Many people, whether speaking publicly or engaging in negotiation, such as requesting a raise, need to be able to react and adapt to the conversation. It's like a game of tennis or handball, where you have to respond to the ball skillfully and effectively. Read More

2023-09-19
Mohan Embar
Language Learning, Online Lessons, Social Life, Personal Development

Online Instruction = Your Social + Learning Needs

I want to talk about how online language lessons can play a significant role in your social life and personal development. One of the many reasons I love online language lessons is because they check off several boxes for personal growth, including satisfying social needs. Read More

Language Learning to Combat Social Anxiety

I'd like to discuss social anxiety and how online language lessons can help you overcome it. For those who suffer from severe social anxiety, even participating in online lessons may seem too intimidating. However, if your social anxiety is mild, and with practice, you could learn to manage it, online language instruction can serve as a useful gateway to overcoming some of your fears. Read More

Are You Terrified of Public Speaking?

I want to discuss public speaking, an essential skill that can be quite intimidating for many people. In fact, I once had a boss who told me that a lot of individuals are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying. This statement had a profound impact on me, even though I'm not particularly afraid of public speaking myself. Being able to effectively communicate in front of large audiences or in workplace presentations is an invaluable skill to have. Read More

How Successful People Learn a New Skill

I want to discuss the difference between how people who strive for excellence in everything they do approach learning a new skill for the first time, as opposed to amateurs or hobbyists. Read More

What is YOUR Time / Money Equation?

In our current culture, with the rise of app stores, iTunes, and easily accessible free content, people often go to great lengths to avoid spending money. However, they might not consider the time they spend in their pursuit of free resources. If you try to value your time at a certain dollar amount and compare that to the cost of the resource you're trying to obtain for free or at a reduced price, you might be surprised at how much time you're potentially wasting. Read More

Apps, Streaks, and Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation

I want to talk about streaks in language learning, which are often associated with platforms like Duolingo and Babbel. Many people who use these platforms are highly motivated to preserve their streaks, and there's even the option to buy streak freezes to maintain them. Read More

How Fast Can You Learn a Language?

I'd like to share some insights I gained from a blogging course I've been taking as part of my business development journey. The course instructor shared a valuable lesson that can be applied not only to business growth but also to language learning: People often overestimate what they can accomplish in one year and underestimate what they can achieve in three years. Read More

A Mental Trick I Use for Good Pronunciation

I'd like to emphasize the significance of embracing those unusual and unfamiliar sounds in pronunciation when learning a new language. By conquering the initial awkwardness of producing these sounds, you can significantly improve your ability to be understood and communicate effectively. Read More

The 80/20 Rule in Language Learning

I want to discuss the Pareto Principle, a concept that can significantly impact your language learning journey. If you're not familiar with the Pareto Principle, you can easily find more information by searching for it online. Simply put, it's a principle that states that 80% of the outcome depends on 20% of the causes or effort. Read More

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