Language Resources
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to complete a variety of language learning projects. I’ve documented many of these, but before now, they weren’t easy to locate of follow. Now, you can find all of my documented language learning projects in one place. Learning Mandarin Chinese to Pass the HSK 4 Exam Speak from Day 1 Speak from Day 2 My First Experiences Using...
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Language Resources
Are you thinking about learning Japanese but find yourself struggling to find resources that help you start speaking? When I started out, I certainly did. Many of the tools that I found when I started learning Japanese were grammar-heavy textbook style resources and they didn’t offer me a lot in terms of day-to-day conversation. Rather than learning how to say “what did you do last...
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Language Resources
This month, there is something happening that I’m so excited about. It’s… Women in Language. I’m over the moon about it because: It’s the first time I’ve ever organized a language event and the experience has been amazing. I’ve been able to chat and plan with two of my language besties (Lindsay Williams and Kerstin Cable) the last few months. It showcases more than 25...
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Language Resources
As a musician, I’m used to being in circumstances where I’m the only girl. While there are more and more female musicians entering the ranks, it’s still pretty unusual. In a way, this has become “normal” for me. When I entered the language learning space and many of the well-known figures and speakers were men, it didn’t strike me as unusual. But much like in...
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Language Resources
This past year has been a year of simplifying. Of creating better processes for my studies and my work. And of decluttering my physical and mental spaces. It’s worked quite well for me, but there was one realm I avoided. The digital. Visualizing just how many physical objects you’re dealing with is easy. You can take all of your books off your shelves and pile...
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Language Resources
I know what you’re thinking. Japanese has three – sometimes four – writing systems. Where do you start? As I shared in one of my earlier Clear the List posts, I recently took on what I think will be my last language – Japanese. I wanted to do things differently this time, so I decided to take a conversational approach to the language, meaning I’d focus...
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Language Resources
I’m no stranger to learning new writing systems. And while taking on another system gets easier after you’ve done it once or twice, the practice still needs to happen. There are no shortcuts to learning a language. Even though the work still needs to be done, doesn’t mean that you can’t have a little fun along the way. An important part of taking on a...
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Language Resources
One whole month of Japanese study is now under my belt – I can’t believe it! The good news is that though I’m starting to get into more challenging content, I am still completely in love with the language. On to #clearthelist If you’re new around these parts, #clearthelist is a linkup where we share our monthly goals, and by we, I mean myself, and...
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Language Resources
Writing is one of the most important exercises related to language learning and a very effective way of converting passive vocabulary to active. Other benefits include its ability to polish the learner’s grammar, particularly when you have the opportunity to have your writing corrected. And, as a creative activity, the process can be rather enjoyable. School, again, often gets in the way when it comes...
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Language Resources
Last month, the Language Reading Challenge theme was to read an introduction to your target language. Those who were at an intermediate or advanced level could find an article or chapter in their coursebook that explained something that they were struggling with in particular. Because my focus language, at the moment, is a language that’s new to me, I was able to read an introduction....
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