www.learnanylanguages.com
You'll find updates, new articles, videos and many more there from now on!
woensdag 18 april 2018
New website: learnanylanguages.com
After a few years writing on this blog, it's time to move on. Time for a real website. So here it is:
www.learnanylanguages.com
You'll find updates, new articles, videos and many more there from now on!
www.learnanylanguages.com
You'll find updates, new articles, videos and many more there from now on!
zaterdag 13 januari 2018
Learn 50 Maltese verbs - with me
Having trouble with the Maltese verbs?
Yes, they seem to be very complicated. For learners that have no knowledge of Arabic languages, Maltese verbs can be very tricky to learn. But here's the good news: there's a new free course in which 50 Maltese verbs are explained.
In each video, 1 verb is fully explained as well as the logic behind the conjugation. So by the end of the course, you'll be able to:
Yes, they seem to be very complicated. For learners that have no knowledge of Arabic languages, Maltese verbs can be very tricky to learn. But here's the good news: there's a new free course in which 50 Maltese verbs are explained.
In each video, 1 verb is fully explained as well as the logic behind the conjugation. So by the end of the course, you'll be able to:
- conjugate 50 Maltese verbs
- use the present
- use the past and the past perfect
- use the future
- use the present and past continuous
- know some typical Maltese expressions
The course includes the verbs to be and to have. So here are the links:
Happy learning.
zaterdag 16 december 2017
Learn languages with movies - fun!
Have you ever learnt languages by watching movies? It's a great tool to learn new words and new expressions in the language you're learning. However, there are some do's and don'ts.
First of all, the genre of the film should be suited to your language level. Action movies and animated movies are best for beginners, because those use simple words and sentences. Especially if they're movies for kids. More advanced students are better served with the many puns and expressions of comedies.
Second, prepare well by printing the script. Check which words are used most, and learn those you don't know yet. You can find the most-used words also by using Wordle or WordCounter.
Third, never watch dubbed movies. This may be obvious, but what's the point of watching a movie if not even the language is the language you're learning?
Fourth, avoid watching with subtitles in your language. You'll be more concentrated on reading your own language instead of learning new words.
Fifth, put subtitles in the language you're learning. These are mostly used by deaf persons, but you can enjoy them too.
Sixth, find movies in the language you're learning on IMDb. Go for the search option and select the language you're learning under the option 'languages'.
More tips in my book and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
First of all, the genre of the film should be suited to your language level. Action movies and animated movies are best for beginners, because those use simple words and sentences. Especially if they're movies for kids. More advanced students are better served with the many puns and expressions of comedies.
Second, prepare well by printing the script. Check which words are used most, and learn those you don't know yet. You can find the most-used words also by using Wordle or WordCounter.
Third, never watch dubbed movies. This may be obvious, but what's the point of watching a movie if not even the language is the language you're learning?
Fourth, avoid watching with subtitles in your language. You'll be more concentrated on reading your own language instead of learning new words.
Fifth, put subtitles in the language you're learning. These are mostly used by deaf persons, but you can enjoy them too.
Sixth, find movies in the language you're learning on IMDb. Go for the search option and select the language you're learning under the option 'languages'.
More tips in my book and don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!
The 3 main tenses in Dutch
Let's see the basic rules for the 3 main Dutch tenses: the present, past and future tenses.
The present:
Most infinitives end with -en, like werken. This is the plural. For the singular, remove the -en and add a -t for second and third person.
Ik werk (I work)
Jij werkt (you work)
Hij / Zij werkt (he/she works)
Wij werken (we work)
Jullie werken (you work)
Zij werken (they work)
The future:
Use the verb gaan (to go) in front of the infinitive.
Ik ga werken.
Jij gaat werken.
Hij / Zij gaat werken.
Wij gaan werken.
Jullie gaan werken.
Zij gaan werken.
The past:
Use the verb to have (hebben) in front of the past participle (ge - t/d). In some cases, verbs will use to be (zijn) instead of to have.
Ik heb gewerkt.
Jij hebt gewerkt.
Hij / Zij heeft gewerkt.
Wij hebben gewerkt.
Jullie hebben gewerkt.
Zij hebben gewerkt.
Want to learn more? Here's an excellent start...
