Posts Tagged ‘learning materials’
May
May
How I’m using my iPad to learn languages
There has been a lot of talk about the iPad since it’s announcement, but it’s been a lot of reaction and uninformed opinion, and very little helpful advice for using the iPad to learn languages
May
May
Listen to the news in a new language
When learning a new language, it is important to consume as much of that language as possible, in order to help your ears and brain adjust to hearing that language spoken. Outside of actual conversations, one of the best ways to do this is by listening to the news.
Oct
Oct
Taking breaks, and the 10-day Mandarin challenge
There’s something nice about taking time away from the task at hand which helps us to get refocused on it once that break is over. Every time I put something out of mind for a short period of time, I find that my effectiveness is improved once I return to it.
I believe that taking…
Oct
Oct
Learning as a lifestyle
Usually, when people want to learn a new language but never do it, it’s because they don’t think they have the time for studying. They think they have to make time to study, to go to classes, to listen to CDs, to use software, to do flashcards and exercises… Eventually the thought of all that…
Nov
Nov
Mandarin, and a review of the Pimsleur Method
Eleven days ago, I decided to take a short break from Italian and learn a little Mandarin from the sample lessons sent to me by a representative at The Pimsleur Method…. Yesterday, I completed those lessons and today I will share my thoughts.
Mandarin
First, I think it’s important to cover some basic information
Nov
Nov
Why I don’t use flashcards (and you shouldn’t either)
I know that this post is going to upset a lot of people, but if you believe in something strongly, you can’t worry about what other people think. So in spite of the fact that SRS is the hottest thing in language learning right now, I’m going tell everyone to stop using it.
Stop using…
Nov
Nov
What happened to LiveMocha?
I haven’t visited LiveMocha since probably last March, when it’s usefulness faded behind my growing Italian vocabulary. But last week I went and played with it and found that it’s completely different… and not in a good way.
I don’t believe that any program, system, web site, book, CD, or software can ever be perfect,…
Feb
Feb
Gear lust
I recently made a comment about photography, referring to a saying I (and many others) have used when people talk about their gear: “nice camera, but now let me see your photos.” This is because people too often get obsessed with their gear and they forget about using it.
For several years, I’ve been a…
Mar
Mar
Can you learn a language in eight days?
It’s March 8th, so I want to wish a happy International Women’s Day to all my female readers today. And this year, it happens to coincide with Fat Tuesday, which means that here in Chicago, we also celebrate Pączki Day. (The Polish actually celebrated this last Thursday.) And speaking of Polish, that brings me to…