The present:
Most infinitives end with -en, like werken. This is the plural. For the singular, remove the -en and add a -t for second and third person.
Ik werk (I work)
Jij werkt (you work)
Hij / Zij werkt (he/she works)
Wij werken (we work)
Jullie werken (you work)
Zij werken (they work)
The future:
Use the verb gaan (to go) in front of the infinitive.
Ik ga werken.
Jij gaat werken.
Hij / Zij gaat werken.
Wij gaan werken.
Jullie gaan werken.
Zij gaan werken.
The past:
Use the verb to have (hebben) in front of the past participle (ge - t/d). In some cases, verbs will use to be (zijn) instead of to have.
Ik heb gewerkt.
Jij hebt gewerkt.
Hij / Zij heeft gewerkt.
Wij hebben gewerkt.
Jullie hebben gewerkt.
Zij hebben gewerkt.
Want to learn more? Here's an excellent start...
zondag 3 september 2017
Find the right language teacher online
How do you find a perfect language teacher online? The easiest way is to find native teachers on online platforms like Verbalplanet, Live Lingua or iTalki. These websites ensure the quality and the quantity of the teachers. So select the language you're learning and find the appropriate teacher - at native level.
Before starting lesson number one, prepare. Let your teacher know what you want to learn. If you're starting from 0, make sure to look up some words for presenting yourself. If you're more advanced, check which difficulties you have. Or bring a situation you're likely to encounter in the near future. For example, greeting customers over the phone.
Also ask yourself how you learn best. Some don't need to see a word written to remember it. Others like detailed grammar rules. Make sure to let your teacher know in advance, so he/she'll be prepared to type all the words, or explain all the rules.
First lesson? Your teacher is probably as nervous as yourself, so it's normal. Remember to only schedule one lesson. You can decide afterwards whether to take another lesson. You may like the style and the pace - if you don't, just don't schedule a new lesson. Every teacher has a particular style, and some may suit you and others may not suit you.
When you're ready, ask your teacher to only talk in the language you're learning. You'll learn faster and more effectively. Some teachers do that from the first lesson on.
At the end of the lesson, ask for homework. So you can practice what you've learnt in between lessons.
Oh yes - a last tip: get $10 lesson(s) for free on iTalki. You're welcome. I'll get $10 too if you book a class.
Before starting lesson number one, prepare. Let your teacher know what you want to learn. If you're starting from 0, make sure to look up some words for presenting yourself. If you're more advanced, check which difficulties you have. Or bring a situation you're likely to encounter in the near future. For example, greeting customers over the phone.
Also ask yourself how you learn best. Some don't need to see a word written to remember it. Others like detailed grammar rules. Make sure to let your teacher know in advance, so he/she'll be prepared to type all the words, or explain all the rules.
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| Ready to learn languages online? (c) |
When you're ready, ask your teacher to only talk in the language you're learning. You'll learn faster and more effectively. Some teachers do that from the first lesson on.
At the end of the lesson, ask for homework. So you can practice what you've learnt in between lessons.
Oh yes - a last tip: get $10 lesson(s) for free on iTalki. You're welcome. I'll get $10 too if you book a class.
zondag 18 juni 2017
Dutch lesson: where to place subject and verbs (inversion)
When do we place subjects and verbs in Dutch? For English and German natives, it's quite straightforward as more or less the same rules apply as in English and German. However, others might struggle with the verbs' placement.
The most common structure of a sentence is:
The most common structure of a sentence is:
- Subject-verb-others
- Ik ben Pieter. (= I am Pieter)
With the verb in second place - as it is the case in most cases. However, in questions, the verb and subject switch positions:
- Ben ik Pieter? (Am I Pieter?)
An interrogative pronoun (who, where, when...) can be placed in front:
- Wie ben ik? (who am I?)
The subject will always be just next to the main verb, before or after. Sometimes, a complement (time, place...) will be first.
- Nu ben ik Pieter. (Now I am Pieter)
- In het huis ben ik Pieter. (In the house, I am Pieter)
Video: the explanation completely in Dutch!
If one wants to stress the object or indirect object, one can put it in front too.
- Die cola drink ik. (That coke I'm drinking)
- Met hem spreek ik af. (With him I meet)
Subsentences are a special case: these start with the subject and end with the verb(s).
- Ik drink die cola, omdat die smaak mij meer energie geeft. (I drink that coke, because that taste gives me more energy)
- Ik denk dat hij 's avonds cola drinkt. (I think he drinks coke in the evening)
If it's a that/who sentence about a word, there can be no subject (since the word is the subject), but the verb is at the end.
- Ik ben de man die nu drinkt. (I know the man that is drinking now)
Exercises (translate, use inversion where you can):
- Who is that man?
- He is here.
- I come after the break.
- I drink water because it's good now.
- I drink the water the man drinks in the evening.
- I drink water coming from the shop.
Solutions:
- Wie is die man?
- Hier is hij.
- Na de pauze kom ik.
- Ik drink water omdat het nu goed is.
- Ik drink het water dat de man 's avonds drinkt.
- Ik drink water dat van de winkel komt.
maandag 5 juni 2017
Learn your language with flashcards - tips
Ever heard of flashcards? They're little cards, with two sides. So how can you learn languages with them? Usually, there's a word on the one side, and the translation on the other side. Put them in a bag together, and you can take them out, one by one. Then, translate all the words. You can do it over and over again. Those you know, remove them from your bag.
Flashcards are a great way to learn those parts that are more challenging. If you have difficulties learning body parts, just make flashcards of the body parts. You can do them with drawings. Or with pictures. That's even better, so your mind stays in the language you're learning. And you might even remember the words you're learning by making the flashcards.
Make sure to put the articles and the plural if it's important in the language you're learning. Also use them for conjugations and expressions.
Many flashcards are available for sale. However, it's best to make them yourself. Only you know which words are important to you. And which conjugations and expressions you might use. Moreover, you can get inspired by other people's work. Check the 100 most used words to start with.
Use the websites that provide flashcards for free. Cram.com is one example. One of its advantages is that you can play the sound of the most spoken languages. So you can check the pronunciation as well.
Flashcards are a great way to learn those parts that are more challenging. If you have difficulties learning body parts, just make flashcards of the body parts. You can do them with drawings. Or with pictures. That's even better, so your mind stays in the language you're learning. And you might even remember the words you're learning by making the flashcards.
Make sure to put the articles and the plural if it's important in the language you're learning. Also use them for conjugations and expressions.
Many flashcards are available for sale. However, it's best to make them yourself. Only you know which words are important to you. And which conjugations and expressions you might use. Moreover, you can get inspired by other people's work. Check the 100 most used words to start with.
Use the websites that provide flashcards for free. Cram.com is one example. One of its advantages is that you can play the sound of the most spoken languages. So you can check the pronunciation as well.
10 funny Dutch expressions
Expressions are a great way to learn new languages. First of all, there's the new vocabulary. Second, you'll learn about the way sentences are structured. And third, you can surprise natives with you knowledge. So let's see 10 funny expressions in Dutch.
Iemand in het ootje nemen.
Literally, that's 'to take someone in the little o'. Which of course is a very silly thing to say in English. However, in Dutch it means to fool someone.
Het hek is van de dam.
Meaning the gate is from the dam. Well, that's silly again. But in Dutch it means there's a situation where everyone does what he or she wants. Chaos.
De ochtendstond heeft goud in de mond.
The morning has gold in its mouth. Why? Well, if you work a lot in the morning, while others are sleeping, you will get rich. So wake up early to become a millionaire!
Een ezel stoot zich geen twee keer aan dezelfde steen.
A donkey doesn't hit his head twice on the same stone. Means that you shouldn't make the same mistake twice.
De mosterd halen bij.
That's to get the mustard with someone or something. Meaning you're getting your inspiration from somewhere else, which is not specified here. It still has to be added after 'bij'.
Iemand bij de kraag vatten.
To catch someone with the collar. It means to apprehend someone.
Een oogje dichtknijpen.
Literally, that's to close one little eye. Meaning you'll allow someone to do something he or she shouldn't do.
Uit de doeken doen.
To do something from the clothes. That's an expression just to say to explain.
Tegen de lamp lopen.
To run against the lamp. That's when you get apprehended, when you're caught doing something you shouldn't.
Twee handen op één buik.
Two hands on one belly. When two persons really get along, you can say it.
Learn more Dutch with this 3.5 hours course.
Iemand in het ootje nemen.
Literally, that's 'to take someone in the little o'. Which of course is a very silly thing to say in English. However, in Dutch it means to fool someone.
Het hek is van de dam.
Meaning the gate is from the dam. Well, that's silly again. But in Dutch it means there's a situation where everyone does what he or she wants. Chaos.
De ochtendstond heeft goud in de mond.
The morning has gold in its mouth. Why? Well, if you work a lot in the morning, while others are sleeping, you will get rich. So wake up early to become a millionaire!
Een ezel stoot zich geen twee keer aan dezelfde steen.
A donkey doesn't hit his head twice on the same stone. Means that you shouldn't make the same mistake twice.
De mosterd halen bij.
That's to get the mustard with someone or something. Meaning you're getting your inspiration from somewhere else, which is not specified here. It still has to be added after 'bij'.
Iemand bij de kraag vatten.
To catch someone with the collar. It means to apprehend someone.
Een oogje dichtknijpen.
Literally, that's to close one little eye. Meaning you'll allow someone to do something he or she shouldn't do.
Uit de doeken doen.
To do something from the clothes. That's an expression just to say to explain.
Tegen de lamp lopen.
To run against the lamp. That's when you get apprehended, when you're caught doing something you shouldn't.
Twee handen op één buik.
Two hands on one belly. When two persons really get along, you can say it.
Learn more Dutch with this 3.5 hours course.
zondag 18 december 2016
Language learning tip - for any language!
One of the problems language learners often face, is a lack of motivation. Especially when they have reached, through a lot of hard work, a basic level of their target language. This is one of the usual effects of going to language classes: you learn a lot about a language, but you don't speak it.
Whenever you're confronted with someone who speaks your target language, you have two options. If you go for the courageous way, you try in your target language. But what do you do when the person replies in your original language? Well, the answer is in the video below...
dinsdag 27 september 2016
Free Dutch course online!
Interested in learning the Dutch language? Here's you way to do it for free.
In over 40 lectures, you'll learn the basic grammar and over 300 Dutch words!
Start with the introduction to the course, so you can start learning Dutch in 7 different sections:
Enjoy the course and let me know what you liked and liked less!
In over 40 lectures, you'll learn the basic grammar and over 300 Dutch words!
Start with the introduction to the course, so you can start learning Dutch in 7 different sections:
- Section 1: how to introduce yourself
- Section 2: how to talk about jobs, countries and names
- Section 3: the Dutch verbs
- Section 4: the possessive, the family and the negative
- Section 5: how to ask questions, how to use diminutive and when to write capitals
- Section 6: the numbers and pronouns
- Section 7: bonus lectures and extra resources
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| Try my 50-pages book! |
Here's the full description of the course:
Learn Dutch - this is the place to start learning Flemish online!
This is your opportunity! In this course, we start from zero. Indeed, zero. No previous knowledge needed. No expensive study books. We build on our way to learn Dutch, step by step. Learn at your own pace to translate Dutch, you can review the videos and redo the exercises any time, as much as you want! Learn Dutch online!
This is your opportunity! In this course, we start from zero. Indeed, zero. No previous knowledge needed. No expensive study books. We build on our way to learn Dutch, step by step. Learn at your own pace to translate Dutch, you can review the videos and redo the exercises any time, as much as you want! Learn Dutch online!
What can you expect?
Learning Dutch is difficult. Yes. So no unnecessary, 10-minute long Dutch grammar lessons with all the rules. Only what you need to know. Tips where you can find more Dutch language. Over 300 Dutch words to use in your everyday life. An interactive quiz at the end of each section, also about the Dutch vocabulary. Culture to understand Dutch better.
For who is this course?
You don't understand Dutch, or barely. And you want to know how to speak Dutch. And it's taught for you. Ready to start?
Learning Dutch is difficult. Yes. So no unnecessary, 10-minute long Dutch grammar lessons with all the rules. Only what you need to know. Tips where you can find more Dutch language. Over 300 Dutch words to use in your everyday life. An interactive quiz at the end of each section, also about the Dutch vocabulary. Culture to understand Dutch better.
For who is this course?
You don't understand Dutch, or barely. And you want to know how to speak Dutch. And it's taught for you. Ready to start?
The level is Dutch A1 to Dutch A2.
zaterdag 30 juli 2016
Free language courses - links
Interested in some free language courses? Udemy has everything you want! Check those ones out, they're all for free! Also check Coursera, Alison and Futurelearn for other courses.
German: alphabet and the most-used verbs courses.
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| That's 'Hi' in many languages © |
Japanese: for beginners, understanding courses.
Brazilian Portuguese: for advanced students, beginners, vocabulary and expressions and another beginners courses.
Hebrew: crash course and alphabet courses.
dinsdag 19 juli 2016
Flirting and compliments - a great way to learn languages!
Dating is one of the best ways to learn a language. You're motivated. Every day. Every text message. Every phone call. You'll do anything to prove your counterpart you're learning his/her language for him/her. How great.
To help you in your dating life, I've made online videos in German, French and Dutch to find your loved one. Sure it will help you, whether you're flirting or in a relationship. Isn't it great if your loved one would give you pet names in your language? Or saying someone has beautiful eyes?
On the other hand, knowing how to give compliments in the language you're learning will help you in many other ways. You'll be more respected, you'll make more native friends and you'll have more to talk about. It's the total opposite of swearing (well, even some can appreciate that). Being nice is not a crime, believe it or not.
However, don't start over-complimenting people. Only give genuine, sincere compliments.
My video about Dutch compliments and flirting:
My video about German compliments and flirting:
My video about French compliments and flirting:
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| Show you care - give a compliment in his/her language! © |
On the other hand, knowing how to give compliments in the language you're learning will help you in many other ways. You'll be more respected, you'll make more native friends and you'll have more to talk about. It's the total opposite of swearing (well, even some can appreciate that). Being nice is not a crime, believe it or not.
However, don't start over-complimenting people. Only give genuine, sincere compliments.
My video about Dutch compliments and flirting:
My video about German compliments and flirting:
My video about French compliments and flirting:
donderdag 7 juli 2016
Learn languages with YouTube
Have you ever thought of YouTube as a way to learn languages? Sure, there are many more videos on the platform. But here are a few tricks to get the most out of YouTube's language resources.
First. There are many language channels, mostly on one language (mine is on more than one). Just type in 'learn Spanish' if you're learning Spanish in YouTube's search function. Check the names of the channels. Click and subscribe on those that contain the words Spanish. Also view some videos, and see if it's still being updated.
Second. Remember that YouTube isn't a good place to teach anything. Making money isn't easy on YouTube. That's why better teachers stay away from it, or use it as a way to get clients to their websites. On their website, you can buy their products.
Third. Search for single topics. If you're struggling with the Greek alphabet, search for 'Greek alphabet'. You will find many videos. Don't expect that there are well-structured quality courses on YouTube, especially not for smaller languages.
Fourth. Thought of language learning tips? YouTube is full of videos (this one is good) with ways you haven't thought of learning languages.
Fifth. If you're advanced in a language, why not change the language settings of YouTube? It's just two clicks away, on the bottom left.
Sixth. Into academics? There are many academic language lessons on YouTube about how people are learning languages. Take the title of one I uploaded: Language lecture: authenticity and legitimacy in Multilingual second language acquisition (SLA). Good luck with that one!
Get your free copy of my book for more language learning tips!
First. There are many language channels, mostly on one language (mine is on more than one). Just type in 'learn Spanish' if you're learning Spanish in YouTube's search function. Check the names of the channels. Click and subscribe on those that contain the words Spanish. Also view some videos, and see if it's still being updated.
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| YouTube teaches languages! © |
Third. Search for single topics. If you're struggling with the Greek alphabet, search for 'Greek alphabet'. You will find many videos. Don't expect that there are well-structured quality courses on YouTube, especially not for smaller languages.
Fourth. Thought of language learning tips? YouTube is full of videos (this one is good) with ways you haven't thought of learning languages.
Fifth. If you're advanced in a language, why not change the language settings of YouTube? It's just two clicks away, on the bottom left.
Sixth. Into academics? There are many academic language lessons on YouTube about how people are learning languages. Take the title of one I uploaded: Language lecture: authenticity and legitimacy in Multilingual second language acquisition (SLA). Good luck with that one!
Get your free copy of my book for more language learning tips!
Online publishing: beware of publishers!
Thinking about writing a book yourself? While publishing my previous book on learning languages, I looked on the internet for a book publisher. Beware. Many online book publishers try to make money out of unsuspecting first publishers.
Let me tell you how I published my last book. I wrote the content myself, proofread it after printing, lay-outed in Word, made a cover image using copyright-free pictures and free editing service Gimp and uploaded it all on Amazon. I didn't pay a single cent to publish my book.
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| Research your publisher before you publish! © |
However, there are many online services that promise they will do it all for you. In addition to the usual services like artwork and proofreading, they will write press releases, produce videos, arrange public appearances... The more you get, the more they'll charge.
Read some testimonies about the publisher you want to go with. An easy search on Google might also help. There is also an organisation that protects writers against scams, so you can ask them too.
And myself? I almost went with a publishing service - offering everything for free - and did a last Google check which landed me to this page. That's how I discovered it was just an ordinary scam. The website gave me many tips, so read them too.
Maltese grammar book: learn Malta's language easily!
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| My new book! |
Understanding the Maltese verbs can take years. The conjugation of the verbs are based on Arabic, which makes it very difficult to understand. The book covers easy tricks to see how tenses really function in Maltese, without going into too much detail.
Also covered: pronunciation. Same approach here: only the difficult and essential letters are explained with clear examples. It goes as well for nouns, the article, adjectives, adverbs and the particularly difficult prepositions and attached pronouns.
Prepositions, like 'with' or 'in', are very complex in Maltese. They are added to the article. Imagine reading 'withthe-man' (mar-raġel in Maltese). That's how it is. With pronouns, it's 'withhim' (miegħu). And we haven't talked yet how Maltese letters change in the process.
Other topics like numbers and counting are covered as well. There are two bonus sections: Maltese cities' names explained and further resources to study more Maltese.
Don't forget to try my free Maltese course and here's the complete course.
donderdag 30 juni 2016
New German language course for English speakers - learn German for free!
The German language is crucial for doing business in Europe. About 95 million speak the language as a native tongue. When Germany played in the 2016 European Football championship, McDonalds advertised with 'Ich liebe es' instead of I'm loving it. So why not give it a try and do my new, free online course?
The German language is very close to the English language, so it's relatively easy for English speakers to learn it. Mann means man. Haus means house. Kommen means to come. The general structure of the sentences is also very similar to English.
However, the German grammar can be very challenging sometimes. English doesn't have cases, its verbs have only two conjugations for its pronouns, and the genders are not as important as in German.
That is why it is important to practice while learning. If you're in Germany, it's easy. There's German all around. If not, look on Facebook if there's a German expat community around your town. Connect to the German embassy, or the Austrian one. See if they have any events or know any organisations or teachers.
Practice can't be overestimated. Speaking, and writing, are essential to learn German. It takes the learners outside of the study books, ridden with rules. If one focuses too much on the rules, one will fear to make mistakes while speaking. So speak!
Try my free German online course.
More free language tips here.
The German language is very close to the English language, so it's relatively easy for English speakers to learn it. Mann means man. Haus means house. Kommen means to come. The general structure of the sentences is also very similar to English.
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| Do you speak German? © |
That is why it is important to practice while learning. If you're in Germany, it's easy. There's German all around. If not, look on Facebook if there's a German expat community around your town. Connect to the German embassy, or the Austrian one. See if they have any events or know any organisations or teachers.
Practice can't be overestimated. Speaking, and writing, are essential to learn German. It takes the learners outside of the study books, ridden with rules. If one focuses too much on the rules, one will fear to make mistakes while speaking. So speak!
Try my free German online course.
More free language tips here.
zondag 12 juni 2016
Learn languages with Udemy - a good idea?
Learning languages online is a challenge, as there's almost no social pressure to attend classes and to ask for your groceries in the language you're learning. That's one of the reasons why many learners prefer to learn languages online.
One of the platforms offering courses is Udemy. That's where I also teach courses. There are many other language courses though, ranging from Chinese to German via Arabic. Let's put some pro's and con's of learning with Udemy next to each other.
Pro: it's cheap. Maximum price is 50$ and there are many free courses available. It's easy. You can learn anytime, anywhere. You can also review any of the lessons anytime, without having to pay. There are different levels, from beginners to experts. You can ask questions to your teacher. There are certificates.
Con: no face-to-face contact with your teacher. Some students pay but never start the course. Not all teachers reply to questions (I do!). There are not many options for 'smaller' languages. And, the quiz system is not made for language courses.
Despite these caveats, I still think it's a valuable way to learn a language. Especially if you need to repeat more often than other students. Or if you find a course that really suits your needs.
Some best practices: always check if there are free previews available. Most teachers give some of their content away so students know what to expect. Also, see how many and which ratings the courses have. Udemy strictly checks if those are fraudulous, so you can trust these ratings are right. 52 reviews and a 4.7 rating on a course is better than 2 5-star ratings.
Finally, buying a course is more like a stepping stone: it's the beginning. Many teachers include links to more materials, so use those links!
And don't forget to get 100+ language tips in my free ebook!
One of the platforms offering courses is Udemy. That's where I also teach courses. There are many other language courses though, ranging from Chinese to German via Arabic. Let's put some pro's and con's of learning with Udemy next to each other.
Pro: it's cheap. Maximum price is 50$ and there are many free courses available. It's easy. You can learn anytime, anywhere. You can also review any of the lessons anytime, without having to pay. There are different levels, from beginners to experts. You can ask questions to your teacher. There are certificates.
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| Learn languages online with Udemy © |
Con: no face-to-face contact with your teacher. Some students pay but never start the course. Not all teachers reply to questions (I do!). There are not many options for 'smaller' languages. And, the quiz system is not made for language courses.
Despite these caveats, I still think it's a valuable way to learn a language. Especially if you need to repeat more often than other students. Or if you find a course that really suits your needs.
Some best practices: always check if there are free previews available. Most teachers give some of their content away so students know what to expect. Also, see how many and which ratings the courses have. Udemy strictly checks if those are fraudulous, so you can trust these ratings are right. 52 reviews and a 4.7 rating on a course is better than 2 5-star ratings.
Finally, buying a course is more like a stepping stone: it's the beginning. Many teachers include links to more materials, so use those links!
And don't forget to get 100+ language tips in my free ebook!
zondag 5 juni 2016
Facebook helps you learn languages - secret way
Facebook can help you learning languages. The easiest way is to subscribe to language learning groups and like the related pages. There are thousands of them. The trick here is to find those groups and pages which are at the level of the language you're learning. Automatically, the posts will appear on your main page.
Are you an advanced student? Find the groups and pages that interest you in the language you're learning. Say, you're learning Spanish. Interested in news? Subscribe to El Pais. Like to cook vegetarian? Like the page 'Recetas Veganas & Vegetarianas'.
But here's the secret: if you're really into learning a language, just switch your Facebook language to the language you're learning. You can do so by clicking on the icon on the right above.
Than, click on settings and then languages.
You can choose to show Facebook in another language, and even translate the news on your feed into another language.
Don't forget you can do the same for your smartphone, your laptop and many other electronic devices!
Happy learning! Find more language learning tips in my free ebook!
Note: pictures' copyright: Facebook
Are you an advanced student? Find the groups and pages that interest you in the language you're learning. Say, you're learning Spanish. Interested in news? Subscribe to El Pais. Like to cook vegetarian? Like the page 'Recetas Veganas & Vegetarianas'.
But here's the secret: if you're really into learning a language, just switch your Facebook language to the language you're learning. You can do so by clicking on the icon on the right above.
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| step 1 |
Than, click on settings and then languages.
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| step 2 |
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| step 3 |
You can choose to show Facebook in another language, and even translate the news on your feed into another language.
Don't forget you can do the same for your smartphone, your laptop and many other electronic devices!
Happy learning! Find more language learning tips in my free ebook!
Note: pictures' copyright: Facebook
dinsdag 31 mei 2016
Language learning with internships and volunteering
Think to combine language lessons with an internship or volunteering? Great idea! To be a volunteer or to do an internship changes your life. And learning a language is good for too many things to name here.
However, beware of internships for profit. Some very intelligent businessmen sell internships and voluntary work at very high prices. Want to intern in China for a month? Language classes, transport and accommodation included? The bill is $5000 (4500 euro), without flights. Volunteering a week in South America, same conditions? Please pay $900 (800 euro). Well you have to pay extra for the language classes though.
So before you book any programme: check the cheaper alternatives. A good indication is the quality of the website: the better looking, the more money they put into marketing. And the more money they want to make from you. One tip: Go Overseas compares programmes in a more or less decent way. And here are my favourite ways or tips:
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) has non-EU destinations as well. It takes some time to figure things out, but what you need is a local ngo and an ngo abroad where you can volunteer. Usually, you'll get accommodation for free, some pocket money and free language classes. Flights are also paid. One thing though: you have to be between 18 and 30 years old.
Youth organisation AIESEC has 100 000 members in over 130 countries. You can even find paid internships all over the world in the sector of your choice. It focused mainly on youngsters studying economics or business, but there are many other options. However, language classes are not guaranteed.
Did you think of doing an internship at one of your embassies? You'll have to figure a lot of things out yourself, like accommodation and transport. One advantage: usually embassies don't charge any fees for their interns.
How about contacting an ngo yourself, directly? Search for a list of ngo's in the country of your choice on the internet and ask if you can work there for a few weeks. They might even teach you their language for free.
And many international organisations have some kind of language classes for their interns. A number of them even pay their interns.
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| Volunteering makes you happy! © |
So before you book any programme: check the cheaper alternatives. A good indication is the quality of the website: the better looking, the more money they put into marketing. And the more money they want to make from you. One tip: Go Overseas compares programmes in a more or less decent way. And here are my favourite ways or tips:
The European Voluntary Service (EVS) has non-EU destinations as well. It takes some time to figure things out, but what you need is a local ngo and an ngo abroad where you can volunteer. Usually, you'll get accommodation for free, some pocket money and free language classes. Flights are also paid. One thing though: you have to be between 18 and 30 years old.
Youth organisation AIESEC has 100 000 members in over 130 countries. You can even find paid internships all over the world in the sector of your choice. It focused mainly on youngsters studying economics or business, but there are many other options. However, language classes are not guaranteed.
Did you think of doing an internship at one of your embassies? You'll have to figure a lot of things out yourself, like accommodation and transport. One advantage: usually embassies don't charge any fees for their interns.
How about contacting an ngo yourself, directly? Search for a list of ngo's in the country of your choice on the internet and ask if you can work there for a few weeks. They might even teach you their language for free.
And many international organisations have some kind of language classes for their interns. A number of them even pay their interns.
donderdag 19 mei 2016
Learn the Maltese language: the present continuous
Let's attack the present continuous in Maltese, after the past, the present and the future! For this tense, you'll need to be able to form the present tense as well. So when you're done with that, let's look into the present continuous!
The easiest way to form the present continuous is to put 'qed' (remember the q is barely pronounced!) in front of the verb in the present tense. So for 'to work' that is:
Here's my free Maltese course, my paid course and some extra resources to further learn Maltese. And check my book on the left.
The easiest way to form the present continuous is to put 'qed' (remember the q is barely pronounced!) in front of the verb in the present tense. So for 'to work' that is:
- qed naħdem (I am working)
- qed taħdem (you are working)
- qed jaħdem (he is working)
- qed taħdem (she is working)
- qed naħdmu (we are working)
- qed taħdmu (you are working)
- qed jaħdmu (they are working)
That's easy! Now, don't get excited too quickly! There's exceptions. If the subject of the verb (like I, you,...) is in the singular male, you can also say or write qiegħed (pronounce ie-ed). And if it's in the single female, it's qiegħda (some people pronounce it e-da). In the plural, it's qegħdin. So alternatively, you can use:
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| Here's a motivational picture! © |
- qiegħed/qiegħda naħdem (I am working)
- qiegħed/qiegħda taħdem (you are working)
- qiegħed jaħdem (he is working, mind it's he only)
- qiegħda taħdem (she is working, mind it's she only)
- qegħdin naħdmu (we are working)
- qegħdin taħdmu (you are working)
- qegħdin jaħdmu (they are working)
I advise you to use the first one, which is much easier. However, keep in mind that other persons might use the second conjugation.
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| More grammar in my book! |
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